Mercedes’ new E63 Estate is capable of accelerating from 0-100 in 3.5 seconds in its top S 4Matic+ trip. This also makes it 0.2sec faster than the Audi RS6 Avant.
Powered by the same twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine as the sedan, the standard E63 4Matic+ has 571hp and 748Nm of torque. The range-topping E63 S 4Matic+ with added turbocharger boost pressure and other power-enhancing tweaks, allowing it to produce 611hp and 849Nm, is expected to be the popular choice. All versions also feature a standard cylinder deactivation system that Mercedes-AMG claims will improve efficiency.
Four driving modes — Comfort, Sport, Sport Plus and Individual — are available for drivers to choose from as in all other AMG models. A fifth driving mode – Race – specifically designed for circuit driving will be available with the S 4Matic+ version.
Both models will be available only with AMG's Performance 4Matic+ four-wheel-drive system. The E63 4Matic+ gets a mechanical differential lock and the E 63 S 4Matic+ gets the faster-acting electronic differential lock. Power is transferred via a nine-speed SpeedShift MCT automatic gearbox, featuring the so-called wet start-off clutch and steering wheel-mounted shift paddles.
The AMG offers a Drift mode, despite the four-wheel drive, which is activated by shift paddles. When activated, it prompts the 4WD system to deliver power only to the rear wheels and this system remains active until the driver disengages.
The styling of the Estate is aimed to set it further apart from the regular E-class models. It is also 27mm wider. The wheel arches accommodate the greater track and larger wheels on the front axle.
Practicality is not lost and the Estate offers a boot that goes from 640 litres to a massive 1,820 litres, which Mercedes claims is the largest in the performance estate segment. The rear seat has a new feature too. It can be positioned at a 10-degree steeper angle that will create an additional 30 litres of boot space. The seats can also be folded electronically in a 40:20:40 split.
The Estate will debut at the Geneva motor show and go on sale in international markets from April. The S 4Matic+ will be available only as an 'Edition 1' special model. It will feature grey or black paint, AMG’s Night Package, light grey stripes above the side sill panels and get 20-inch wheels painted matte black with gloss rims.
