2010 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG First Look

The BMW M5's reign as king of the performance sedans is looking decidedly shaky these days. First, Cadillac launches its stellar 556-hp CTS-V, a car that blows the V-10 Beemer away in terms of raw acceleration, and throws down the gauntlet in the handling stakes with a sub-8 min lap of the legendary Nurburgring Nordschliefe. Next, Jaguar pops its 510-hp XFR, a car with such sublime steering and chassis balance it may well be the fastest four door yet on any real-world winding road. And now Mercedes-Benz plans on rattling everyone's cage with its new E63 AMG.

Revealed barely months after the launch of the new E-Class sedan, the E63 marks a departure from the usual AMG formula. A big horsepower, big block V-8 -- in this case the AMG-designed 6.2L M156 V-8, which punches out 518 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque -- remains the heart of the car, like all AMG E-Class models since the E50. But Mercedes-AMG boss Volker Mornhinweg promises a radical improvement in handling as well.

Until the 2008 C63, AMG Benzes have tended to do their best work in a straight line, lacking the clarity and response in the steering, and the impressive front end grip, of their BMW rivals. But canyon carving agility, rather than brute horsepower, is the new mantra at AMG (at least for its smaller sedans -- sources say the next AMG S-Class and CL-Class cars will remain blisteringly fast autobahn-burners, more at home on straighter roads). The new E63 therefore boasts an entirely new front suspension, with a track that's been widened 2.2in over the standard E-class.

Other changes include steel front springs (more sensitive than air springs, which are retained at the rear for ride height control, says AMG), a tubular stabilizer bar, new control arms, new wheel bearings, new bushing geometry and kinematics, and new wheel location for more negative camber -- the same basic upgrades that have endowed the C63 with the best steering ever in a Mercedes-Benz. The rack-and-pinion steering features a 14:1 ratio, 22 percent quicker than the regular E-Class.

The new E63 also gets the latest version of the Speedshift wet clutch seven-speed transmission that debuted last year in the SL63. AMG insiders say the E63's Speedshift will be better calibrated than the SL63's, which feels decidedly lumpy mooching around town in full auto mode. The transmission has four modes -- "C" (for "controlled efficiency," says Benz, not comfort), "S" (sport), "S+" (sport plus) and "M" (manual). In full-commando manual mode, the transmission switches ratios in 100 milliseconds. And it offers launch control.

Mornhinweg claims the E63 will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 sec. Top speed is limited to 155 mph, though if you order the optional AMG Performance Package, they'll re-flash the computer to allow you to reach 186 mph. The Performance Package (as if the regular E63 is soft-core) also buys you lightweight 19-in. forged alloy wheels (standard wheels are 18 in. ), stiffer springs, and a trick locking rear diff. Oh, and a three spoke steering wheel.

Standard brakes are 14.2 in. front and rear, vented and cross-drilled. AMG's monstrous, near-indestructible carbon-ceramic brakes (the front rotors are 15.8 in.) will be available as an option, though not in the U.S. Guess we just don't drive fast enough. The likely five figure price tag might also have something to do with it.

Despite an 11-hp increase in power over the outgoing E63, the new car uses as much as 12 percent less fuel. Consumption on the European combined cycle, says Mornhinweg, is 18.7 mpg. It's too early yet for EPA numbers, but they will be better than the current car.

Visual tweaks follow the familiar AMG formula. There are new, deeper front and rear bumpers, plus modest sill extensions. At the rear are four rectangular exhaust pipes, echoing the new E-Class's rectangular quad-headlight treatment, and up front, the fenders have been teased out over the wide-track suspension. Inside are lots of aluminum highlights, and a row of buttons on the center console -- angled towards the driver -- that control the three-stage stability control, the shock rates, and recall your favorite settings for shocks, transmission, and throttle.

Why launch the E63 at the New York Show? That's simple. America is the biggest market in the world for AMG Benzes. And, it seems, we are especially fond of the AMG E-Class -- if sales of the new E63 follow past trends, fully 50 percent of them will find a home on America's roads.