First Drive: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG
In addition to the usual body dress-up, the E63 gets a racy interior with sport wheel, splendid front buckets, and available carbon-fiber trim. Cool angled buttons on the console allow the driver to configure the various suspension, transmission, and performance systems.
No pricing has been announced yet, but the E63 AMG will likely be right around $85K when it goes on sale stateside in late fall (right around the price of the outgoing model). Pricey, yes -- at least until you recall that the far less capable Hammers cost $160K and up -- in the 1980s.
This is a fantastic automobile, as adept at eating miles like a ground-bound business jet as it is at leaving smoldering apexes across the curviest of mountain passes. Perhaps no sports sedan yet has done so many things so well. Of course, based on our limited first impressions we can't say for sure yet. But you know what's coming. Oh, yes: a comparison test. Meantime, this much is certain: The new E63 AMG nails the Hammer to the wall.
| 2010 MERCEDES-BENZ E63 AMG |
| Base price | $85,000 (est) |
| Vehicle layout | Front-engine, RWD, 5-pass, 4-door sedan |
| Engine Engines | 6.2L/518-hp/465-lb-ft DOHC 32-valve V-8 |
| Transmission | 7-speed automatic |
| Curb weight | 4050 lb (mfr) |
| Wheelbase | 113.1 in |
| Length x width x height | 192.6 x 73.7 x 56.8 in |
| 0-62 mph | 4.5 sec (mfr) |
| EPA city/hwy fuel econ | 14/20 mpg (est) |
| CO2 emissions | 1.20 lb/mile (est) |
| On sale in U.S. | October 2009 |