2006 Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG Photos, engines & full specs

Fighting against its main rival, the E60 M5 from BMW, Mercedes-Benz noticed that its E 55 was outnumbered in terms of power, so it decided to change that and unleashed the E63 AMG.

When Mercedes-Benz introduced the facelift for the E-Class' third generation, known as the W211, it dropped the former E 55 AMG model in favor of the larger E 63 AMG. Thus, even though the new model came without a supercharger, it offered a higher power and two more gears for the automatic transmission. Now it could better compete head-to-head with the V10-powered M5 and was even quicker than some supercars. Last but not least, the sound of its naturally-aspirated V8 thrilled its owners and bystanders.

With a revised front fascia that featured a new A-shaped grille in the lower bumper, and four horizontal slats instead of five on the grille, the 2006 E63 AMG was the new big thing in the sports sedan market. On the sides, the automaker installed standard 18" light-alloy wheels with a unique five-spoke design. At the back, the redesigned taillights featured a single, taller, reversing lamp instead of the V-shaped one from its predecessor. To complete the sporty image of the vehicle, AMG also added a lip spoiler on the trunk and four oval-shaped exhausts under the rear bumper.

Inside there were no significant differences compared to the rest of the E-Class range. It sported new dials with a black background inside the dashboard and a new steering wheel. In addition, the AMG version featured aluminum pedals. As an option, the car manufacturer offered an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel and carbon-fiber trims instead of wood grains.

The engine was a naturally aspirated V8 with a 6.2-liter displacement. The 63 number didn't come from the displacement. It came from the torque, expressed in Newton-meters: 631 (465 lb-ft). It was mated as standard to a 7G-Tronic gearbox.