Mercedes-AMG E 63 S 4MATIC+ launched in India at Rs 1.50 crore

The all-new, 2018 Mercedes-AMG E63 S has been launched in India by Mercedes-Benz, with prices starting from Rs 1.50 crore ex-showroom. Interestingly, Mercedes-Benz has chosen to launch only the more powerful and higher specced S version of the hallowed performance luxury sedan that's powered by a 4.0-litre, biturbo V8 and offers a staggering 612PS and 850Nm. Power is sent to all four wheels via a 9-speed AMG Speedshift dual clutch automatic transmission, though AMG has equipped the S version with a 'drift mode' for those who like to go sideways.

The new generation Mercedes-AMG E 63 S looks a lot more aggressive than the standard E-Class saloon and is powered by a 4.0-litre, biturbo V8 engine that offers 612PS and 850Nm

The all-wheel drive system uses a fully variable torque distribution for the front and rear axles both, and selecting Race mode along with switching ESP off ensures all the power is channeled to the rear wheels, thereby turning the Mercedes-AMG E 63 S into a drift car. Claimed 0-100kmph time for the E 63 S is a stunning 3.3 seconds, which makes it one of the quickest accelerating four-door saloon cars in the world. Top speed is electronically limited to 250kmph but opting for the AMG Performance package ups top whack to 300kmph. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan sold in India is the long wheelbase version, but the E 63 S is a standard wheelbase being an AMG, and its wheelbase is identical to the standard E-Class saloon sold internationally.

The wheelbase of the Mercedes-AMG E 63 S is identical to the standard E-Class sedan sold internationally and is shorter than the long wheelbase E-Class sold in India. Visual changes at the rear include a carbon fibre spoiler and splitter apart from the quad exhausts

Subtle changes to the design help distinguish the E 63 S from the E-Class apart from the shorter wheelbase, including a more muscular looking hood, revised front bumper for better aerodynamics, a rear splitter and carbon fibre spoiler mounted onto the bootlid. The wheel arches on the E 63 S are wider than the standard E-Class and house 20-inch alloy wheels. The car comes shod with massive 265/35 R 20 tyres at the front and even fatter 295/30 R20 rubber at the back to maximize traction. More importantly, the new generation E 63 AMG features air suspension, which promises a ride quality better than what one would expect of a car running on 20-inch wheels and you can even raise the suspension to go over speedbreakers without scraping the underside. The E63 S is on sale via Mercedes-Benz's AMG Performance Centres across the country as also select dealerships and you get a wide range of customization options as well. The Mercedes-AMG E 63 S 4MATIC+ has only one direct rival in the country, the BMW M5, the latest generation version of which was launched by BMW India at the 2018 Auto Expo.