*NOW UPDATED WITH VIDEO* Mercedes unveils the properly mental 604bhp E63 S 4MATIC+, which can outgun the 577bhp GT R and comes with ‘Drift’ mode.
Just when you think Mercedes-AMG cannot hit new levels of insanity following the unveil of the batshit GT R, along comes the new 604bhp E63 S 4MATIC+.
Though that VERY German name may not suggest it, the new E63 S is an absolute beast. For starters, it’s 4-litre twin-turbo V8 kicks out 604bhp and 627lb ft of torque, some 27bhp and 111lb ft more than the GT R (there is the more ‘sedate’ 563bhp and 553lb ft E63 version). The E63 S also crushes 0-100kph in just 3.4 seconds, two-tenths faster than the GT R.
Though the biturbo V8 gargles brimstone like Listerine, it’s actually the newly developed AMG Performance 4MATIC+ that takes a lot of the credit, giving you the option to either bludgeon the corners like a wrecking ball, or destroy some very expensive rubber. When selecting the former, new air suspension keeps you level in fast corners, and plush on the straights. With the latter though, deactivating ESP and selecting ‘Sport’ enables the E63 S’ ‘Drift’ mode, allowing 100 per cent of the grunt to be sent to the rear axle. Turns out this ‘humble’ Mercedes saloon can turn into a fire-spitting demon, so of course it’s also got to look the part.
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At the front for instance, the grille houses new black-detailed vertical struts and more pronounced air intakes, while the wheel arches have also been extended by 17mm in true “what you lookin’ at?” effect. The cabin meanwhile is your customary Mercedes high quality build and meticulous attention to detail, ensuring you scare only the people on the outside.
Price? Ah, yes, and, ouch. The E63 is expected to start from $91,500(give or take), the E63 S from $101,500. Both are likely to arrive in the New Year, with an estate model also poised to get the green light mid-way through 2017.
