New Mercedes-AMG E63 To Debut With Nine-Speed Auto ‘Box

Mercedes-AMG has big plans and high hopes for the next-generation E63. As a matter of fact, while speaking with Car&Driver, the company’s chief executive Tobias Moers revealed that the new E63 “will make the biggest leap ever”.

Arguably the most important technical development of the new Mercedes-AMG E63 will be its transmission. While the current car makes do with a seven-speed transmission, the new E63 will actually utilise a nine-speed gearbox.

Mercedes-Benz currently offers this transmission across its range but as of yet, it hasn’t been made available on an AMG branded models. With the new E63, that will change with the automaker’s performance division set to upgrade and strengthen it for the new E63.

Additionally, Moers confirmed that the 2017 E63 will also make use of the advanced electronically controlled rear differential currently used exclusively by the C63 S Coupe.

Beneath the skin, the new E63 will likely ditch the current model’s twin-turbocharged 5.5-litre V8 in favor of AMG’s latest 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 first used in the AMG GT/GT S and most recently, the upgraded C63 range. It should be offered in both AMG and AMG S states of tune for the new E63 with the latter range-topping model pushing out around 600 hp, possibly slightly more. Additionally, the new E63 will be offered in rear-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations.

As with other W213 E-Series models, the E63 will be lighter than the outgoing model thanks to its extensive use of aluminium. The regular E-Class will be unveiled in Detroit.