Mercedes-Benz E43 AMG to debut at New York Auto Show

Mercedes-Benz has revealed the first performance version of the new generation E-Class, ahead of its New York debut. The E43 AMG sedan with a turbocharged V6 engine and 4MATIC all-wheel drive should also be launched in India by the end of this year.

The performance version of the E-Class, builds on Merc’s new design philosophy, with aggressive looks and aero package. At the front, the sedan gets three additional air intakes to assist with additional cooling required by the larger turbochargers.  It also ditches the regular grille for the diamond grille with a single horizontal chrome stripe. It rides on the 19-inch AMG alloy wheels painted in gloss black. The rear can be distinguished from the standard E-Class by the silver diffuser, boot lip spoiler and the quad-exhaust.

It is the 3.0-litre petrol engine from the C43 AMG, but the power has increased by 34bhp with the larger turbocharger. The E43 AMG makes 396bhp and 520Nm, delivered to all-four wheels with the 4MATIC system and the 9-speed gearbox. It is has a strong 31:69 rear bias and a claimed 0 to 100kmph time of 4.5 seconds.

The interior, like AMGs, has sporty detailing. It has racing bucket seats at the front, complete with Artico leather and red coloured seat belts. The instrument cluster has been redesigned to give a sporty feel and has a racetimer and 280kmph scale in chequered-flag design.

Mercedes-Benz will showcase the new car in New York in April, followed by the global launch in September. As for India plans, we will first get the standard E-Class by mid-2016, followed by the launch of this AMG version as a CBU.