The first performance version of the all-new E-Class is labeled E 43 4Matic
Developed by Mercedes-AMG, the E 43 4Matic will later be followed by a full-blown, V8-powered AMG version likely to be called E 63. Until then, the E 43 4Matic will assume the role of the most powerful E-Class, with 401 PS (396 hp) from a 3.0-liter V6 biturbo engine.
Going on sale in September 2016, the Mercedes-AMG E 43 4Matic has rear-biased torque distribution with a front-to-rear ratio of 31:69 percent. The engine is mated to a 9G-Tronic automatic transmission with shorter shift times and the car rides on a retuned sports suspension based on the Air Body Control air suspension. Compared to the standard E-Class, the driving experience is also enhanced by a more direct steering ratio as well as a larger braking system with ventilated brake discs.
The engine benefits from a power boost of 34 PS compared to the C 43 Coupé thanks to two larger turbochargers, a higher charge-air pressure of 1.1 bar and software upgrades. The engine delivers a peak torque of 520 Nm at 2,500 rpm, allowing the E 43 4Matic to go from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds and reach an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h.
Despite the performance upgrades, the E 43 keeps a low profile from a design point of view, presumably to leave room for the more hardcore E 63. However, it's recognizable as a member of the AMG family thanks to a more aggressive body kit, a diamond grille with chromed pins, high-gloss black trim, AMG lettering, 19-inch AMG five-spoke alloy wheels, chrome-plated quad exhaust tailpipes, and a spoiler lip on the boot lid.
Inside, the E 43 4Matic conveys a sporty feel thanks to details such as the sports seats with improved lateral support, red seat belts and red topstitching, perforated aluminum pedals, black roof lining, flat-bottomed multifunction sports steering wheel, and an AMG instrument cluster, among other things.
The 2017 Mercedes-AMG E 43 4Matic will have its world debut at the New York Auto Show in March 2016 and will go on sale on June 20 in Europe, with the first deliveries scheduled for September 2016. In the U.S., the E 43 won't go on sale before early 2017.