Mercedes-AMG E43 4MATIC (W213)

2017 Mercedes-AMG E43 4MATIC Estate

2017 Mercedes-AMG E43 4MATIC

Car enthusiasts can't hardly wait to get their hands on AMG versions of the latest W213 E-Class but hold it right there. Before you can get your hands on the more powerful E63 AMG, which now comes with the similar 4.0L V8 BiTurbo engine as seen on the more powerful AMG GT R, you need to get to know about the AMG version of the new E-Class in the form of the first-ever E43 4MATIC.

Since the SLC43, AMG threw a curve to the world by introducing the 43 moniker, which is a sacrilegious part of their all-out war to ensure that all AMG models are turbocharged, which is a positive and negative thing for the high-performance division of Mercedes-Benz. The truth is those cars bearing the 43 moniker are consider to be half-blown AMGs, an entry point for performance car enthusiasts to enter the world of AMG without the hassle of risking their tootie-booties on the road and track. The new E43 is considered as Stage 1 of an AMG-powered E-Class before the more powerful E63 AMG arrives later on. Available in both saloon and estate variants, the E43 is powered by the 3.0L V6 twin turbo engine producing 367PS of power and 520Nm of torque while mated to a 9G-TRONIC gearbox. It can get through 0 to 100kph in 4.6 seconds and electronically limited to 250kph.

As an AMG, the E43 comes with a dedicated sports suspension based on AIR BODY CONTROL for better dynamics as well as the AMG Performance 4Matic system, resulting to a much milder dynamics that won't cause a scorched earth policy on your tootie-booties, although its your arms that feeling the policy because of its grippy characteristics. It can be fun to drive on the track but it's very mild and menacing to throw through the curve and yes, you get some understeering. What this car needs is some patience and with enough patience, you can be sure that you'll be able to uncover the hidden potential of these cars before you can graduate yourselves to the more powerful E63, which is available sadly on a saloon basis. Sorry.

Anyway, the new Mercedes-AMG E43 starts at 75,089 Euros for the saloon and 77,856 Euros for the estate. Sounds very expensive but they are the starting points to understand an AMG-fied W213 E-Class before graduating to the E63. Enjoy your maiden voyage on those!

Photo: Daimler AG