► It’s the new 2016 E63 AMG
► New spyshots capture 570bhp V8
► Saloon, estate, coupe and cabrio to come
Engineers in Stuttgart are busy beavering away on the new E-class family due in 2016 – and the executive car range will once again be crowned by this new Mercedes-AMG E63 performance version, caught in our latest spy photos.
As you might expect, the badge is misleading: there is no 6.2-litre naturally aspirated V8 nestling under that remarkably sober bodywork. Instead, Merc is fitting its latest turbocharged V8 borrowed from the GT sports car and C63 AMG little brother.
Our sources suggest it’ll develop up to 570bhp in the E-class, enough for some pretty phenomenal acceleration figures with 0-62mph likely in the low fours. Perfect for some M5 bashing…
Click here for our BMW 5-series vs Mercedes E-class executive scoop.
Four-wheel drive and other technical changes
Based on the company’s latest iteration of the MRA rear-wheel drive architecture, the new E-class range will sport 4Matic 4wd options across most of the range, including the E63. But fear not: the AMG version will remain available in two-wheel drive form for those who want rear-led steering ability.
The modular MRA platform is boosted by greater reliance on aluminium, trimming in excess of 100kg from the kerbweight, while electrics are now powered by a 48v system. Both combine to save fuel and lower CO2 emissions.
Expect a slew of tech to premiere on the new E-class range, due to be shown in late 2015 before UK sales commence in 2016. V6 engines are being phased out on lesser models for straight sixes; Comand gets swipe and gesture control; augmented reality and head-up displays enter the fray; it’ll even read traffic lights for you.
An E63 in every which body style
The E-class range will continue to expand and we are expecting the E-class Coupe (codenamed C238) in spring 2017 and the Convertible (A238) that autumn – and they’ll grow in stature to put more clear water between them and their C-class two-door counterparts.
And of course the E-class will again spawn the CLS spin-off range, including the four-door coupe and Shooting Brake versions. Every derivative is likely to offer the E63 AMG treatment.