Following the introduction of its 10th-generation E-Class last year, Mercedes-Benz is continuing the mid-size model's roll out for 2018 with the addition of the AMG E 63+ performance flagship and some new standard and optional features for the returning E 300, E 400 and E 43 variants.
Without a doubt, the E 63+ is the big news here with a 4.0L turbocharged V8 that makes 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque and comes coupled to a new nine-speed transmission. Those are all notable numbers: the last E 63 used a larger 5.5L turbo V8 that was good for "just" 577 hp and 590 lb-ft and came with a seven-speed automatic.
The extra power is enough to cut 0.2 seconds from the car's 0-100 km/h acceleration time for a 3.4-second sprint. Station wagon fanatics will be pleased to know the new E 63 comes in both wagon and sedan body styles.
Other updates include the addition of a standard backup camera to the E 300 sedan, a feature that every new car sold in Canada will require as of May of 2018. Both E 300 (sedan) and E400 (sedan and wagon) get new dark ash wood console trim and upgraded ambient lighting and see multicontour front seats removed from the exclusive option package to become a stand-alone extra. Further, the E 400 gets an 80-litre gas tank in place of last year's 66-litre reservoir.
Finally, the E 43 sedan gains the same improved interior ambient lighting and also gets a standard parking package and a piano black centre console.
With the addition of the E63, the E-Class now offers four distinct powertrains, starting with the E 300's 2.0L turbo four-cylinder and its 241 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. The E 400 replaces that with a turbo 3.0L V6 good for 329 hp and 354 lb-ft; that engine also serves the E 43 but in a more aggressive tuning that cranks out 396 hp and 384 lb-ft. Atop the range is the aforementioned E 63 and its turbo V8.
All models use a nine-speed automatic transmission and Mercedes's 4Matic AWD system.
The E 300's standard equipment includes 18-inch wheels, power-folding side mirrors, sunroof, 12.3-inch infotainment display with navigation and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, artificial leather upholstery, automatic climate control, blind spot assist, automatic headlights and rain-sensing wipers.
Options include passive keyless entry, heated steering wheel, all-digital gauge cluster, head-up display, 360-degree camera, LED headlights and the intelligent drive package, which bundles Benz's active safety features.
E 400 models add real leather seating and a power tailgate and rear-facing third-row bench seat for the station wagon.
E 43 trim brings LED headlights, leather dashboard, digital gauge cluster and a panoramic sunroof.
The E 63's focus is on performance with items like bigger brakes, air suspension, electronic limited slip differential, 20-inch wheels and a special version of the 4Matic system with a drift mode. But this flagship model also comes with Nappa leather seating and dash trim and a 13-speaker sound system backed up by a 590-watt amplifier.
Fuel consumption figures are 10.8/8.1 L/100 km (city/highway) for the E 300, 11.8/8.6 and 12.4/9.3 for E 400 sedan and wagon respectively, 12.4/9.4 for the E 43 sedan and 15.5/10.6 for the E 63 sedan and wagon.
