2018 Mercedes-AMG E63 Offers 603 Horsepower and A Drift Mode

Let's talk about the most important detail first, the engine. The E63 uses a twin-turbo 4.0L V8 paired with nine-speed AMG Speedshift multi-clutch transmission. Like the previous model, the E63 will come in two models - E63 and E63S - which will offer different tunes of the V8.

• E63: 563 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque
• E63S: 603 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque

Power will be routed though a special version of Mercedes' all-wheel drive system known as 4Matic+ that can vary torque distribution.

Performance figures for the E63 and E63S are as followed,

• E63: 3.4 seconds to hit 60 mph, a limited top speed of 155 mph
• E63S: 3.3 seconds to hit 60 mph, a limited top speed of 186 mph

What about this drift mode?

As we reported earlier this month, Mercedes will be introducing a drift model. This mode will send 100 percent of power to the rear wheels. To activate this mode, you'll need to do a few steps,

• Activate Race Mode
• Put the transmission into manual mode
• Turn off stability control

This mode will come standard on the E63S and optional on the E63.

Anything else that I should know about?

The E63 gets the usual changes for the chassis such as retuned air suspension, electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential, dynamic engine mounts, and larger brakes. A set of Carbon-Ceramic brakes are available as an option.

Mercedes will be debuting the E63 at the LA Auto Show next month, with sales beginning next summer for the U.S.

Pic Credit: Mercedes-Benz