Mercedes has turned...

Mercedes has turned up the heat on its E-Class тЂ“ and the new E63 AMG has the BMW M5, Audi RS6 and Jaguar XFR in sight.

The firmтЂ™s tuning arm has fitted mechanicals from the SL63 AMG, so the model gets a naturally aspirated 6.3-litre V8 with 518bhp and 630Nm of torque. ThatтЂ™s 11bhp more than the previous car, but the new E63 returns 22.4mpg тЂ“ an improvement of 2.6mpg. All the power is sent to the rear tyres through the latest seven-speed auto, complete with steering wheel paddleshifters.

The 0-62mph sprint time is 4.5 seconds тЂ“ two-tenths faster than the XFR and one-tenth up on the M5 and RS6. Top speed is 155mph. But thereтЂ™s more to the E63 than just power. AMGтЂ™s ride control sports suspension uses steel springs at the front and air coils at the rear to keep the saloon at a constant height.

Also, drivers can choose from Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus suspension modes, while adjustable dampers vary firmness at each corner of the car to minimise roll in bends. The ESP stability system is also adjustable, and there are four transmission settings: Controlled Efficiency, Sport, Sport Plus and Manual.

An AMG bodykit beefs up the looks, as do 18-inch alloys, LED running lights and chromed quad exhausts. Inside are bolstered electric sports seats and a four-spoke steering wheel. The mega Merc debuts at next weekтЂ™s New York Motor Show, and is on sale in August, from around ТЈ65,000.