Two months after Mercedes-Benz introduced the redesigned E-Class, the brand unveiled the car’s first AMG version. But this isn’t the fire-breathing V-8 E63; instead, the first AMG E-Class is an E43 with a turbo V-6. Mercedes will still market the car under its newish AMG sub-brand, as in the Mercedes-AMG E43.
The E43 takes on cars like the Audi S6 and higher-output versions of the BMW 5 Series, Lexus GS and Cadillac CTS. The sedan goes on sale in early 2017 with pricing expected to start in the low-$70,000 range, according to Mercedes. ExteriorThe E43 looks similar to the E-Class, with three large, functional openings in the front bumper. The outer openings have two crossbars, while the grille itself has a single bar with a dotted chrome background. Nineteen-inch alloy wheels, dual split exhaust openings and a trunk-lid spoiler round out the look. Twenty-inch rims are optional. InteriorInside, the E43 has sport seats with faux-suede and vinyl upholstery. Nappa leather is optional, as are AMG performance seats. Red stitching lines the seats, door inlays, steering wheel and dashboard; the seat belts also are red. Optionally, the E43 can have a 12.3-inch gauge screen with simulated instruments. Under the HoodThe E43 gets a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 that makes 396 horsepower and 384 pounds-feet of torque, up 34 hp versus the twin-turbo V-6 in the C450. (Torque remains the same.) It sends power to all four wheels through a nine-speed automatic transmission and a rear-biased version of Mercedes’ 4Matic all-wheel-drive system, which defaults 69 percent of its power to the rear wheels, which is even more than the usual split for rear-biased all-wheel drive. Add it all up, and Mercedes says the E43 hits 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. That’s about even with manufacturer-estimated times for the S6, which has considerably more power but 341 pounds of extra curb weight.
The E43 gets variable-ratio power steering (not just variable assist, as is the norm) as well as an AMG-tuned adaptive air suspension. Selectable driving modes alter various drivetrain, suspension and steering systems to one of four driving modes, with a mix-and-match fifth mode if you want to configure your own.
