Mercedes-AMG has upgraded the six-cylinder engine’s output by 25 kW(34 hp) to 295 kW (401 hp) with the aid of two larger turbochargers and sophisticated software applications. The ample peak torque of 520 Newton metres is available right from a low engine speed of 2500 rpm.
The 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission is specially matched to the requirements of the new E 43 4MATIC. The AMG developers have managed to reduce the shift times of the 9-speed transmission by means of a dedicated software application. The multiple downshift function enables more spontaneous short bursts of speed, while the double-declutching function in “Sport” and “Sport Plus” transmission modes makes for an even more emotional driving experience. Defined ignition intervention additionally enables faster gear shifting than in “Eco” and “Comfort” modes.
“Manual” mode can be selected using a separate button in the centre console. The gear changes are based on the selected transmission mode, and the driver can now change gear using the paddles on the steering wheel. Moreover, the transmission stays in the selected gear and does not automatically shift up when the engine speed reaches the limit.
For added agility, more neutral cornering behaviour and higher traction even when driving at speed, the developers in Affalterbach have designed a dedicated sports suspension on the basis of the AIR BODY CONTROL multi-chamber air suspension system. The Adaptive Damping System also features in a model-specific configuration and offers a choice of three modes – “Comfort”, “Sport” and “Sport Plus”. This provides for broader scope between a high level of comfort for longer journeys and sporty driving dynamics.
With the five DYNAMIC SELECT transmission modes “Eco”, “Comfort”, “Sport”, “Sport Plus” and “Individual”, the driver can tailor the characteristics of the E 43 4MATIC Coupé to individual preferences at the tap of a finger. The available range extends from efficient and comfortable to extremely sporty. This modifies key parameters, such as the response of the engine, transmission, suspension and steering. Independently of the DYNAMIC SELECT transmission modes, the driver has the option of pressing the “M” button to switch directly to manual mode, in which gearshifts are executed exclusively using the shift paddles on the steering wheel. The suspension set-ups can also be selected as necessary.
The DYNAMIC SELECT “Sport” and “Sport Plus” transmission modes are configured with a clear emphasis on driving dynamics on the new E 43 4MATIC. This results from an agile accelerator pedal characteristic with direct set-up and emotional gear shifting with reduced shift times, double declutching and deactivation of certain cylinders. The increased idling speed additionally enables the vehicle to move off quickly and provides for faster acceleration from a standing start.
In order to increase efficiency, in “Eco” mode the ECO start/stop function and the gliding function reduce fuel consumption: when the driver releases the accelerator in a speed range between 60 and 160 km/h, the clutch is disengaged and the engine is decoupled from the powertrain.