News: Merc's AMG E-Class gets boost to 585bhp

 

Mercedes' updated E-Class will now be available with a 585bhp wunder-weapon E63 AMG version.

The hot AMG versions of the new-look E-Class saloon and estate will now be made available as a 'standard' (if that's quite the right word) version with a BMW M5-bothering 557bhp and 720Nm of torque from an updated version of the 5.5-litre twin-turbo V8 engine. But there will also now be an S model, with a whopping 585bhp and 800Nm of torque, from a tweaked version of the same engine. That one will accelerate this large, comfy, four door saloon (or estate) from 0-100kmh in just 3.6secs. That's not far off McLaren F1 supercar pace.

The S model will also get a locking rear-diff as standard (which should lead to some interesting on-track moments...) Both models can be fitted with massive 420mm ceramic brake discs as an option, while inside, the cars will be fitted with a high-end Bang & Olufsen sound system and a specially-designed IWC dash clock.

Mercedes' 4Matic four wheel drive will also be available as an option, which sound like it might be a good idea for the 585bhp S version, but there's no official word yet on whether you'll be able to have 4Matic with right-hand-drive.

 

News: Mercedes' hot new E-Class revealed

As part of a big family portrait of its newly facelifted E-Class range, Mercedes has revealed the look of the new E63 AMG model.

It's a bit of a dodgy Photoshop job this, as you can see that the AMG version appears to be massively larger than the regular saloon E-Class running alongsude it, but it does at least reveal the chunky new grille, air intake, bumper and delicious set of black alloys that the new E63 will be wearing. It's certainly the best-looking version of the updated E-Class we've yet seen.

Most significantly of all though, this E63 will be the first AMG saloon to be offered with Mercedes' 4Matic four wheel drive, a major break with hot German saloon tradition. You'll still be able to buy a traditional, rear-drive E63 of course, but the option of the 4Matic setup means that four wheel drive is moving ever closer to the motoring mainstream.

This being an AMG, the opportunity will hardly be missed to give the 5.5-litre twin turbo V8 engine a power upgrade, so expect to see a rortier 550bhp output. That 4Matic option is looking more and more desirable by the minute...

News: Mercedes' E-Class nose-job continues

Just before Christmas, Mercedes revealed a striking new look for the E-Class saloon and estate, doing away with almost two-decades of upright, four-headlamp tradition. Now, it's moved on to the E-Class coupe and cabriolet, with equally arresting results.

Gone, once again, are the four separate headlamp units, replaced by strikingly curvy single lamp setups (albeit with a hint of the old four-lamp shape in the LED daytime running light highlights) while the slatted grille has been replaced by a gaping SLS-style maw.

Oddly, and unlike the saloon and estate, the awkward-looking retro coachline above the rear wheel, meant to evoke memories of the classic fifties 'Pontoon' Mercs, has been retained. 

Inside, there are only minor changes, and the cabin retains its obvious C-Class links (in spite of the name, the E-Class coupe and cabriolet are more closely related to the smaller C-Class). There's a new steering wheel, some updated displays, an analogue clock and some updated trims and materials.

Mechanically, there are no changes of significance, bar some minor engine and transmission details that bring the Co2 figures down a small bit, and safety equipment also remains the same as the saloon's, including the newly updated DISTRONIC PLUS system which watches for possible accidents ahead, PRE-SAFE PLUS which preps all the safety systems for an incoming collision and lane keeping assist to wake you up if you drift out of your lane.

“Three words sum up both the E-Class Coupe and the four-seat Cabriolet model: captivating, athletic, passionate”, said Mercedes-Benz head of sales and marketing Dr. Joachim Schmidt. “It is especially pleasing that the two vehicles also incorporate the most intelligent technology ever. This makes them true dream cars.”