The most serious take on the impressive new Mercedes-Benz E-class has just been unveiled: the bonkers E63 and E63 S, the V-8–powered AMG version that slots above the six-cylinder E43. Motivated by AMG’s 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 and equipped with its own chassis calibrations, the E63 is the true high-performance model, and it seems poised to compete in the supercar realm.

The 4.0-liter V-8 for the first time is fitted with a pair of twin-scroll turbochargers, resulting in 563 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque in the basic, non-S model. The sprint from zero to 60 mph takes a mere 3.4 seconds, according to Mercedes, and top speed is limited to 155 mph. In the E63 S, engine output reaches a new high of 603 horsepower and 627 lb-ft, the latter delivered on a plateau that stretches from 2500 to 4500 rpm. The S reaches 60 mph in a factory-estimated 3.3 seconds, with its top speed capped at 186 mph.

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But the engine also is more efficient, thanks to an all-new cylinder-deactivation system that shuts off cylinders 2, 3, 5, and 8 at low-to-medium loads between 1000 and 3250 rpm. Turning a V-8 into a V-4 produces less noise and vibration than turning off one cylinder bank.

A nine-speed automatic is standard (we can’t imagine it could ever want for more gear ratios), and the transmission eschews a torque converter in favor of a wet starting clutch. Once through the gearbox, the increased torque is transferred to the road via an entirely new all-wheel-drive system called 4MATIC+, which features variable torque distribution. The system can be tweaked to send 100 percent of the engine’s torque to the rear wheels—yes, all the time—via the selectable Drift mode. A standard feature on the S model (and optional on the regular E63), Drift mode is accessed in the Race drive setting, with the transmission in manual and the stability control switched off.

View Photos MICHAEL SIMARI, THE MANUFACTURER

The E63’s chassis also includes an electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential; an air-sprung, AMG-tuned sport suspension; and dynamic engine mounts. Carbon-ceramic brakes are optional.

A restyled exterior nods at the muscle within. The entire front end is new, with wider fenders providing shelter to the massive wheels and tires. (The E63 S has 265/35ZR-20 front and 295/30ZR-20 rear performance rubber.) Since the E63 comes only with the E-class’s Sport grille—too bad, as we’d love to have an E63 with the “Luxury” look’s stand-up hood ornament—the designers were able to restyle the hood. The car also is equipped with a rear spoiler that looks like an alien object, its ends sticking out like horns, but it’s shaped that way to minimize rear-axle lift. The AMG-trademark quadruple exhaust pipes poke out from beneath the rear bumper.

View Photos MICHAEL SIMARI, THE MANUFACTURER

Inside, the E63 S doesn’t deviate far from the regular E-class—it even keeps the column-mounted transmission shifter. We’re not thrilled about that detail, but AMG chief Tobias Moers tells us that he hasn’t received a single customer complaint concerning its use in the C63. In the E63’s favor, it receives new programming for its TFT driver-information screen, with the tachometer prominently displayed.

Watch for the 2018 Mercedes-AMG E63 to arrive at U.S. dealerships starting in summer 2017. We eagerly anticipate getting behind the wheel to see how it stacks up against its blistering competition, which includes the Audi RS7, the upcoming new BMW M5, and the Cadillac CTS-V.

MICHAEL SIMARI, THE MANUFACTURER

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