autoevolution
 

2018 Mercedes-AMG E63 Going All-Wheel-Drive with Drift Mode, AMG Boss Confirms

It's difficult to forget the enthusiasm we experienced a few years ago, when we learned the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG facelift would bring the 4Matic option. And while Affalterbach has confirmed the 2018 Mercedes-AMG E63 would only come in AWD form, occasional drifters shouldn't fret - the uber-sedan will have a drift mode.
2018 Mercedes-AMG E63 spied on Nurburgring 11 photos
Photo: YouTube screenshot
2017 Mercedes-AMG E63 (W213)2017 Mercedes-AMG E63 (W213)2017 Mercedes-AMG E63 (W213)2017 Mercedes-AMG E63 (W213)2017 Mercedes-AMG E63 (W213)2017 Mercedes-AMG E63 (W213)2017 Mercedes-AMG E63 (W213)2017 Mercedes-AMG E63 (W213)2017 Mercedes-AMG E63 (W213)2017 Mercedes-AMG E63 (W213)
When describing the almost-ready E63, AMG boss Tobias Moers told autocar that the four-door "is four-wheel drive and we’re going to have a Drift Mode,"

For instance, when we drove the Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG 4Matic, we came across an overly conservative torque split, meant to clearly differentiate the vehicle from its rear-wheel-drive sibling.

This won't be the case with the W213, though. The all-wheel-drive will be a rear-biased application, with the hardware being able to send 100 percent of the power to the rear axle.

The Drift Mode will see the electronics sending most of the torque to the rear axle. And while the name might bring the 2016 Ford Focus RS to mind, don't let the common name trick you into believing the connection goes deeper than that. For one thing, the RS might have cool sliding skills for a hot hatch, but we expect a much more tail-happy setup from the AMG speed behemoth.

As for where the motivation will come from, the Benz will adopt the twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 powerplant. In "standard" trim, the unit will deliver 571 PS (563 hp) and 750 Nm (553.2 lb-ft) of twist, while the range-topping E63 S will jump to 612 PS (604 hp) and 850 Nm (627 lb-ft) of torque.

The 2018 Mercedes-AMG E63 should make its public debut at the Detroit Motor Show in January, but, if you don't want to wait that much, here'a video showing the Affalterbach machine and its future F90 BMW M5 archenemy already duking it out on the Nurburgring. And yes, the Bimmer should also arive in AWD-only form.

P.S.: We just can't wait to see the 2018 Mercedes-AMG E63 Wagon pulling some delicious slip angles.
If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
About the author: Andrei Tutu
Andrei Tutu profile photo

In his quest to bring you the most impressive automotive creations, Andrei relies on learning as a superpower. There's quite a bit of room in the garage that is this aficionado's heart, so factory-condition classics and widebody contraptions with turbos poking through the hood can peacefully coexist.
Full profile

 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories