2014 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG is a 4Matic!

There is good news and there is bad news: the 2014 E63 AMG is going to have permanent all-wheel drive. That is both kinds of news, isn't it? 

As always, there will be both sedan and estate variants, and the 5.5-litre V8 will produce 550PS and 720Nm. The 4Matic is biased 33/67 front to rear, so it will retain all its rear-drive balance with better grip in adverse situations. The AWD adds a mere 70kg to the kerb weight, so in all, it's a good thing.

The standard version (yes, there's a quicker one, too, we'll come to it, er, quickly) gets to 100kph in 3.6 seconds. The S-Model shaves a tenth of a second off that time. Top speed is electronically limited to 250kph or 300kph, if you get the AMG Performance Package. All models get AMG adaptive sports suspension, which has air springs at the rear, and an electronically controlled damping and Torque Vectoring Brake system. The S-Model also gets a limited-slip diff. 

You also get all-LED headlamps and 10-spoke 19-inch titanium gray alloy wheels. The S-Model gets high-sheen rim flanges as well as red brake callipers, high-gloss treatment on the A-wing and an 'S' badge on the boot. On the inside is the usual black interior with gray stitching, silver seat belts, with Nappa leather and alcantara making appearances as well. The icing on the cake is the 1200 Watt, 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system. 

There is no word yet on when the new E63 will be available in India, but more details on the car will be revealed at the Detroit auto show this month - we'll be updating you when that happens.