The E-Class Gets the AMG 43 Treatment

Mercedes-AMG E43 (Credit: © Mercedes-AMG)

Mercedes has been rolling out a new line of AMG models to sit just below the 63 models. First, we saw the C43 model ad today we get our first glimpse at the new E43 sedan. This performance-oriented rig takes all that makes the E63 awesome but adds a slightly less powerful engine that delivers better fuel economy and a lower price.

It is clear that this is no typical E-Class as you approach it. Up front, it gains a new front apron with three wide air intakes, two cross fins on the outermost intakes, a new diamond grille with chromed pins, and high-gloss-black louvers. Also setting this rig apart are its 19-inch AMG five-spoke wheels in high-gloss black, chrome-plated exhaust exits, a silver chrome rear diffuser, and a body-color rear spoiler.

Mercedes-AMG E43 (Credit: © Mercedes-AMG)

As with all AMG models, the sportiness continues on the inside. The E43’s cabin features grippy sport seats and door panels wrapped in a combination of MB-Tex and DINAMICA with red contrast stitching, exclusive pedals, a black headliner, red seatbelts, a multifunction sports steering wheel wrapped in black Nappa leather, and AMG gauges. As options, buyers can add a full Nappa leather interior and a 12.3-inch LCD instrument cluster.

The aggressive looks are great, but where the E43 really earns its stripes is under the hood. Here, the fast E-Class features a 3.0-liter biturbo V-6 engine that punches out 396 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. This potent V-6 mates with a fast-shifting nine-speed auto transmission that features double declutching in “Sport” and “Sport Plus” models. In “Eco” and “Comfort” modes, shifts come earlier and smoother, while “Manual” mode allows the driver to row their own with the shift paddles.

Once the transmission has done its work, the power heads to all four wheels by way of Mercedes’ 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system. This system delivers 69 percent of the engine’s power to the rear wheels in its standard setup, delivering the sportier feel of a rear-wheel-drive car.

Mercedes-AMG E43 (Credit: © Mercedes-AMG)

All of these high-tech powertrain goodies amount to this 4,145-pound sedan hitting 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds and topping out at an electronically limited 155 mph. This makes the E43 a full second slower to 60 mph when compared to its big bro, the E63 S, but 1.1 seconds quicker than the E400 4MATIC, giving buyers the perfect middleground model.

AMG models are about more than just straight-line speed and sexy looks; they are also about deceptive agility. The E43 lives up to this with its AMG AIRMATIC Adaptive Sport Suspension that has three modes to choose from “Comfort,” “Sport,” or “Sport Plus.” The “Comfort” mode likely delivers the ride that buyers expect from a Mercedes, which “Sport” and “Sport Plus” are likely far stiffer. This system combines with a speed-sensitive sports steering system to deliver great control for such a heavy car.

Mercedes will show off the E43 at the New York Auto Show this month and it plans to get the E43 into showrooms in early 2017. Pricing will come at a later date.