In a demonstration of its expertise as the Performance Division of Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-AMG GmbH is marking its 35-year anniversary by unveiling two new and quite exceptional AMG high-performance cars. Developing 350 kW/476 hp and 700 Newtonmetres of torque, the E 55 AMG is the most powerful E-Class of all time and sets new standards in the sports saloon segment. Meanwhile, the C 30 CDI AMG is breaking new ground as the first sporty high-performance car to be powered by a diesel engine, leaving it unrivalled in its class. Under the bonnet is a totally new direct-injection turbocharged diesel engine with common-rail technology which develops 170 kW/231 hp and maximum torque of 540 Nm.
The E 55 AMG is set to make its debut in Mercedes-Benz sales and service outlets and dealers this October, whilst the C 30 CDI AMG will take the stage in February next year.
The E 55 AMG: setting the pace in the standard sports saloon market
Mercedes-AMG is presenting the new E 55 AMG to take over the mantle of the successful first-generation model, of which some 12,000 units were made. The high-performance powerpack from the SL 55 AMG develops 350 kW/476 hp at 6100 rpm and maximum torque of 700 Newtonmetres between 2650 and 4500 rpm in the new Saloon. And the power is harnessed to outstanding effect: the four-door E 55 AMG accelerates to the 100 km/h mark in 4.7 seconds, and has its maximum speed electronically limited to 250 km/h.
Power transmission is provided by the AMG SPEEDSHIFT five-speed automatic gearbox. The manual driving mode allows the driver to change gears via buttons on the steering wheel, as in a Formula 1 racing car.
AIRMATIC DC semi-active suspension, tuned to AMG specifications
In order to ensure that the full engine power at their disposal is transferred to the road, the Mercedes-AMG engineers have redesigned the chassis and braking system. The shock absorbers and springs of the AIRMATIC DC semi-active suspension system adapt instantaneously to the driving situation, and the desired suspension setting can also be selected manually through three stages at the touch of a button. The spring struts, shock absorbers, stabilisers and the electronic suspension control system have been optimised to AMG specifications, as has the power transmission with a new steel rear axle and differential cooling. The high-performance braking system with Sensotronic Brake Control is taken from the SL 55 AMG.
Wide-base tyres – 245/40 ZR 18 at the front and 265/35 ZR 18 at the rear – maintain impressive contact with the road surface. The rubber is mounted on eye-catching AMG light-alloy wheels in twin-spoke design. The E 55 AMG comes as standard with dynamic AMG bodystyling and new sports seats in an exclusive nappa/nubuk leather combination.
Text and photos courtesy of DaimlerChrysler AG
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