The offensive carries on unabashed, with Mercedes-Benz scaling another fortress with the launch of the E 63 AMG at the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida. Mr. Eberhard Kern, MD & CEO of Mercedes-Benz India, enthusiastically reiterated the principle of “Best or Nothing” that the manufacturer has been propounding of late.
The E 63 AMG is just a fine juxtaposition of sheer indulgence with real world practicality as well as gratifying comfortness. The AMG badge affixes an unwritten tag of connoisseural exclusivity along with top-of-the-line performance. It aids in bringing excellent driving dynamics and performance.
Distinguishing itself as an AMG is the distinctive A-Wing on the front fascia of the car, which supposedly denotes the lettering “A”. The “A-Wing” is flanked by two cooling air intakes with dollops of jet black with another larger intake beneath the A-Wing possessing a strip with the car’s color. A touch of silver chrome is present on the A-Wing, providing a striking visual appearance along with the twin-blade radiator grille, carrying the “Three Pointed Star”. At the rear, the twosome of chrome exhaust pipes lend an image of unforgiving performance residing in the engine.
That is not an illusion, though.
Resting beneath the gorgeous bonnet is a massive 5461 cc eight-cylinder behemoth. It has been christened as a “BITURBO” by the German manufacturer and we do agree that it is awe-inspiring and provides a peek into the tremendous ability of the mill. It develops a peak output of humoungos 557 hp @ 5500 rpm and a torque of earth shattring 720 Nm @ 1750-5250 rpm, thus helping the E 63 AMG to glide its way on the blacktop from zero to 100 km/h in a scant 4.2 seconds, all the way to an electronically restricted top speed of 250 km/h.
The mill is married to an AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission. The transmission modes “C” (Controlled Efficiency), “S” (Sport), “S+” (Sport plus) and “M” (Manual) enhance the car’s agility and driving ability. The Race Start function ensures shorter response times, higher engine speeds and more spontaneous gear changes demonstrating the full potential of the new AMG V8 BITURBO engine. Nevertheless, it is definitely be a lot more exhilarating than the normal E Class sedans.
However, it isn’t a traditional gas guzzler, or so says Merc. It is being said that the AMG 5.5-litre V8 BITURBO engine remains the most efficient series production V8 engine around. The fuel consumption is a good-for-its-size 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres which means a mileage of approx 10.2kmpl!
A major contribution to the car’s exemplary reduction in fuel consumption figures is made by the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission. It will tickle your senses but it will ensure that you don’t have to dig deeper. And hey, lesser consumption also means a slower melting of the Polar Ice!! Sports Car enthusiasts were never so environment-friendly.
The list of dole-outs doesn’t end here. Here are a few more to keep you salivating :-
- AMG Exterior Carbon Fibre Package ensures that the car tips the scales at a lower figure, all the while looking cool. This low-weight, high-cost material is present on the A-Wing, the side skirts as well as the rear apron.
- It also packs the full LED headlamps that were ushered in along with the new E-Class. Integrated Gizmo-Stuff includes an Adaptive Headlight System that can switch between Low and High Beams, and an Intelligent Lighting System that can vary light distribution with cornering.
- The COMAND system will obviously be included. There’s an Eco START STOP function to allay whatever last vestiges of contempt prospective buyers have regarding the claimed fuel-efficiency figures, and a Tyre Pressure Loss Warning system. Quite a few additions done keeping the discerning Indians in mind, we must remark!!
- Interiors are eye-catchy, at least from the pictures. The upholstery is of Nappa Leather, and there is contrasting pattern of stitching. Lots of AMG badges are expected to be flying around in the interiors, thus pampering the buyer that a wise investment has been made, and elevation to an elusive, esoteric club has been accomplished!!
- Then there’s an AMG specific analogue clock in IWC design (In case you are scratching your chins, IWC is a noted Swiss exponent of horology).
- 5. No let down in safety, as 8 dual-stage, adaptive airbags are folded into various nooks and crannies, with the driver receiving the benefit of doubt. Optimum grip comes courtesy of the new 18-inch AMG light-alloy wheels in a 10-spoke design, fitted with 255/R 40 R 18 tyres on the front and 285/35 R 18 on the rear.
Opulence comes at a price, and exclusivity takes it a notch higher. The Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG proudly hangs off itself a price tag of INR 12,900,000 Ex-showroom Delhi.
Go figure the number of zeroes !!
-Bishakh
