Yep, I feel exactly the same way. Especially in the last few months for some reason. It seems to be getting smoother and the exhaust note is sounding even better. I realize that's not really possible but it sure feels like it. It's incredibly buttery smooth and is a total pleasure to drive. I have no weird noises (no ticking, etc..) and for some reason it doesn't use any oil at all (maybe something's wrong with it )

It's a great motor that I think will be remembered much later on as a big part of the history of AMG. It's already well respected by non-owners and the rest of the automotive world. Even BMW fans think highly of it.

But I sometimes wonder about AMG/Daimler's justification on how they sell and market cars and what that ends up meaning to the consumer. They knew the new motor was here (it was already designed and tested) when the W212 was first released. Why didn't they just hold out for 2 model years and introduce the W212 E63 later? BMW does this. In the past there have been several times without available models years of some of the Ms. The F10 M5 has been sitting it out for almost two years now. They didn't just slap the E60 M5 V10 into the new F10 chassis and call it the M5; instead they've waited to do a completely new M5.

 

Ugh, those exterior changes are naaaasty.

The wheels are the first ugly wheels I've ever seen on an AMG, the spokey look doesn't look as good/classy/sporty as the 5-spokes, and it also looks smaller. IMO it looks like something that could be on a Sport Package E200 in Europe or something.

The CF mirrors aren't my thing, as they eliminate the nice contrast of the black LED lights in the mirror. CF Spoiler also isn't my personal thing. And I think the blacking out of the side flares in the front bumper is a terrible look, as it eliminates such an aggressive design aspect of said bumper, and makes it appear higher/not as low.

 

220S and MBForever:

I am with you on the 6.2 V8. I knew the 5.5ttV8 would be out either in 2012 or 2013 when I bought my 2011 but had no problem with that. I loved the sound and feel of the 6.2 V8 and have not been let down in the least. It is a marvelous engine that makes the E63 a joy to drive. From what I have read, I would probably miss the sound most of all and its ability to rev so quickly and smoothly. I would love to drive it though to get a first hand impression. I think the new engine is going to be great as well, with the caveat that it was designed with a greater eye on fuel economy and emissions standards while the 6.2 V8 was not. That is just a sign of the times. Clearly the new engine is going to be nirvana for modders . . . And if I stay on my current schedule of 10 years between E- AMGs, I will likely own one with a version of that engine at some point in the future.

220S, to build on your point about MB, I also think it is unfortunate (greedy . . .) for MB to charge an additional $8 to $10k to get the top tune from the engine (and then throw in some extra bits to make that price seem more palatable) when it costs MB nothing (I presume) to map the ECU differently for different boost levels.

K-A, I am interested to see the new wheels in person before making a final judgement. They are certainly a different direction from prior E-AMGs. It looks like there is an 2012 E63 at the NY auto show. I am excited to see it next week during a trip to NY.

 

The E63 5.5 Biturbo will get an interior update... and a CF engine cover
Not a fan of the new wheels though.

 

That shift knob is sick!!

 

You could easily update your E63 just by getting the shift knob, speedo-display and the steering wheel (although I prefer the present one).

 

whats new with the speedo tho? Can hardly tell from the pictures..

 

It's in colour - no more black and white.
MB followed Audi and VW and finally changed the B&W displays.
This is a pic form the CLS63 and C63 - same thing:

 

does anyone know if these new 10 spoke rims are part of the performance package or the standard setup? Dont like them very much, hopefully the performace package rims on the the CLS are avaialble.

Thanks

 

I want that new display, SO much better than what we have in the car now. I wonder if it can be updated via Software.

 

For sure it is not because you cannot update a B&W display's software to become a full color LCD screen

 

Agreed. I couldn't be happy with the 530bhp knowing 560bhp is the true engine power. Terrible way to scalp us, AMG should be the best available in one tune early. p30 pkg made some sense as an option, but this is thievery plain and simple. Problem is that I'm still likely to go grab one when they arrive at dealers this fall so I suppose MB win again, sigh.

 

Hi,anybody know if they are going to upgrade to having both front seats fully adjustable,at the very least as an option.

 

What bothers me is it looks like they decided on using electric steering for "better economy." I hope it doesn't make the steering feel sloppier now. The new BMW (F10) also has electric steering now, too. And it feels way too light and nothing like the previous (e60) version.

 

Maybe a naive question, but is electric steering essentially "by-wire" like our throttle control?

 

Hasn't Porsche been doing this for years? I am just happy we can get more HP.

 

Car looks great! Not feeling the wheels. I will also be looking to replace my shift knob as well. As for performance, no doubt, it will be a monster before and after mods. I'm loving my 2011, hard to replace the sound of an angry NA V8, but this will definitely be on my short list.

 

When are these hitting the showroom? I want to test drive one.

 

summer 2011

 

Car looks amazing,a nd the wheels are an easy fix and soemthing worth upgrading anywho.

 

According to the order sheets I have, the launch date for the USA dealer showrooms is September 2011.

And that includes the entire portfolio for the 2012 E Class platform, not just AMG.