Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG revised with even more power

The final Mercedes-Benz E-Class facelift unveil was most definitely worth waiting for. The E63 AMG gets the improved front-end styling and is now available as an S version which boost power to 585PS. The standard 557PS model is still offered. UK launch date will be April 2013 at a baseline price of around £80,000.

The cosmetic changes that mark the 2013 E-Class have already been shown on the saloon, coupe and convertible versions, but what sets apart the E63 AMG is the new - and aggressive looking - front bumper. The single-lens LED headlights, LED rear lamp clusters and re-profiled flanks are all 2013 features, which give the popular mid-line Mercedes-Benz much more visual appeal than before.

The E63 AMG is set apart from its lesser counterparts by its contrast-colour alloy wheels, re-profiled side skirts and quad exhaust pipes bracketed by the large diffuser panel. The interior gets an AMG steering wheel, alloy pedals, heavily profiled front seats and constrasting stitching. It remains a very special place to sit.

A seven-speed four-mode dual-clutch paddle-shift gearbox is standard, as is adaptive suspension. The headline performance figures for the S are 0-62mph in 3.6 seconds and a limited maximum speed of 155mph - which makes the E63 AMG the quickest acceleating of all the super five-seaters such as the BMW M5, Audi RS6 and Jaguar XFR-S. The standard E63 AMG reaches the same benchmark in a claimed 4.2 seconds.

Fuel consumption figures are 28.8mpg (27.4mpg for the S saloon, 26.9mpg for the S estate) with emissions of  230-246g/km of CO2.