Spy Video: Mercedes-AMG E63 T-Modell Looks Ready to Take on the RS6

At the rate Daimler is developing new AMG models, we feel like writing an e-mail to quattro GmbH titled "What's taking you so long?".

Following in the footsteps of the recently revealed E43 sedan and wagon, Mercedes will launch the E63. We know it will have a V8 engine and 4Matic AWD, but we can't confirm the displacement or power at the moment. Most sources, however, indicate that we will see a 605 PS version of the 4.0-liter engine used by the C63 and AMG GT.

After listening carefully to the engine note of both the E63 prototypes in this spy video, we feel like some of the magic of the old 6.2-liter engines has been lost. Even the E55 models sound a little better, but the era of naturally aspirated engines is almost over, at least of the European automakers.

The styling revisions are easy to spot, but they aren't radical. Compared to the E43, the E63 has a deeper grille with a chunkier wing in the middle. The side air intakes aren't that different, but a prominent chin spoiler defines the front better.

At the back, the E63 dawns much larger muffler trims and a diffuser in the middle. If we were to guess, we'd say that the models will not debut at the 2016 Paris Motor Show, but at the one in Detroit. That's also where BMW will show it's new 5 Series, possibly even the M5. So by this time next year, we could be looking at an all-out AWD luxury battle.

But after launching the RS6 performance, Audi is unlikely to make any alterations until the next generation arrives.