The superb Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG - one of the world's ultimate high performance sedans - is now on-sale in Australia and actually represents great value.
Priced at $234,900 (RRP), the all-new E-Class stunner is $4,056 less than it's predecessor, the 2006 E 63 AMG (W 211 model).
Powered by the 386/kW/630Nm AMG-tuned 6.3-litre V8 engine, driving the rear wheels via an enhanced AMG SPEEDSHIFT seven-speed transmission, the latest E 63 AMG benefits from technology transferred directly from the SL 63 AMG high-performance Roadster.
The range leader of the high-performance Mercedes-Benz sedan lineup, the E 63 AMG boasts technology performance and safety features - plus performance figures - that are the global benchmarks.
And even though that barnstorming V8 now produces an extra 8kW of power compared to its predecessor, fuel consumption is down an average of 15 per cent to 12.7l/100kms. That consumption improvement comes courtesy of on-demand delivery of fuel and alternator management with recuperation of braking energy on the overrun.
When it comes to fuel consumption, 'Benz says the E 63 AMG leads the worldwide field of sports sedans developing more than 377kW.
The remarkable AMG SPEEDSHIFT seven-speed sports transmission also plays a role in that extra fuel mileage. Major advances include replacement of the previous torque converter with a wet start-up clutch running in an oil bath.
A rotary switch allows the driver to select four driving modes for the transmission - in 'Controlled Efficiency' mode, the programming performs early upshifts and changes gears gently to keep engine speeds (hence fuel consumption) as low as possible.
The other modes are 'S' (Sport); 'S+' (Sport plus) and 'M' (Manual). Partial suppression of individual cylinders by interrupting ignition and injection briefly during gearshifts under full loads produces faster shifting - in 'M' mode only 100 milliseconds.
And for those occasions where you wish to drive like a race driver, the transmission delivers fast, spontaneous multiple downshifts with automatic double-declutching and Race Start functions.
Suspension is the latest AMG RIDE CONTROL with new steel spring struts at the front and AMG-specific air springs at the rear. There is also a new, electronically controlled damping system, dedicated front axle which provides a 56mm wider front rack, a tubular stabilizer, new control arms, new wheel bearings and new hub carriers for extra negative camber.
Speed-sensitive power steering is more precise and the ESP function gets a range of three stages including 'ESP SPORT' for high performance driving dynamic characteristics.
Wheels are 19-inch AMG alloys running 255/35 R 19 front tyres and 285/30 R 19 at the rear. Some time in 2010, Mercedes Benz Australia will introduce an optional ceramic/composite disc brake system for the E 63 AMG.
Externally, there are new front fenders 17mm wider than standard, AMG front spoiler and head lights, side skirts, rear spoiler and exhausts.
Inside are the usual AMG upgrades - leather seats in three different colours, AMG instrument cluster, sports pedals and AMG door sills.
Like BMW's M5 and Audi's RS6, the E63 AMG is one of the world's most desirable European sports sedans.
