The upcoming updates to the Mercedes E-Class->ke373 sedan are still a few months from an official review, but spy photos->ke166 of the new car -- most notably the new 2017 Mercedes-AMG E63 -- are creeping into the public eye. Expected to debut in January as a 2018 model, the new high-performance E-Class shows off updated style and substance.

Prototypes have been spotted wearing a heavy layer of dazzle camouflage, but the general shape of the new sedan->ke142 looks to be close to that of the current car, but with more slope to the front and rear fascias. Taped-off quad headlamps and a large single-bar grille are also visible. The massive lower air intakes that have become an AMG->ke8 signature are also visible through the camouflage. We don't yet have any good hints as to what the redesigned interior will look like. The new E-Class is moving to a smaller, lighter platform, so some refinement of the interior style to match the latest C-Class->ke1593 and S-Class->ke359 is likely.

Under the hood, the smart prediction is on a new twin-turbo 4.0 liter V-8 with 600 horsepower, with an adapted eight-speed transmission and 4Matic all-wheel drive. The 4.0 currently produces 503 horsepower, but Mercedes->ke187 has some catching up to do in the horsepower war and AMG is no doubt hard at work on it. Sedan and wagon->ke143 versions will be offered.

Continue reading for the full story.

Why it matters

Rather than cooling over the years, the competition has only gotten fiercer in the super-sedan market. The new Mercedes-AMG E63 will face perennial competitors like the 2018 BMW M5 xDrive and 2015 Audi RS6 Avant, but now it's also got the 2016 Cadillac CTS-V and 2015 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat to contend with. Bragging rights are as big a deal to these four-doors as they are to muscle cars, and Mercedes isn't known for backing down from a challenge.

2017 Mercedes-AMG E63 - Spy Shots

You can check our speculative review of the new E63 here.