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What is it? With a 518-horsepower V8 engine matched with a seven speed automated manual transmission, Mercedes-Benz claims the E63 sport sedan will deliver true sports car performance and handling, acceleration from 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds, and 12 percent better fuel economy than its predecessor. A host of electronic aids include an electronically adjustable suspension with a choice of three settings that the automaker says will transform the E63's dynamics from a race car to a sedate business sedan with the push of a button. The luxuriously appointed interior includes unique AMG sport seats. Wider fenders, side skirts, and other exterior styling cues distinguish the AMG from other E-Class models.
What is new or notable? The seven-speed automatic transmission features four modes ranging from maximum fuel efficiency to a manual control through paddle shifters.
CR's take: Mercedes bread-and-butter sedan seemed to age just fine, but it's time for a redesign. Now it follows Mercedes recent styling trends, inside and out. As before, it spans a wide range of engines, from a four-cylinder diesel fuel economy champ sold overseas (a possibility for US sale) to a screaming V8 in AMG models. Shown here, a new coupe version takes over the role played by the C-Class based CLK.
When will it be available? November 2009
Consumer Reports New cars: A to Z
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