Mercedes-AMG continues to expand its lineup, offering enthusiasts a taste of its renowned performance with the Mercedes-AMG E43. Positioned as the initial high-performance variant of the latest generation E-Class sedan, the E43 Amg delivers a compelling blend of power, agility, and everyday usability. This model, announced shortly after the debut of the standard E-Class, bridges the gap between the core luxury sedan and the full-fledged, track-ready AMG models, making AMG performance more accessible than ever.
The heart of the Mercedes-AMG E43 is its advanced 3.0-liter V6 Biturbo engine. This powerplant is engineered to produce a robust 396 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque, ensuring thrilling acceleration and responsive performance across the rev range. Mercedes-AMG’s engineers have enhanced this six-cylinder engine specifically for the E43, utilizing larger turbochargers and optimized AMG software to extract an additional 34 horsepower compared to the standard version of this engine. The twin-turbo setup ensures minimal turbo lag, providing near-instantaneous power delivery that’s characteristic of the AMG driving experience. Peak torque arrives early, from 2,500 rpm and sustains until 5,000 rpm, offering consistent power for both spirited driving and relaxed cruising.
Alt text: Close-up of the Mercedes-AMG E43 engine bay, highlighting the red aluminum insert on the engine cover, showcasing the V6 Biturbo powerplant.
This potent engine, combined with the vehicle’s performance-oriented components, allows the Mercedes-AMG E43 to achieve sports car-like acceleration. The sprint from 0 to 60 mph is dispatched in a mere 4.5 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph, a standard limitation for German performance vehicles, ensuring stability and control at high velocities.
Mercedes-AMG E43 Performance Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine | V6 Biturbo |
| Displacement | 2996 cc |
| Horsepower | 396 hp @ 6100 rpm |
| Torque | 384 lb-ft @ 2500-5000 rpm |
| Curb Weight | 4,145 lbs |
| 0-60 mph Acceleration | 4.5 seconds |
| Top Speed | 155 mph (electronically limited) |
Distinctive AMG Styling: Exterior and Interior
The Mercedes-AMG E43 visually distinguishes itself from the standard E-Class through a series of AMG-specific design cues. The front end is aggressively styled with a unique bumper featuring three large air intakes, crucial for cooling the high-performance engine and brakes. Elegant cross fins on the outer cooling intakes and a diamond radiator grille with chrome pins further enhance its dynamic appearance. The grille also features a high-gloss black louver and prominent AMG lettering, clearly signaling its performance pedigree.
Alt text: Front view of the Mercedes-AMG E43 showcasing the diamond grille with chrome pins, AMG lettering, and aggressive front bumper design elements.
From the side, the AMG E43 is characterized by high-sheen 19-inch AMG five-spoke light-alloy wheels, painted in high-gloss black, filling the wheel arches and contributing to a muscular stance. The rear of the vehicle features quad-flow exhaust tailpipes, finished in chrome, adding a sporty note to the exhaust sound and visual appeal. A silver chrome rear diffuser and a body-colored spoiler lip on the trunk lid complete the exterior AMG enhancements.
Inside the Mercedes-AMG E43, the sporty theme continues with model-specific details designed to enhance both aesthetics and driving experience. Sport seats provide increased lateral support, essential during spirited driving, ensuring both driver and passenger are securely held. The upholstery combines MB-Tex and DINAMICA microfiber, with optional nappa leather available, featuring a unique AMG pattern and red topstitching. Red topstitching extends to the door center panels and dashboard, creating a cohesive and sporty ambiance. Exclusive AMG sport pedals, a black roof liner, and red seat belts further amplify the performance-oriented interior.
Alt text: Interior view of the Mercedes-AMG E43 highlighting the sport seats with red stitching, AMG sport steering wheel, and driver-focused cockpit layout.
The multifunction sports steering wheel, wrapped in black nappa leather with red contrasting stitching and a flattened bottom section, is both visually appealing and ergonomically designed for sporty handling. The AMG instrument cluster delivers vital driving information in a clear and performance-oriented layout. Optionally, a fully digital, high-resolution 12.3” instrument screen can be specified, providing a customizable and modern display.
Advanced AMG Engineering: Transmission, Suspension, and 4MATIC
Power in the Mercedes-AMG E43 is channeled through a 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission, specifically tuned by AMG for shorter shift times and enhanced responsiveness. The transmission offers multiple downshift capability for quick bursts of acceleration and features a double-declutching function in “Sport” and “Sport Plus” modes for a more engaging driving experience. Manual mode can be engaged via a dedicated button, allowing the driver full control via steering wheel paddles.
The AMG AIRMATIC Adaptive Sport Suspension, based on AIR BODY CONTROL, further enhances the E43’s dynamic capabilities. This system provides a wide spectrum of driving experiences, from comfortable cruising to track-focused handling, with three selectable modes: “Comfort,” “Sport,” and “Sport Plus.” The suspension system utilizes a four-link front axle with optimized components and increased rigidity throughout, contributing to more precise handling and cornering. A more negative camber setup on both front and rear axles further improves lateral dynamics and grip.
Alt text: Diagram illustrating the AMG AIRMATIC Adaptive Sport Suspension system on the Mercedes-AMG E43, showcasing the multi-chamber air suspension and adaptive damping technology.
The AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system is standard on the E43, featuring a rear-biased torque distribution (31:69 front to rear). This configuration prioritizes driving dynamics, delivering enhanced agility and higher lateral acceleration while maintaining excellent traction during acceleration. The integration of the 4MATIC system with the 9G-TRONIC transmission is achieved via a separate, flange-mounted transfer case, allowing for more model-specific torque distribution tuning and improved efficiency compared to previous integrated designs.
AMG DYNAMIC SELECT and Speed-Sensitive Steering
The Mercedes-AMG E43 features AMG DYNAMIC SELECT with five driving modes: “Eco,” “Comfort,” “Sport,” “Sport Plus,” and “Individual.” These modes allow drivers to tailor the vehicle’s characteristics, adjusting engine response, transmission behavior, suspension settings, and steering feel to match driving preferences and conditions. “Sport” and “Sport Plus” modes sharpen throttle response, quicken gear shifts, and firm up the suspension for a more dynamic driving experience. “Eco” mode prioritizes fuel efficiency with features like ECO start/stop and a gliding function that decouples the engine during coasting.
The speed-sensitive sports steering offers a variable ratio and two selectable modes, “Comfort” and “Sport.” It provides precise feedback and adjusts steering effort based on speed and driving mode. “Sport” mode increases steering torque for enhanced road feel and driver feedback. A high-performance braking system with internally ventilated compound brake discs ensures confident and rapid deceleration.
Optional Enhancements and Market Availability
Further personalizing the Mercedes-AMG E43 is possible through a range of optional features, including AMG performance seats with even greater lateral support, luxurious nappa leather upholstery, and larger 20-inch wheels for an even more aggressive stance.
The Mercedes-AMG E43 made its global debut at the New York International Auto Show in March 2016 and became available in US dealerships in early 2017. It represents a significant step in making AMG performance accessible to a broader audience, offering a compelling entry point into the world of Mercedes-AMG vehicles without sacrificing the luxury and refinement expected from the E-Class.
