Mercedes-Benz AMG E-Class

Mercedes-AMG E-Class – Overview

Full AMG models are part of the lineup as usual, and just like the normal sedans, these models have also been recently facelifted for model year 2021. There are 3 Mercedes-AMG E-Class models for sale currently, and they are the Mercedes-AMG E 53 4MATIC+, Mercedes-AMG E 63 4MATIC+, and Mercedes-AMG E 63 S 4MATIC+. 

The first features a 3.0-litre inline-6 turbo engine with mild electric help, while the other two models feature the volcanic 4.0-litre biturbo V8 that is so often seen in the best of the current AMG models. Interestingly, other body options are available as well. The Mercedes-AMG E 53 4MATIC+ can come in saloon, estate, coupe and cabriolet format, while the other two have the option for saloon or estate only.

Mercedes-AMG E-Class – Exterior

An AMG-specific radiator grille dominate the face of the Mercedes-AMG E 53 4MATIC+, with an A-wing designed front apron. The rear features a 2-piece all-LED taillights, while the rear apron and diffuser have also been redesigned in the update.

The super-saloon rides on 19-inch alloys with 5-twin-spoke design as standard, with an option to upgrade to 20-inch alloys. The update also added 3 new colour options for the car: graphite grey metallic, mojave silver metallic and high-tech silver metallic.

An optional Night Package is available, and it will paint the front splitter, mirror caps, disc frame, longitudinal member inserts, trim strip in the rear apron and tailpipe trim elements in high gloss black. However complementing this pack with a blackend grille is another optional extra.

The same face is found on both variants of the Mercedes-AMG E 63 4MATIC+, although with subtle differences. The upper fin of the air intakes stretch continuously in a single line across the lower apron, while the quad exhaust tips are squared instead of round. The front splitter is body-coloured usually, but on the S model it is silvered. The Night Package is available here too.

However, exclusive to the 63-versions is the AMG Exterior Carbon-Fibre Package I and AMG Exterior Carbon-Fibre Package II. The first finishes the front splitter, trim insert in the longitudinal member and the trim element in the rear apron in carbon fibre, while the latter adds individual highlights with mirror caps and a spoiler lip on the boot lid of the saloon in the same material.

Mercedes-AMG E-Class – Interior

New to all the facelifted mid-sized AMGs is the steering wheel with a three twin-spoke design. It can be finished in leather, DINAMICA, or a combination of the two. The wheel has capacitive sensors too that will detect if there are no hands on the wheel and will first sound a warning. If no reaction is detected, then the Emergency Brake Assist will activate.

Both the top of the line AMG variants come with seats that are already upholstered in Nappa, but other leather options are available too. On top of that, AMG Performance Seats are also available, just like in the 53, and these seats have better head and lateral support. The interior of the Mercedes-AMG E 63 S 4MATIC+ is further differentiated from the non S version by having Nappa leather trim on the dashboard, and seat belts in crystal grey.

Mercedes-AMG E-Class – Features

The display in front of the driver can can be altered to Modern Classic, Sport, and Supersport for different data presentations. What’s more, special displays that show engine data, G-Meter, RACETIMER, and more are available as well. This new steering wheel in the AMGs have many functions, which comes at the expense of a minimalist design.

The instrument cluster is controlled via the left-hand capacitive sensor, while the right takes care of infotainment. The lower spokes handles cruise control and DISTRONIC on the left, and calls on the right. Optional buttons can also be had that will control drive functions, as well as other user-defined functions. It’s an interesting take on having everything important close at hand, and perhaps one of the best iterations so far in a performance vehicle. 

Mercedes-AMG E-Class – Powertrain

This hybrid setup is mated to 9G AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT, and all four wheels are propelled. The starter-alternator provides boost while at low engine speeds to eliminate any sensation of turbo lag. Stopping power comes in the form of cross-drilled and vented 370 x 36 mm discs with four-piston fixed calipers on the front axle, and vented 360 x 26 mm discs with single-piston floating calipers.

The soul of the Mercedes-AMG E 63 S 4MATIC+ is its 4.0-litre biturbo engine that is capable of 620 PS between 5,750-6,500 rpm, and 850 Nm of torque between 2,500-4,500 rpm. The powerplant is mated to a 9G AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT, and power is similarly given to all four wheels.

Stopping effectively is done via internally ventilated and perforated compound brake discs measuring 390 x 36 mm with six-piston fixed callipers at the front, and 390 x 36 mm dicsc with single-floating brake calipers. Additionally, there is an AMG Carbon Ceramic brake system available as an option, with brake discs measuring 402 x 39 mm on the front axle and 360 x 32 mm on the rear axle.

In the non S variant, the mill makes 579 PS between 5,750-6,500 rpm, and 750 Nm of twist at 2,250-5,000 rpm. The same all-wheel drive system and transmission is available. In the braking department, the rear discs are the same size as the S variant, but the the ones on the front axle is slightly smaller at 360 x 36 mm.

An AMG Dynamic Plus Package is optionally available for the Mercedes-AMG E 53 4MATIC+ and Mercedes-AMG E 63 4MATIC+. In the pack is an additional driving mode called RACE with a Drift Mode, the high-performance compound brake system of the S-Model with red-painted brake callipers and the AMG Performance steering wheel in DINAMICA microfibre and with AMG steering wheel buttons.

Mercedes-AMG E-Class – Driving Performance

Even in Comfort, the ride will be describe as firm, and that is part of the asking price of any AMG model. Thanks to the all-wheel drive 4MATIC+ system, there is huge traction coming out of corners, and the system can also shuffle drive to the rear wheels exclusively. What’s more, the ‘+’ in 4MATIC+ means these models have an electronically regulated rear-axle differential.

Here are the benchmark figures for each model.
Mercedes-AMG E 53 4MATIC+ | 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds | Top speed limited to 250 km/h
Mercedes-AMG E 63 4MATIC+ | 0-100 km/h in 3.5 seconds | Top speed limited to 250 km/h
Mercedes-AMG E 63 S 4MATIC+ | 0-100 km/h in 3.4 seconds | Top speed limited to 300 km/h

Mercedes-AMG E-Class – Ride Comfort

Aside from this, body movement is tightly controlled so occupants jiggle instead of sway, which we find to be preferable in a car. For almost all situations, just leave the dampers in Comfort and enjoy the acceptable level of tautness of the ride.

Mercedes-AMG E-Class – Fuel Economy

Mercedes-AMG E-Class – Conclusion

There’s always room for a tyre-munching, fire breathing AMG at the top of the range, and there will be buyers who want the best the marque has to offer, but for the more sensible enthusiast, the Mercedes-AMG E 53 4MATIC+, especially in Estate format, is the car that makes the most sense.