Mercedes-AMG E43 4Matic revealed at New York motor show

As on the C43 Coupe 4Matic and C43 Convertible 4Matic revealed at the Geneva motor show earlier this month, the E43 4Matic channels its reserves through a standard nine-speed automatic gearbox with a column mounted shift lever and a specially developed version of Mercedes-Benz’s 4Matic four-wheel drive system with a nominal 31:69 front-to-rear drive split.

The gearbox has been given AMG-specific software mapping, providing it with a claimed reduction in shift time over the standard unit used by other new E-Class models, as well as the ability to hold gears at the redline rather than shifting up. It also provides a multiple downshifting and a double declutching function in Sport and Sport Plus modes – two of a total of six modes that also include Eco, Comfort, Individual and Manual.

Official performance claims put the E43 4Matic’s 0-62mph time at 4.6sec – the same figure Audi quotes for the S6. As with its closest four-door rival, top speed is limited to 155mph. The official combined cycle fuel consumption is 34.0mpg and average CO2 emissions are 189g/km.

The E43 4Matic is underpinned by a re-tuned version of the new E-Class’s Air Body Control suspension. It uses multi-chamber air springs that provide adaptive damping properties in three modes: Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus. Among the changes to the standard geometry are new steering knuckles and load bearing joints for the four-link front suspension, greater negative camber on both the front and rear wheels and stiffer spring and damper rates.

The variable ratio electro-mechanical steering system has also been retuned and, in combination with the adaptive damping, it offers the choice of two modes: Comfort and Sport.  

Reining in the added performance potential brought on by the new engine is an upgraded brake package featuring 360mm steel discs with four-pot calipers up front and similar dimensioned 360mm steel discs with single pot calipers at the rear.

An AMG styling package helps to distinguish the E43 4Matic from other new E-Class models. Included in the visual makeover is a more heavily structured front bumper with larger air ducts, a diamond themed grille insert, wider sills, a revised rear bumper with integrated diffuser element and quad trapezoidal shaped tail pipes and standard 19-inch wheels.

Inside, the initial range topping E-Class model has sports seats, a flat bottom multi-function steering wheel and AMG-specific instruments.

Together with the saloon variant of the E43, AMG also plans an estate of its latest V6-powered model. Pricing is yet to be announced, though officials suggest the new four-door will pitch in above £50,000.