Mercedes‑Benz has revealed the high-performance variant of its E-Class which gets its super serum from Mercedes-AMG. The E 43 4MATIC with the 3.0-litre V6 biturbo engine on board will be the most powerful variant of the executive saloon when it is introduced in September 2016. On the E 43 4MATIC, Mercedes-AMG has upgraded the six-cylinder engine’s output by 25 kW (34 hp) to 295 kW (401 hp) with the aid of two larger turbochargers and sophisticated software applications. The ample peak torque of 520 Nm is available right from a low engine speed of 2500 rpm.
As ever, this AMG badge variant of the E-Class will get the standard-specification AMG Performance 4MATIC four-wheel drive with a rear-biased torque distribution – a front-to-rear ratio of 31:69 percent. The 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission with shorter shift times, the retuned sports suspension based on the AIR BODY CONTROL air suspension and the more direct steering ratio also provide for signature AMG Driving Performance. This package guarantees performance on a par with many a sports car: the new E 43 4MATIC reaches a speed of 100 km/h from a standing start in 4.6 seconds, while its top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h.
Visual upgrades of the E 43 4MATIC render it immediately recognisable as a member of the AMG family. The front apron gets three large openings which ensures an optimum flow of air to the coolers. The diamond grille with chromed pins, a louvre in high-gloss black and the AMG lettering represent further hallmarks of the AMG 43 models.
The rear end also features characteristic highlights, with two chrome-plated quad-flow exhaust tailpipes. The rear apron trim in diffusor look comes in silver chrome, while the standard-specification spoiler lip on the boot lid is painted in the body colour. The car rides on a set of 19-inch AMG five-spoke light-alloy wheels painted in high-gloss black.
On the inside, the driver and front passenger get a secure position in the sports seats even when driving at high speed, thanks to the improved lateral support. The upholstery in ARTICO man-made leather/DINAMICA microfibre in black (optionally: nappa leather) features a distinctive layout and red topstitching. To match the seat design, the door centre panels and the dashboard are finished in ARTICO man-made leather with red topstitching. Exclusive pedals, a black roof lining and red seat belts add further sporty highlights. The multifunction sports steering wheel too is wrapped in black nappa leather with red contrasting topstitching and features a flattened bottom section.
The AMG instrument cluster delivers all relevant information in a clearly arranged layout. Two tube-style round dials, the 11.4 cm (4.5-inch) multifunction colour display, the RACETIMER and the 280 km/h scale in chequered-flag design conjure up a sports car feel.
The optionally available features range from AMG seats with increased lateral support through nappa leather upholstery to 20-inch bichromatic wheels. The new Mercedes-AMG E 43 4MATIC will have its world premiere at the New York International Auto Show in March 2016.
Technical Specifications at a glance
| Mercedes-AMG E 43 4MATIC | |
| Engine | V6 biturbo |
| Displacement | 2996 cc |
| Output | 295 kW (401 hp) at 6100 rpm |
| Peak torque | 520 Nm at 2500-5000 rpm |
| Fuel consumption, combined | 8.3 l/100 km |
| CO2 emissions, combined | 189 g/km |
| Efficiency class | D |
| Kerb weight (according to DIN/EC) | 1765 kg*/1840 kg** |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h | 4.6 s |
| Top speed | 250 km/h*** |
* ready-to-drive condition (fuel tank 90 % full, without driver and luggage); ** ready-to-drive condition (fuel tank 90 % full, with driver (68 kg) and luggage (7 kg); *** electronically limited
