The performance sub-brand power wars are still raging, it would seem, as Mercedes-AMG has revealed their E 63 Estate weeks ahead of its planned debut at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show.
Simply put, it shames the Audi RS 6 and BMW M5 Touring (just kidding, we wished that existed for the F10 generation) with a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 engine that can push out 450kW and 850Nm in its most potent S tune.
Coupled to the permanent 4Matic all-wheel drive system, this allows the car to accelerate to 100km/h in a hypercar-shadowing 3.5 seconds. Mercedes-AMG expects the range-topping E 63 S 4Matic+ to be the most popular of the two variants.
In addition to being able to summon more power from the bi-turbo V8, the S also has an extra Race mode that’s specifically designed for track use - because how hilarious would that be to take your kids and two dogs around a lap of the Nurburgring?
Though, to save fuel on the way to the nearest circuit for a day of tyre-shredding and possible insurance claims, the V8 has cylinder deactivation that can shut down an entire bank when set to Comfort mode when cruising between 1,000 - 3,250rpm, theoretically making it as economical 2.0-litre four-cylinder on the highway.
Drive is transmitted through a 9-speed Speedshift MCT automatic transmission that can engage the clutch with more ferocity when in launch mode. There’s also an electronic locking differential and, while we’re still on modes, here’s another one: Drift Mode - though it’s not explicitly called that.
Despite being all-wheel driven and, well, a wagon, AMG saw fit to add a button to drift the thing. Perhaps they want this car to be the upgrade model for owners of the current Ford Focus RS. When activated, it instructs the driveline to send power only to the rear wheels for proper slithery tail-out action.
“The new AMG E 63 Estate combines our brand’s hallmark driving dynamics with high everyday practicality. It is not for nothing that the model has been a permanent fixture in the AMG portfolio for 40 years. The powerful engine and the intelligent all-wheel drive underpin our claim to always be at the forefront of development when it comes to performance,” states Tobias Moers, CEO of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.
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