Mercedes->ke187 is prepping for the onslaught of customers readying their wallets for the 2012 Mercedes E63 AMG with some AMG Performance Studio styling. After all, no one wants to see the same E63 AMG passing by over and over again, especially if you happen to be riding in one as well.

As part of the new "AMG Performance 2015" model strategy, the E63 AMG will now come equipped with an AMG 5.5-liter V8 biturbo engine that delivers an output of 525 HP to 557 HP and a peak torque of 516 lbs-ft. The car will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds and will be capable of a top speed of 155 mph. This is all fine and dandy, but customization issues are always a plus, and Mercedes is readying the attack AMG Performance Studio options such as a performance suspension, a ceramic high-performance composite braking system, an exterior Carbon package, and an AMG Driver’s package that will include the removal of the speed limiter.

Hit the jump to read more about the 2012 Mercedes E63 AMG with AMG Performance Studio.

2012 Mercedes E63 AMG with AMG Performance Studio

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2012 Mercedes E63 AMG with AMG Performance Studio
  • Engine/Motor: V8
  • Horsepower: 557
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior and Interior

For 2012, the standard E63 AMG will be distinguished by new 10-spoke light-alloy wheels, wider front wings, AMG body styling with a specific design for the front and rear, AMG side sill panels, and an AMG sports exhaust system with two chrome-plated twin tailpipes. The interior will get a new AMG Performance steering wheel in a three-spoke design, aluminum shift paddles, perforated leather in the grip areas, and athree-dimensional design of the airbag cover with "Silver Shadow" metallic trim element.

The AMG Performance Studio takes the E63 AMG's design to the next level by adding an AMG exterior carbon package, an AMG spoiler lip, and an electric sunblind for the rear window. The interior gets updated with an AMG Performance steering wheel, AMG trim elements in carbon fiber/black piano lacquer, and illuminated AMG door sill panels. The Mercedes E63 AMG with Performance Studio gets topped off with titanium gray, high sheen AMG light-alloy wheels in a new 10-spoke design and wrapped around 255/35 R 19 (front) and 285/30 R 19 (rear) tires.

Engine

Under the hood, the 2012 E63 AMG gets a new AMG 5.5-liter V8 biturbo engine with an output range of 525 HP to 557 HP and a peak torque of 516 lbs-ft. The car will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds and will be capable of a 155 mph top speed.

The new engine will be mated to a AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission and will be combined with a stop/start function as standard. This is active in the Controlled Efficiency ("C") transmission mode and switches the eight-cylinder engine off when the vehicle comes to a standstill. The gearbox is offered with three driving modes: "S" (Sport), "S+" (Sport plus), and "M" (Manual).

Throw in the AMG Performance Studio and buyers will receive an AMG ride control Performance suspension, an AMG rear axle locking differential with 40% locking action, an AMG ceramic high-performance composite braking system, and an AMG Driver’s package (includes restriction of the top speed to 173 mph for the estate or 186 mph for the sedan). If that isn't enough, participation in a driver training course at the AMG Driving Academy is also offered to learn how to get the most out of the E63 AMG.

Prices

The new E63 AMG will go on sale in September 2011. Prices for the European market will start from 105,791 euros ($151,000), with the Performance package adding another 8306 euros ($11800) and the AMG Driver Package adding yet another 3213 euro ($4600). In total, a fully stocked Mercedes E63 AMG Performance Studio model will set customers back about $167,400.

Competition

When it comes to the E63 AMG's competition, models like the BMW M5->ke2922 and the Audi S6->ke1207 will have plenty to fear. The Merc's engine now offers a 22% fuel efficiency increase (it's now at 23 mpg), cutting out one of the biggest problems customers faced. When equipped with the Performance Studio package, the E63 AMG can also hit an impressive top speed of 186 mph, while the other two models are still limited to only 155 mph.

The new M5 does, however, have the advantage of delivering a higher output than the E63 AMG with 560 kicking ponies galloping out of its even smaller 4.4L V8 engine. This, mixed with the M5's new look, may cause potential customers to weigh their options very carefully before a decision is made. Will the cost of gas throw them in the more efficient Mercedes corner or will the slight horsepower advantage give the edge to BMW? It's a toss-up.