2017 Mercedes-AMG E43 introduced ahead of New York debut

Mercedes-AMG has unveiled its first high-performance variant of the W213 E-Class, wearing the recently introduced “E43” moniker.

Sitting between the run-of-the-mill E-Class range and the upcoming full-fat Mercedes-AMG E63, the new E43 comes standard with a rear-biased (31:69) all-wheel drive 4MATIC system and a 291kW biturbo 3.0-litre V6 engine.

With a healthy 520Nm of torque peaking from 2,500rpm, Mercedes-AMG claims the E43 will rush from 0-100km/h in 4.6 seconds, en route to an electronically limited terminal velocity of 250km/h, while returning a claimed combined average of 8.3L/100km.

The engine is mated exclusively with a 9-speed automatic transmission adapted for the new model. While it shares its powerplant with the C43, there is an extra 25kW for its application in the E43 to compensate for its 1,840kg weight.

Outside, the “warm” sedan sports 19-inch five-spoke AMG alloy wheels with a high-gloss black finish behind which hide 360 x 36mm front discs with four-piston calipers and 360 x 26mm rear discs. An optional 20-inch two-tone alloy wheel is offered as an option.

It rides on a set of sports suspension based on Mercedes-AMG’s AIR BODY CONTROL multi-chamber air suspension system with adaptive damping, where drivers can choose from Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus modes.

The Mercedes-AMG E43 will make its official debut at the New York Auto Show this month.