Official: 401 hp Mercedes-AMG E 43 4Matic unveiled

On the way to the future E 63 AMG, Mercedes has introduced the new Mercedes-AMG E 43 4Matic, which will be available from September 2016.

As we already wrote, the AMG Sport Line has created some confusion and it seems that Mercedes gave up this “intermediate” line between standard models and pure AMG models.

After C 450 AMG Sport Line saloon and estate versions, Mercedes has launched at Geneva Motorshow C 43 AMG Coupe and Cabriolet. This is a clear prove that Mercedes has decided to maintain only pure AMG models.

Mercedes announced now the first AMG version based on the new E-Class. The new Mercedes E 43 AMG 4Matic is powered by an upgraded six cylinder engine. The new engine has an increased output with 34 HP to 401 HP with the aid of two larger turbochargers and a higher charge-air pressure of 1.1 bar. The ample peak torque of 520 Nm is available from a low engine speed of 2,500 rpm.

With the upgraded engine, E 43 AMG 4Matic reaches 100 km/h from stand still in 4.6 seconds while the top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h.

As in all AMG Sport Line models, the receipt is the same and features 4Matic four wheel drive and 9G-Tronic automatic transmission as standard. The 4Matic features rear-biased torque distribution with a front/rear axles split of 31 to 69 percent.

AMG engineers have adapted a sports suspension based on the Air Body Control multi-chamber air suspension system. The Adaptive Damping system offers a choice of three modes – Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus.

The 9G-Tronic 9 speed transmission was also modified by AMG engineers and has a dedicated software application with reduced shift times. The driver can choose four transmission modes: Eco, Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus. A separate Manual mode can be selected using a separate button in the centre console.

From the Dynamic Select selector, the driver has the option for a fifth mode Individual, in which he can tailor the characteristics of the engine, transmission, suspension and steering.

The interior design features the specific AMG touch with sports seats dressed in artificial leather Artico/Dinamica microfibre in black (nappa leather is optional) with red topstitching.The door centre panels and the dashboard are finished also in Artico artificial leather with red topstitching.

Exclusive pedals, a black roof lining and red seat belts add further sporty highlights. The multifunction sports steering wheel in black nappa leather with red contrasting topstitching and featuring a flattened bottom section is ideally suited to an emphatic driving style. The AMG instrument cluster delivers all relevant information in a clearly arranged layout optimised for a dynamic driving style. Two tube-style round dials, the 4.5 multifunction colour display, the Racetimer and the 280 km/h scale in chequered-flag design conjure up a sports car feel.