2017 Mercedes-AMG E43 REVIEW | Is the E63 AMG’s little brother the real deal?
WHAT'S IN A NAME? PLENTY IN THE CASE OF THE NEW MERCEDES-AMG E43 TESTED HERE IN ITS NATIVE GERMANY AND DUE IN AUSTRALIA BY DECEMBER 2016.
The E 43 is a new Mercedes-Benz E-Class debutant, replacing the previous E500 that packed a 300kW 5.5-litre turbo V8 engine but lacked an AMG badge. This freshly platformed new model makes 295kW from a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6, although torque of 520Nm is down from the previous 600Nm figure.
AMG is Benz’s performance division, and until now it has only tinkered with the flagship E-Class, the $200K-plus E63. The E43 is expected to be priced from about $160K, or around the same price as the one-size-smaller V8-engined C63, all in an attempt to offer buyers a choice of two distinctly different AMG models.
So, the E43 is being marketed as larger and more luxurious, with a less aggressive sporting attitude. Let’s put that newfound AMG pitch to the test…
Vehicle Style: Sports sedan
Price: $160,000 (estimated)
Engine/trans: 295kW/520Nm 3.0 V6 twin-turbo petrol | 9spd automatic
Fuel Economy Claimed: 8.3 l/100km | Tested: 12.3 l/100km
OVERVIEW
On the outside the latest E-Class looks like a supersized C-Class, which leaves it appearing derivative but also handsome. The E 43 gets unique ‘floating diamond’ grille inserts, an aerodynamic front bumper, sizeable 20-inch alloy wheels, a subtle rear lip spoiler and quad sports exhausts. Plus an AMG badge, of course.
AMG has re-engineered the front suspension with unique components specifically for the E43, while the air suspension standard in other E-Classes scores a trio of unique settings too. Likewise, the nine-speed automatic and stability control program both boast specific AMG software in an attempt to deliver a more sporting drive.