Merc's Manic New E-Class AMG Quicker Than A Lambo!

The AMG formula is a simple one; take a normal Mercedes-Benz, add a monstrous engine, insert a stout automatic, and send weapons-grade torque to the rear wheels. It's been real, it's been fun, but now the boffins at AMG want to aim their considerable firepower at Audi.

With the refreshed E-class, the big news is the addition of 4Matic all-wheel-grip to the top of the line AMG models. Previously available in "civilian" models, the addition of four-wheel drive turns the AMG models into more well-rounded performance machines. The company claims the system only adds 70kg to the vehicles, and with a static distribution of 33/67 front to rear, it'll still be a tail-happy car. The transmission is AMG's 7-speed twin clutch automated manual.

There's news under the hood, too. Base AMG's get an upgrade to their 5.5L twin-turbo V8s, with output now at 550 horsepower and 531lb-ft: pretty staggering numbers. If you're insufficiently staggered, there's a new AMG S trim, which ups the power to 577bhp and 590lb-ft. How fast is an E-Class with Murcielago horsepower, AWD grip, and a twin-clutch box? 3.6 seconds to sixty and 3.5 for the S-model, making it quicker than a Lamborghini Gallardo LP550 by 0.4sec! Flat out, the Merc will hit 155mph (governed), or 186mph (also governed) in the AMG S.

All models get adaptive suspension, and the S adds a locking rear differential. The S also has larger carbon-ceramic brakes (402mm!) to deal with all the thrust, as well as minor aesthetic enhancements to let the Joneses know you shelled out the extra bucks. The facelifted E-class gets a much more aggressive looking front bumper and headlights, with huge gaping air intakes that wouldn't look out of place on a BMW M5. These new updates will apply to the E-class saloon and estate, as well as the CLS63 'coupe' and shooting brake. All-wheel drive is standard on the E63 AMG in standard or S trim, while the regular CLS63 AMG has rear-drive standard, with all-wheel drive optional (and standard on the S.)

These figures stack up quite favorably with the BMW M5 (4.4L biturbo V8, 560bhp/502lb-ft) and the new Audi RS6 (4.0L biturbo V8, 553bhp/516 lb-ft), as well as the rowdy Jaguar XFR-S (5.0L supercharged V8, 550bhp/502lb-ft.) Of course, only the Merc and Audi offer AWD currently, and the E63 has got the RS6 covered in terms of speed. We'll have to wait and see how it is on the road, but I'm figuring it'll be a mixture of German perfectness and GT-R accessibility. Stay tuned!