In standard Mercedes->ke187 fashion, after the departure of the W211 E-class, the base version of the W212 came onto the scene. Soon after that, announcements were made for the coupe and convertible versions as well as the estate wagon. Different engine lines were introduced including the BlueTec Diesels and the standard line of V6s and V8s. The final piece of the puzzle was to add the AMG model. The W212 was to carry to same moniker as the outgoing model, but the new E63 AMG would be an entirely different car.

Mercedes first chose to use the 6.2-liter V8 in the previous generation E-class, but that car was truly made to house the 5.5-liter compressor unit of the E55. This new E63 had plans of being more civilized and more capable in every aspect. Competition in this segment gets stiffer every year and the other German brands all vie for supremacy. These cars are the ultimate sleepers, the ultimate executive sedan, and the ultimate autobahn sled.

People who drive the Mercedes E-class are among the most loyal in the automotive industry; they tend to buy the new generation as soon as possible. Many AMG owners are the same way and for that reason, Mercedes was also careful to make changes that would not rattle the cage too much. Everything has changed for the E63 AMG, but somehow it all feels so familiar…and awesome.

Hit the jump for more details on the Mercedes E63 AMG

mercedes-w212-e63-amg

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: mercedes-w212-e63-amg
Pros
Cons

2009 - 2012 Mercedes W212 E63 AMG

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2009 - 2012 Mercedes W212 E63 AMG
  • Engine/Motor: V8 Biturbo
  • Horsepower: 557
  • Torque: 516 lb-ft
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The 2010 model year was the first for the W212 E63 AMG. It was available in late 2009 even though the 2009 model year model was actually the W211 E63 AMG. The W212 is completely different from the ground up and shares virtually nothing but the three pointed star with its older sibling. Mercedes is constantly trying to update their models both aesthetically and fundamentally. Platform sharing with Chrysler means that the Chrysler 300 series is running on a modified W211 E-class platform and thus benefiting from the German design. Mercedes needs to stay one step ahead of the competition and improve its quality and performance before others. This new W212 model should keep the E-class at the top of the pile for some years to come.

The body of the new E-class is a rather large departure in the styling department from the W211 models. Previous generations were very round and exhibited more feminine features. The new model takes cues from Mercedes’ past and helps them enter the modern era. You may remember the box shaped cars that Mercedes produced for years, until the mid 1990s. Those cars are among the most desirable and well built late model Mercedes available. The new E-class helped bring back the squared off styling, giving it an edgy feel. The classic E-class headlights are still apparent, albeit in more of a parallelogram form than the traditional ovals. One thing that we like about this new model, and all the models before it, is that you can immediately recognize it as a Mercedes E-class.

The AMG work on this new E63 is also rather understated. The E63 or other AMG models of the E-class have never been too flashy and prefer to go unnoticed during daily driving. This car is not for the person that wants to show off the fact that he is driving a true performance car. AMG has provided a lower front bumper with larger air dam that also has LED daytime running lights built in. Slightly wider front fenders and aerodynamic rocker panels finish off the sides. Out back is a big diffuser and quad trapezoidal exhaust pipes. 19-inch AMG dual spoke rims and large brake rotors give wind to the performance that lurks beneath. Most people won’t recognize this car as anything different than the standard model, but as soon as that 6.3 badge flashes in their eyes, they'll understand.

The 2012 E63 may have the same name, but some other exterior changes have been made. First and foremost the “V8 Biturbo” badge will be prominently displayed behind the front wheel arches. An updated set of light-alloy wheels will further distinguish this from the naturally aspirated car.

Interior

The inside of the new E-class is also different than any before it and features more upright and geometrical shapes. The Navigation screen is set up high in a BMW like cluster and also uses an i-drive control system. Mercedes calls it something else, but clearly some “idea sharing” has taken place. The array of switches by the shift gate is what grabbed our eye as we sat in one at the dealer lot. One is for the stability control, another for suspension setting, and the last just says AMG. It gives you the same feeling as a Red button that says, “Do not Push.” The AMG button allows the driver to bring up his favorite settings all at once instead of adjusting individual system settings. Next to the shift knob is a larger knob that selects the transmission mode. With this car having so many features governed by these buttons and shift paddles on the steering wheel, who needs a shift lever? Mercedes must have thought the same thing and gave little thought to the miniature shift lever that controls three things: park, reverse, and drive.

Other than the minor AMG badging here and there, the interior is as luxurious as any other E-class sedan. The seats are actually much better, but every other surface is covered in alcantara or leather making this cabin a nice place to spend time. As usual, several technological gadgets are available including night vision system with pedestrian detection. Lane departure warning and blind spot detection systems also help keep this AMG out of trouble.

For 2011, the interior of the E 63 AMG is offered with some new options that are sure to please anyone. These options are part of the designo extended leather appointments II range and consist of being able to cover the lower section of the dashboard, the glove compartment lid, the door linings including map pockets, and the side upholstery of the center console with exclusive nappa leather.

In 2012, the performance quotient for the interior has been upped by the addition of a flat bottom steering wheel, new shift lever with embossed AMG lettering, and a 3-D color monitor in the gauge cluster.

Performance

For its first year of production, the 6.2-liter V8 remained largely unchanged from its siblings in other AMG models. It created 518hp at 6,800rpm which was 11hp more than the outgoing E63. This power increase is due to increased efficiency in the exhaust system and not with any tweaks to the engine. The torque number remains the same at a healthy 463 lb-ft. Many people have given praise to the 6.2-liter AMG engine, which was the company’s first fully in house designed engine. However, performance figures in the E55 still rival this new model and 0-60mph times can be beaten by the older model. 2012 will see the remedy to this issue with a new biturbo engine to be released for the E63. The 2010 model still received a clutch-activated alternator which allows the engine to charge other components while coasting, which in turn improves fuel economy.

For 2011, the E63 AMG gets the usual 6.3-liter V8 engine which is mated to the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission from the SL 63 AMG. This combination develops a total of 525 hp and a peak torque of 630 NM which enables the car to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds, while top speed is limited to 155 mph. The E63 AMG’s fuel efficiency is even decreased by 12% thanks to an on-demand delivery of fuel and generator management with recuperation of braking energy on the overrun. Also adding to the decrease in fuel efficiency is the elimination of the usual torque converter for a "wet start-up clutch running in an oil bath." Carbon Ceramic brakes are also something made available this year that were previously hard to get in the United States due to production constraints.

Mercedes Benz decided to make big changes to its AMG lineup for the 2012 model year and incorporated a new engine into the lineup. The 5.5-liter V8 Biturbo engine will replace the naturally aspirated unit. Power is up 32hp to total 557hp if you order the AMG performance package. Standard form will still see a 7hp gain. Torque is back – this engine makes 516 lb-ft. of it which should increase the whiplash effect in this sedan. The new engine should get the 0-60mph in the 4.3 second range and still reach a restricted 155mph.

AMG engineers have also widened the front track even further (56mm) to increase cornering and grip. This in conjunction with the other advanced computer systems help make this the most balanced and nimble AMG E-class ever. Performance has become equally as important as efficiency in this segment and Mercedes has improved its fuel economy at the same time. The new E63 AMG should get 23.5mpg which is a 22% increase over the old model. The combination of more horsepower and less gas simply gets no better.

Suspension

This new model also received the AMG treatment on its chassis and suspension. The car has an entirely different front axle from other E-class models and it is 2.2-inches wider. Mercedes wanted this car to handle much better than the W211 and therefore switched out the suspension with stiff coils versus the air setup. A tweaked load-leveling air suspension is still used in the rear. Every component has been strengthened for duty in the AMG and the optional Performance Package makes things even better. If you get it, then you will receive a stiffened front anti-roll bar, tuned dampers, lightweight 19-inch wheels, and a raised top speed of 186mph.

Pricing

In Germany, the 2011 Mercedes E63 AMG is priced at 105,791 Euros ($154,174 at the current rates) for the sedan version and at 108,409 Euros ($159,014 at the current rates) for the station wagon version.

The new 2012 Mercedes E63 AMG should be launched after the CLS63 AMG sometime in September 2011, with prices to remain unchanged at $154,540 for the E63 AMG sedan and $158,100 for the Estate. The AMG Performance package adds an extra $12,100 to the base price

Competition

Competition for the E63 AMG is the lineup of usual suspects. The BMW M5->ke2922 and the Audi S6 are the closest relatives in terms of size, geography, and performance. Each one of these cars goes about making its presence known in very different ways. The most visually arresting car of the three is the BMW M5, which still has some Bangle styling until the new M5 is released. The Mercedes slots in at number two and the one most likely to be driven by a republican is the Audi S6. All these cars have similar performance benchmarks, but use very different engines. In fact, the Mercedes is the only one using a V8. The future models from Audi and BMW seem to show that they will begin using modified V8s much like the new E63’s Biturbo. Currently, they use V10 units that have high horsepower numbers and relatively low torque output. The AMG model has always been known as a torque monster and if that’s what you want, then there is no reason to look at the Audi and certainly no reason to buy the BMW. As each company updates their super sedan we believe the race will get tighter and all of the new models should have similar engines.