2010 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG Now Testing Virtually Undisguised

Since official photos and information were released earlier this week on the E63 AMG, it seems Mercedes has foregone the camouflage for its ongoing testing of the vehicle.

This E63 will be an arch-competitor to the always fearsome BMW M5, which Mercedes always tries to outdo with its more subtle, distinguishing charms rather than outright raging hormones. After all, a Mercedes is the car you buy yourself as a reward after your kids have grown up and moved on. A BMW is the one you buy right now even if you can't afford it.

The engine work on this athletic sedan has already been covered, it's a 6.2 liter, naturally breathing V8 (gasoline/petrol) with 518 hp and 630 Nm of torque. Certainly the power is there to make this a real road-munching monster in disguise, considering the base-version E-Class seems just fine being powered by a mere 1.8 liter engine (turbocharged to 204 hp). But as AMG has promised, the days of piling on more and more sheer horsepower are over, and the E63 features only 11 hp more than its predecessor. AMG has said it will focus on weight reduction and improved engine management to squeeze more efficiency and power out of what is already there. This E63 seems a good example of that. It's the subtlety that will win the day for this car.

Nice set of wheels, yes...But, hey, what's the price tag on this thing?  We'll have to wait until the E63 AMG makes it's public debut in New York next week.