The Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG now features the new M 157 5.5-liter V8 biturbo engine (earlier post). This unit, also applied in the CLS 63 AMG, delivers an output of 386 kW (525 hp) to 410 kW (557 hp), along with a 22% reduction in fuel consumption to 9.8 L/100 km (24 mpg US) (NEDC combined) compared to its predecessor with the AMG 6.3-liter V8 naturally aspirated engine.
The newly developed electromechanical AMG speed-sensitive sports steering system makes a contribution to the fuel savings, as it only draws power when the vehicle is actually being steered.
In addition to spray-guided direct gasoline injection with piezo injectors, the engine features include a full aluminium crankcase, four-valve technology with camshaft adjustment, air/water intercooling, generator management and a stop/start system. With a displacement of 5461 cc, the eight-cylinder engine develops torque of 700 N&iddot;m (516 lb-ft).
The AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission also contributes to the reduction in fuel consumption. In place of a conventional torque converter, this uses a compact wet start-up clutch. The E 63 AMG also features a stop/start function as standard: this is active in the Controlled Efficiency (“C”) transmission mode and switches the eight-cylinder engine off when the vehicle comes to a standstill. The stop/start function can be activated or deactivated using the ECO button on the centre console.
When in transmission mode C, the vehicle will always start up in second gear. The system will also change gears noticeably early and avoid high engine speeds. Demand-driven delivery of fuel and a generator management system with braking energy recuperation during deceleration add further to the economic use of fuel.