Mercedes-AMG E63S Engine and Performance

An AMG is all about its firepower so without wasting anymore time, lets get down to the heart of the matter. The E63S gets a 4.0 litre twin turbo V8 engine, the same unit that is seen in the AMG GT-R. This motor makes 612 horsepower (on paper that’s 2 more horsepower than a Lamborghini Huracan LP610-4) and an earth moving 850 Nm (150 Nm more than the GT-R) of torque!!! And get this.. Mercedes-AMG claims a 0 to 100 kph timing of 3.4 seconds that’s faster than the GT-R that does the same sprint in 3.6 seconds. Once you get going, you can’t doubt that claim. When you accelerate with a light foot, it feels just like any other E-Class, heck its even pretty silent. But push down the throttle pedal and it feels just like how Dr. Bruce Banner’s gamma rays trigger to turn him into the Incredible Hulk. The acceleration is ferocious and you get thrown back into the seat, making you wonder if you are driving a four door sedan with boot. Top speed is limited to 250 kph but that goes up to 300 kph if you opt for the AMG Driver’s package.

The V8 is mated to an AMG Speedshift 9 speed dual clutch automatic with power going to all four wheels because the E63S comes with the 4Matic all wheel drive system. Gear shifts are super smooth and even kick downs are quick without any lag whatsoever. Apart from the usual drive modes like Comfort, Sport and Sport+, there is also a Race mode which is recommended for track use only. I wasn’t allowed to activate that mode when I drove it on the BIC on launch day and I couldn’t do it here either. And there is a button to completely turn off traction control. The rear axle also comes fitted with an electronic Limited Slip Differential. But the ‘piece de resistance’ is by far what Mercedes-AMG calls the Drift Mode. This mode is a part of the Race mode and turns the E63S into a completely rear wheel drive animal. With all that power, there’s lots of smoke and shredded tyres guaranteed, and a big smile on you face of course. The Drift mode stays active till it is manually disengaged by the driver. And how can you talk AMG and not mention the sound? From a low rumble to the screaming growl when you going flat out, it is just epic. Press the button on the centre console and it goes to orgasmic levels. You end up wondering why that Burmester sound system is there in the first place.

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