Frankfurt 2009: Mercedes-Benz Introduces E-Class Wagon

The new wagon will have air suspension with rear self-leveling. The E-Class wagon has a load capacity to 68.8 cubic feet.

In addition to the standard models, AMG will, as expected, offer its own version of the E-Class Wagon: the E63 AMG Estate. With a 6.2-liter V8 making 518hp and 465 ft-lbs of torque, the E63 Wagon will get you (and all of your stuff) where you have to go… fast. In fact, the E63 Estate takes just 4.6 seconds to hit 60 mph! And because if you bought a wagon you might actually care somewhat about practicality, Mercedes is pleased to announce that the new 2010 model is now 12 percent more fuel-efficient.

High-performance wagon with dream figures

Affalterbach — Pole position for the new E63 AMG wagon: The high-performance wagon’s engine delivers 518 hp, accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds and offers a maximum cargo space of 68 cu. ft. With these dream numbers, the new E63 AMG wagon represents an extraordinary combination of dynamic performance and great utility. The top-model of the E‑Class series not only features a unique design, but also the completely new AMG RIDE CONTROL sport chassis that includes electronically controlled damping and a new front axle. Finally, its unique combination of driver assistance systems raises the wagon to a new level of active and passive safety.

The E63 AMG wagon sets new standards in terms of maximum trunk space and the lowest possible fuel consumption. With a luggage compartment volume ranging from 24 to 68 cu. ft. and fuel consumption of 12.8 liters of super plus per 100 kilometres in the NEDC total, the new high-performance wagon from AMG is most definitely in pole position. No competitor can offer the model’s extraordinary combination of performance, utility and efficiency. Its AMG 6.3-liter V8 engine produces 518 hp of power output, yet despite this performance improvement, consumption has been reduced by nearly 12 per cent. This was made possible by an extensive range of efficiency enhancement measures, including a fuel supply that adjusts to the given driving situation, a generator management system with brake energy recovery during coasting and utilization of the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission. Instead of a conventional torque converter, the latter uses an oil-bath wet start-up clutch. Moreover, the consumption-optimized “Controlled Efficiency” driving program keeps engine speeds as low as possible by shifting to the next highest gear at the earliest possible time.

The new E63 AMG wagon is a fascinating vehicle for two completely different reasons: It offers the smooth ride of a long-distance business-class wagon model just as perfectly as it delivers the high-performance driving dynamics of a race car. The AMG high-rpm naturally aspirated engine with 6,208 cubic centimeters displacement and 465 lb-ft. of torque ensures agile responsiveness, powerful output and tremendous flexibility. With this high-performance engine, the E63 AMG wagon goes from zero to 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds, while its maximum speed is 155 mph (electronically limited). The “newly composed” V8 sound is a thrill across every mile driven, while the engine’s low-vibration operation provides for typical Mercedes comfort. In addition, a newly designed water cooling system ensures maximum durability even at high loads.

The AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission meets the most diverse requirements of any driver: Its four different driving programs — C (Controlled Efficiency), S (Sport), S+ (Sport plus) and M (Manual) — can be set via an electronic turn-switch on the AMG DRIVE UNIT. The consumption-optimized Controlled Efficiency program ensures especially smooth gear shifting, as the transmission control unit intentionally shifts to the next highest gear at the earliest possible opportunity in order to keep engine speed as low as possible.

The Sport Plus and Manual modes, on the other hand, enable the 7-speed sports transmission to shift gears in just 100 milliseconds. When gears are changed under full load, a partial cut-off of individual cylinders brought about by the short-term deactivation of cylinder firing and fuel injection results in significantly shorter shifting times. Rapid and spontaneous multiple gear downshifts ensure extreme agility, as do the double-declutching and RACE START functions. The latter enables E63 AMG drivers to automatically engage the vehicle’s maximum acceleration potential.

Driving dynamics and comfort — The E63 AMG wagon delivers both

Like the engine and power transmission, the all-new AMG RIDE sports chassis also provides for the highest degree of automobile individuality, as its exceptional driving dynamics and typical Mercedes long-distance capability blend into an optimal synthesis in the E63 AMG wagon. The front axle is equipped with new steel spring struts and the rear axle features special AMG air springs. The advantage of this solution is that the steel springs in the front make for a more sensitive response, while the automatic self-leveling rear suspension ensures that the rear air spring struts keeps the vehicle at a constant height, regardless of its payload.

There’s also a new electronically controlled damping system that automatically varies the damping behavior and reduces the roll angle of the bodyshell. The result is a lightning-fast transition from a high ride comfort mode to one that delivers the greatest possible agility. Drivers can also choose between the three chassis modes of Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus with just the push of a button. In addition, the E63 AMG wagon is equipped with a newly developed independent front axle with a 2.2-inch track width, a torsion stabilizer, new cross struts, new elastokinematics and new hub carriers for greater negative camber, thereby providing more grip when cornering at high speeds. This sophisticated axle design has already proved its worth in principle in the C63 AMG wagon. Meanwhile, greater stability in extreme situations is ensured by the rear axle, which also offers more negative camber through optimized elastokinematics and a new suspension subframe carrier.

New power steering system and individualized three-stage ESP®

A greater feeling of direct steering is provided by the newly developed rack-and-pinion power steering system with parameter functions. The steering ratio of 14:1 is 22 percent more direct than in the corresponding series production version, and the stiffer steering column and new aligned characteristic of the speed-dependent power steering support make for greater steering precision and better road contact.

The three-stage Electronic Stability Program ESP®, already known from the SL63 AMG and C63 AMG series, enables individualized settings, and thus significantly greater driving pleasure. Drivers can use the AMG DRIVE UNIT’s ESPÒswitch to select from the ESP ON, ESP SPORT and ESP OFF modes, whereby a central display on the instrument panel shows the currently activated mode. Perfect braking despite exceptionally dynamic handling is ensured by AMG’s high-performance braking system featuring 14.1-inch ventilated and perforated discs all round. The front axle uses especially durable, motor sport-proven compound technology. The reduced unsprung mass provides for even more agile handling, especially during fast highway cornering.

Optimal grip is guaranteed by 255/40 R 18 tires at the front and 285/35 R 18 tires at the rear. These are mounted on titanium grey, high-gloss 18-inch AMG five-spoke light-alloy wheels with a width of nine and 9.5 inches respectively. AMG 19-inch forged light-alloy wheels with 255/35 R 19 tires at the front and 285/30 R 19 tires at the rear are also available as an option.

AMG styling and wider front fenders

The newly developed front axle with a greater track width necessitated a 0.67-inch widening of the front fenders. The attractively designed “6.3 AMG” lettering integrated into the fenders indicates to those in the know just how exceptional this high-performance wagon is. AMG styling elements in the E63 AMG wagon also include a front apron with large air intake vents, side air outlets and the AMG-specific LED daytime driving lights. If the optional Intelligent Light System (ILS) is selected, the E63 AMG wagon will also be equipped with tinted headlamps. A distinctive appearance is further ensured by side skirts and the rear apron with a black insert. Both design elements blend together masterfully with the sweeping line over the rear wheel housing, which lend a clear contour to the muscular form of the rear wing. Standard appointments also include taillights and indicators that utilize exceptionally rapid LED technology. Finally, a lasting impression — both optically and acoustically — is made by the sports exhaust system with newly designed chrome-plated twin exhaust tailpipes.

Trunk offers maximum volume and a high degree of functionality

A 0.79-inch longer wheelbase provides not only for greater riding comfort in the E63 AMG wagon but also for more space and cargo volume than was the case with the predecessor model. With a volume between 24.5 and 68.8 liters, the luggage area has not only been expanded but is also way ahead of the competition in terms of the most important cargo space dimensions and cargo volume measurements. Its high degree of functionality also opens up numerous possibilities for transporting sporting equipment, luggage or furniture.

The standard equipment of the E63 AMG wagon includes major components from the EASY-PACK system, including the folding load compartment floor with two loading levels and folding box, the luggage compartment cover, the Quickfold system for convenient folding down of the rear seat backs with their 1/3 : 2/3 division and the electric EASY-PACK tailgate.

Sporty and comfortable interior

The newly designed interior of the high-performance wagon car offers a fascinating combination of high-quality materials and functional sportiness. Exclusive equipment features include independent, electrically adjustable sport seats with optimized side support and a sport steering wheel in four-spoke design with integrated aluminum gearshift paddles. The AMG DRIVE UNIT allows drivers to program the MCT sport transmission, the 3-stage Electronic Stability Program ESP®, the suspension setup and the AMG Program. New to the DRIVE UNIT is the E-SELECT selector lever in the center console, which enables the driver to rapidly switch between R, N and D at a touch using the drive-by-wire system, while the push of just one button is all it takes to put the vehicle into Park and activate the parking lock. Also standard in the interior are exquisite leather upholstery in three different color tones, an instrument cluster featuring the AMG main menu, door entry sills adorned with AMG lettering and sport pedals, both of which are made of brushed stainless steel.

A whole new level of active and passive safety

Like the E63 AMG sedan, the new wagon from AMG also meets the highest expectations with regard to passive and active safety. Standard appointments include the new drowsiness detection system known as ATTENTION ASSIST and the unique preventive occupant protection system PRE-SAFEÒ. Safety features can also be further enhanced to unprecedented levels in this vehicle class through the optional addition of the lane-keeping and blind spot assistant, the PRE-SAFE® BrakeÒwith an automatic emergency braking function, the adaptive high-beam assist system, and Night View Assist PLUS.

The new E63 AMG wagon will celebrate its market launch in Europe in February 2010.