The
E63 AMG was the refreshed high-performance model of the W211, replacing the E55 AMG. Besides the Saloon, it was also offered in the Estate body style to compete with the new wagon versions of the
BMW M5(E61) and
Audi RS6 (C6), though those two high-performance wagons were never sold in North America.
This engine had a high-pressure die-cast alloy cylinder block with twin-wire arc spray coated running surfaces. Compression ratio is 11.3:1. According to many auto journalists, the E63 AMG was one of the quickest production sports sedans in the world.
[18] Both the sedan (saloon) and wagon had a 0-60 mph (96 km/h) acceleration time of 4.4 seconds. Compared to the previous E55 AMG, the E63 AMG had more horsepower but less torque, enabling it to be mated to the newer
7G-Tronic automatic transmission, making it quicker than the E55 AMG.
While the E55 AMG and E550 had the standard Mercedes
Airmatic DC suspension with
adaptive damping, the E63 AMG had the AMG-tuned Airmatic suspension which with the
stability control turned off gave it far better driving dynamics than its predecessors.
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The AMG Performance package P030 added
electronic speed limiter deletion,
limited-slip rear differential,
alcantara sports steering wheel, stiffer valving Airmatic suspension over the standard AMG tuned Airmatic, AMG 18 in (457 mm) 5-spoke multi-piece wheels, and optional AMG carbon fibre trim.
[20]
