IT may be strange to focus on fuel economy when putting a Mercedes muscle machine through its paces.
But such are the technological achievements on the latest E63 super saloon it has just become the most frugal AMG V8 to date.
Without losing any firepower – 0 to 60 flashes up in a shade over four seconds – the 5.5-litre twin turbo engine which powers this incredible car can average 24mpg.
For something with such breathtaking performance that is a remarkable achievement, an improvement of some 10 per cent compared to the previous E63 launched only two years ago.
AMG – the performance arms of Mercedes – has set itself a target of reducing fuel consumption on its fire-breathing models by 30 per cent come 2013.
Key to its plans are not just the new Biturbo engine which replaces the 6.2-litre V8 – applauded as the most powerful normally aspirated engine of its kind – but also a raft of fuel-saving measures.
The E63 also features a new multi-mode, seven speed automatic gearbox fitted with stop/start systems and clever software to maximise economy.
The set up first appeared on the larger S63 AMG last year and then on the sleek and sexy CLS 63 which went on sale in the spring.
Amazingly, the E63 just pips the CLS by a fraction of a gallon and CO2 emissions fall to 230g/km – another benchmark for the German supercar maker.
The engine is immensely user friendly making the E63 an everyday car with a wicked streak.
Handling is superlative and there is top class feedback through the speed sensitive electro-mechanical power steering.
The AMG is a hugely engaging car to drive – there’s a lot going on in the cockpit which creates the feeling that you are in control of something very special.
A sports steering wheel flattened at the bottom is now a feature of every AMG model and the cars come with aluminium gear shifters and a full colour TFT instrument display set into the speedo.
From the outside the exhaust growl is a wonderful sound but such is the refinement inside the soundtrack is a far less intrusive feature than on previous AMGs.
Perhaps that’s indicative of the modern day AMG, a well balanced car with a kick like a mule – a kick that can be enhanced by a sports pack which increases power from 525 to 557bhp shaving the 0 to 60 time down to 4.1 seconds.
A variety of drive settings can be selected at the turn of a switch to change the effect of the stability and traction controls and in track mode the car comes alive.
AMG has a knack of delivering maximum driving pleasure with its cars and the E63 is true to form in every way.
It is due on sale in September and although prices have still to be confirmed it is likely they will be little different to current levels which see the car available from around £73,500.