It's traditional that once Mercedes-Benz unveils a new vehicle, its factory tuning shop, AMG, will step in and create a beefed up, speed-centric version of the new offering. Such is the case with the Mercedes-AMG E 43 4MATIC, which boosts the horsepower of the new E-Class by 34 points and gives the luxury sedan a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).
For more than a year now, Mercedes-Benz has been teasing a new E-Class sedan. During that time we've learned a lot about the latest from the three-pointed star, which will be as much a technological showcase for the automaker as it is a bold new take on luxury sedans for the brand. When it was finally unveiled in January at NAIAS, the new Merc was clearly worthy of all the hype.
For its tuned supercar version of the new E-Class, AMG took the V6-powered gasoline variant of the sedan and replaced its turbochargers with two larger units, boosting charge-air pressure to 1.1 bar. This improved engine output to 401 horsepower (295 kW) and peak torque to 384 lb-ft (520 Nm), starting at only 2,500 rpm. This horsepower bump gives the E 43 4MATIC a 0-100 km/h (62 mph) time of 4.6 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). As with the new diesel option being introduced with the E-Class, the AMG's V6 benefits from Nanoslide cylinder coating to improve efficiency.
This boosted V6 in the AMG E 43 4MATIC is mated to a retuned 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission, whose shift times through the nine gears are reduced thanks to improved software controls. The transmission features multiple-gear downshifts for improved speed bursts and double-declutching for faster movement.
For chassis and drivetrain control, AMG improved the sports suspension with its multi-chamber air suspension and combined it with a three-mode damping system. The front axle's camber was made more negative for better cornering dynamics, which is further aided by more rigidity in the front of the car. The all-wheel drive has been tuned to distribute torque primarily to the rear of the car in a 69 percent rear bias. This gives the feel of a rear-driven car with the benefits in cornering dynamics and traction control of an all-wheel drive drivetrain.
From the outside, onlookers will know that this new E-Class is an AMG-tuned speedster thanks to the addition of three large openings in the front apron for improved airflow to the intercoolers. The AMG lettering on the grille exclusive five-spoke light alloy wheels in gloss black and rear apron trim diffuser finish the AMG appearance package.
Inside, other AMG touches make sure those in the new E 43 4MATIC know where it comes from. Exclusive sport seating, upholstery stitching, exclusive race pedals, and red seatbelts are some of the signs that this is an AMG-built car.
The Mercedes-AMG E 43 4MATIC will debut at the New York International Auto Show later this month and will enter showrooms in September.
Source: Mercedes-Benz