MotorAuthority

Spy shots: Mika Häkkinen & Klaus Ludwig testing Mercedes’ 2010 E63 AMG

Posted Tue Sep 9 2008 6:59 PM by Ralph Hanson

Mercedes’ next-generation E-class has again been spotted in testing and this time we have none other than former McLaren F1 ace Mika Häkkinen behind the wheel. Sitting co-pilot is long time Mercedes tester and race driver Klaus Ludwig. The depicted model is in fact the high-performance AMG E63, given away by the exposed rear bumper with quad tailpipes and uprated perforated brake discs with oversized calipers.

Just as Mercedes did with the recently revealed SL facelift range, the new AMG version of the E-Class should be launched alongside the regular sedan at next year’s Geneva Motor Show in March. Despite current concerns about global warming and a possible end to the horsepower war between Germany’s in-house tuners, the new E63 will continue with the potent hand-built 6.2L V8, although the rest of the car’s mechanical package is expected to have been given a major makeover.

Variations of the engine will develop upwards of 670hp in cars like the SL63 Black Series and SLC supercar but for the new E63 power levels will likely be restricted to around 550hp to keep it in line with rivals such as the 580hp Audi RS6. Engineers will be focusing more on improve handling and chassis strength, borrowing a number of features from the new C63 AMG.

The new E63 is tipped to receive a widened front track and unique steering ratio compared to the regular E-Class as well as a MacPherson strut and multi-link active suspension. The car will also be distinguished from its more regular stablemates by aggressive front and rear bumpers, forged alloy wheels and a set of sporty side sills.

2010 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG spy shots with Mika Häkkinen & Klaus Ludwig

2010 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG spy shots

2010 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG rendering

2010 Mercedes E-class renderings

story Tags:

• Mercedes Benz
• Sedans
• Spy shots

Reader Comments

• Thu May 8 2008 11:24 AM

  ally says

  it looks better than the current one to me....but for sum reason i like the audi a6 and bmw 5 series more...

• Thu May 8 2008 11:47 AM

  Jerd says

  I think the styling is very sad :( Its a shame that marcedes has started designing cars that look like Lexuses when barely 10years ago it was the other way around. I love the new S-class and C-class. They epitomize Mercedes in every way. This E-class, however, may as well have a Lexus badge on the front. Don't get me wrong, as a machine, it WILL be a masterpiece and a leader in its class............ but thats all..............

• Mon Jun 2 2008 7:47 AM

  Alan says

  European copying japanese styling seems ironic but this is not the first time. I think Jagaur's XF really reminds me of Lexus GS. I have seen the XF on the street, and in real life i still get the same feeling when i see one, GS just comes to my mind instantly

• Mon Jun 2 2008 11:19 AM

  nigel says

  oh~~~s***! what's wrong with the mb desingers?? copy lexus Gs ?
  I like its look,,and I appreciate its power and so called MB, but, is there sth wrong?

• Mon Jun 2 2008 4:35 PM

  Christian says

  But when has the e class really been a good looking vehicle, its an old mans car. i could way rather take the cls.

• Tue Sep 9 2008 11:36 PM

  designer says

  get rid of those lights they look to squarish give it the sl light desgin

• Wed Sep 10 2008 12:31 PM

  Fred says

  I have to agree with you all, there are too many add ons.scoops, flares and what ever from what is basically a nice shape. Smooth it out more like Audi.