AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9G-TRONIC
Marking a departure from transmissions of the past, the new ‘9SS’ Mercedes-AMG Speedshift multi-clutch transmission packs nine gear ratios that further optimise power delivery based on exactly what is required of the system at the time. The nine gears allow the engine to spin in a band ideally suited to deliver maximum efficiency — by shifting up early to keep it in higher overdrive gears, or to keep it smack dab in the middle of the power band. It can also downshift through several gears in an instant to provide a surge of acceleration; for instance, when a sudden quick overtaking manoeuvre needs to be performed. The new Mercedes-AMG E 63 and S 63 put it to good use.
Ultimate Power: Mercedes-AMG S-Class
The new range of Mercedes-AMG ’63’ cars are arriving in a phased manner. The new M177 wet-sump BiTurbo V8 and the M178 dry-sump version have led to their introduction in the new E-Class and S-Class. With power output levels of the ’63 S’ at 612 PS, the new V8 matches the old ’65’ BiTurbo V12’s output. That engine, the M275, has been replaced with a heavily revised version of the M277, called the M279. In the new ’65’ line of cars, it puts out 630 PS and an electronically governed 1,000 Nm of torque.
The new Mercedes-AMG S 63 puts out its prodigious 612 PS output from just 5,500 rpm, with the huge 900 Nm of peak torque coming in at just 2,750 rpm. When you have to haul two tonnes to 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds or so, the engine responsible must meet some invariably high demands and expectations. AMG’s principle of ‘one man, one engine’ ensures that a high level of specialisation goes into the crafting of each powerplant, and, as is tradition, the plaque of the engine builder adorns the engine on its cover.
The BiTurbo V8, part of a modular engine family, allows for a scalable level of performance to suit all applications. Whether it’s a family sedan, a full-bodied estate, an SUV, or even a super-luxury drop-top convertible grand tourer, there is no shortage of power, no want for more, because the sheer might of the motor shines through, complemented in no small portion by AMG’s incredible suspension setup and tuning prowess.
Schneller: Mercedes-AMG E 63 S 4MATIC+
The Mercedes E-Class is one of the brand’s best-selling models and for good reason. It balances luxury and high-performance with everyday practicality and extended usability, made further accessible with a choice of engines and a number of body styles. The saloon and the estate, however, deliver cross-continental touring ability in comfort, and also have a selection of extremely potent AMG powertrains to get the job done.
The E 63 and E 63 S, both offered with AMG-tuned 4MATIC+ intelligent all-wheel-drive, deliver outstanding power with even heftier torque outputs, making short work of both speed and distance. Not only do they get up to speed quickly, their potency ensures miles are munched and dismissed with unbelievable ease. With 571 PS and 750 Nm, the E 63 doesn’t seem to be anything to be taken lightly. If that wasn’t enough, the E 63 S, with its 612 PS and 850 Nm, makes you question the need for a sports car or even, in fact, a supercar. With a sub-four-second 0-100 km/h dash, even for a big estate, there is absolutely nothing on the power front that will ever feel lacking by any imaginable measure.
Everyday Thrill: Mercedes-AMG C 63 S
Pack your bags, load the boot, fire up the V8! The AMG C 63 S presents itself as the answer to all the questions you’ve asked and haven’t yet asked. It’s not offered with the 6,208-cc M159 behemoth of an engine any more. Even so, the new BiTurbo M177 4.0-litre masterful V8 makes 510 PS; a lot more than the 457 offered by the baritone big-bore. Yes, there were more editions — the 507 and the Black Series Coupé — and they’re confined to the glorious past. The new C 63 S more than makes up with its huge power and massive, effortless torque — 700 Nm of it — available low down. Unlike the E-Class, the C is rear-wheel-drive, and with AMG’s Dynamic Select drive modes, it means you can have a civilised unstoppable tourer in ‘Comfort’ mode, or a blaring, track-ready beast in ‘Sport+’. Fancy a combination of traits? The ‘Individual’ drive mode lets you configure the desired response of each aspect of input.
