We've seen the conventional versions of the updated Mercedes-Benz E-Class range, so now it's 'Hammer' time - the launch of the updated E 63 AMG.
4.0 V8 twin-turbo
Hammer was, of course, the nickname for the original fast E-Class, the 1986 500E, but it sure still seems appropriate for the latest version, which continues to use the twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 engine from the AMG GT coupe.
"Thanks to our efficient V8 engine and the fully variable all-wheel drive, the E 63 4Matic+ offers not only outstanding performance and vehicle dynamics at the highest level, but with the latest revision of the Saloon and Estate we have also significantly increased comfort and yet still retained the hallmark AMG character. In conjunction with the extensive design update, which also helps the E-Class from Affalterbach achieve improved aerodynamics values, our customers are now receiving an even more attractive overall package", says Tobias Moers, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.
While the E-Class range, as a whole, has been given a series of small styling tweaks, the AMG engineers worked closely with the design team to make sure that those changes could be tied into improved aero performance for the big V8 saloon. So you'll spot a new, gloss-black, aero 'lip' on the bottom of the front bumper, while the wheelarches are now 27mm wider to encompass the updated, wider, suspension.
At the back, along with the new brake lights, the saloon version of the E 63 can be fitted with a carbon-fibre rear lip spoiler, while the exhaust pipes are rounded 90 mm trapezoidal twin units, which are chrome-plated on the base model and on the S-model they have a new design in a titanium matt finish.
Aerodynamic wheels
The alloy wheels options - 19-inch as standard, 20-inch five-spoke wheels as an option, are also optimised for aerodynamic performance, while there are some new paint options from which to choose - graphite grey metallic, high-tech silver metallic and also brilliant blue magno. That last one was previously only reserved for the AMG GT coupe.
You can also pick the AMG Night Pack. The exterior mirror housings, window frames, trim insert in the longitudinal members plus trim elements in the front and rear apron are kept in high-gloss black if you tick that box, while there are also tailpipe trim elements in black chrome. The AMG-specific radiator grille is also available in a darkened design.
Inside, you get AMG sports seats clad in Nappa leather, with AMG logos stitched into the headrests. As an option, you can also order high-back AMG seats with integrated headrests. S versions get leather coverings for the dashboard and contrast grey seatbelts.
The MBUX 'digital plank' dashboard is fitted as standard. The base E 63 gets twinned 10.25-inch displays, while the S version gets 12.25-inch screens. For the instrument cluster's display, you can switch between the three AMG display styles of Modern Classic, Sport and Supersport. The Supersport mode is particularly striking with a central, round rev counter and horizontal displays presented in perspective to the left and right of the rev counter which give a 3D effect.
If gauges are your thing, you can also call up special AMG displays such as Engine Data, gear speed indicator, Warm-up, Set-Up, G-Meter and RaceTimer.
The steering wheel has also been updated, with a three 'twin-spoke' design, which can be wrapped in suede-like Dinamica mircofibre as an option. There are also haptic, touch-sensitive control pads built into the horizontal spokes, which control the main instrument display and the central infotainment screen. Lower down, you'll find buttons for the cruise control, and telephone. S models get the neat little AMG mode rotary controller down here, too.
Up to 612hp
Now, to the engine. Essentially unchanged, the S model gets 612hp and 850Nm of torque. Standard E 63s have to make do with a paltry 571hp and 750Nm. To be fair, there's not a huge disparity in performance - the S gets to 100km/h in 3.4 seconds, only 0.1 seconds faster than the standard car.
The nine-speed automatic transmission is carried over, and as always you can select Sport, Sport+ and Race modes depending on your mood. The chassis uses AMG Ride Control + air suspension, with an adjustable damping system, which also has Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ modes.
The 4Matic+ four-wheel-drive system can distribute torque between the front and rear axles, and it's now fully variable between the two. There's an electronically controlled diff on the rear axle, and there's a Drift Mode incorporated into the car's electronic systems that fully exploits that. Even the steering is fully variable according to the driver's desires - it can be switched through Basic, Advanced, and Master/Pro modes.
Brakes on the standard car are 360mm discs all-round with six-piston calipers on the front. S models get 390mm discs on the front, while the AMG Carbon Ceramic brake system is available as an option, with whopping 402mm discs at the front.
Irish pricing is yet to be confirmed.