The Mercedes-Benz AMG range is ever increasing in popularity, and the latest models are truly coming into the light.
Personally, I've been an AMG-lover since the W210 E55 AMG, which was first introduced in 2000; this was the second AMG to be introduced to the US after the C36/C43 W202 AMG car series, which are very very rare today. The W210 E55 AMG was a unique car, it featured a normal Mercedes engine that had been bored to 5.5 liters, special AMG brakes and suspension, an AMG styling kit, AMG wheels, AMG instruments, and an AMG interior. This car was released in the United States in 2000 and was probably the first initial threat to the benchmark BMW M5, that had reigned this segment for many years.
Today, starting the the recently released C63 AMG, AMG cars will now be built entirely from the ground up. Previous AMG versions benefitted from modified components that were unique to AMG cars; however, starting with all new models introduced after 2008, all AMG cars will be pure concepts in their own right. The new C63 and E63 AMG features a chassis that is actually different than the other E-Class chassis! In the past, the AMG models had simply used the existing chassis and added sportier components to the vehicles. Today, the entire car is redeveloped, truly a no-compromise approach. The front suspension of the E63 AMG is completely different than the E550, along with the steering rack, and other components.
Furthermore, the new 63 engine is also a first in AMG history; this is the first time a production AMG engine has been built from the ground up. In the past, all AMG engines were standard Mercedes-Benz engine blocks that had been bored and drilled to increase displacement and fitted with lighter camshafts, valves, and reprogrammed to deliver enhanced performance. The new 6.2 liter 63 engine was completely designed in-house by the AMG body. This further puts AMG on par with BMW's M-division, which had been developing their own engines for some time already.
The Drive
The car has an impressive array of controls on the center console. In addition to standard transmission controls, there are throttle controls, suspension controls, and transmission programming. I personally drove the car with the transmission programmed in the "Sport Sharp" mode and the suspension in softest and firmest settings. I truly appreciate cars that can have the suspension adjusted independently of the transmission and throttle adjustments. Many cars simply offer a "sport mode" where everything goes into a sport mode; this can be undesirable on rutted roads where you still want the sporty transmission and throttle behavior, but not the sporty firmer suspension behavior. Finally, do note all test-driving was done in a safe manner with a gentleman with racing experience sitting in the front passenger seat.
Upon entry to the car, I found a comfortable seating position that suited my short frame. This is extremely important because one cannot drive in a safe manner if one is not comfortable. After a brief overview of the controls, I drove off.
Immediately, one could tell, this was a special car with approximately 518 horsepower and 465 ft/lb of torque coming from a naturally aspirated 6.2 power plant. But somehow, it felt more than that, and the power felt more direct, the automatic transmission seemed to have a very quick lock-up factor. My puzzled look prompted my copilot to inform me about the new transmission. The new AMG 7-Speed transmission is still a traditional automatic transmission in every respect except of the deletion of a traditional propeller, impeller, fluid-filled torque converter. Instead, it features a torque converter that has several plate clutches (as opposed to the traditional propeller and impeller turbines), when the engine speed exceeds a certain RPM, the plate clutches engage and lock-up relatively quickly, providing the driver with the performance of almost that of a manual transmission with traditional clutch. This is a relatively new technology that only recently debuted in the SL63 AMG Mercedes-Benz which was only available a year ago.
Although the road wasn't exceptionally curvy, I could tell that the car had an extremely well-sorted chassis that responded well; compared to the previous model E63 AMG, I noticed a big difference in the precision of the steering in the new model. The new steering is vastly improved as the feedback has become more precise and the weight better tuned; the previous model had a relatively light steering that firmed up artificially as speed increased. Road-holding grip is exceptional thanks to extra wide staggered tires and a well-sorted suspension that is extremely comfortable even in the firmest setting.
The car features what appeared to be Brembo six piston fixed caliper front brakes that were superb. Although road traffic did not allow me to test for fade, the brake pedal felt reassuring, linear, precise, and easy to modulate. One change I would make would be to reduce the brake pedal travel to further simulate a sports car experience. Another important feature is the stability of the car under heavy braking; any driver can literally release the steering wheel and slam on the brakes without fear of the car pulling to the left or right. The system even compensates for varying road conditions to a certain degree. Finally, aesthetically, the brake discs look tremendous with their beautiful slotted and perforated hole design; the caliper looks especially impressive since it seems to cover a vast percentage of the brake disc area.
All this combined into a practical package made this vehicle a truly great vehicle. The largest improvements to the vehicle can be made in the choice of interior materials. Again, Mercedes-Benz has gone to using an odd-textured material that has the feeling of a pencil eraser. BMW's M5 definitely has the upper-hand in terms of interior accouterments since the car is available with a leather-wrapped dashboard and full leather interior, the M5 interior still beats the E63 interior because it overall uses only high-quality and high-value materials.
The E-Class AMG car has definitely evolved from a very good performing car to a truly great performing car. Fix up the interior and it'll soon become a truly great car in every respect. Should you be planning to acquire one, consider the "Dynamic Seat" option, it features a seat that holds you in place while cornering by inflating the seat's side bolsters to keep you from sliding in your seat. This has been available on Mercedes-Benz and BMW cars for some time, and is likely worth the extra expense.
Do note, the photographed car is a March 2009 production car. This car was driven in August 2009. The final production car may be slightly different than the rendered photos.
The Unassuming Beast
The light strip has LEDs
Rear Brakes - probably 4 piston fixed Brembos
Front Brakes - looks to be 6 piston fixed Brembos (I didn't damage the wheel)
Posterior
Double trapezoidal Tailpipes - I forgot to mention in my review; the sound of this car is very "American" with a very loud sound. Has a sound that is in some ways similar to an American V8 engine. Very low frequency, very loud, and very high-profile.
Genuine Carbon Fiber Trim, will probably be an optional extra
Fiber Optic lighting strip
Controls and more controls. Lots of control.
The seat features a thick but small grained leather. Notice the following; paddle shifter (on the steering wheel) which are made of magnesium (and get hot in the summertime), alcantara steering wheel, and dynamic seat controls near the seat belt release.
Yikes! Lots of glare! Controls are attributed to the following functions in order of top to bottom; the throttle and transmission behavior, stability control system, suspension firmness, and special AMG-mode. The big round button controls the navigation and audio system.
