New wet clutch transmission
AMG backed-up the toughened V8 with their new, SPEEDSHIFT MCT (Multi-Clutch Technology) 7-speed sports transmission. A wet start-up clutch replaces a conventional torque converter in this sophisticated autobox, which supplies four drive modes and a Race Start function.

These functions control the rapidity of gear changes and when they occur.

The drive modes include Comfort, Sport, Sport-Plus and Manual. These functions control the rapidity of gear changes and when they occur. Depending on the setting, cogs can be swapped in as little as 100 milliseconds at full throttle.

The Race Start feature enables the driver to place one foot on the brake while fully depressing the throttle in preparation for a no-holds barred launch in which the E63 AMG digs deep without frying its rear tires with needless wheelspin.

The complicated transmission does an admirable job on its own or when administered by the steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles. On occasion though, some minor "clunkiness" is exhibited while it works through its gears as the vehicle comes to a stop.

AMG RIDE CONTROL extends ride and handling thresholds
Many suspension and chassis alterations have gone into maximizing the ride and handling capabilities of the E63 AMG. These innovations include a wider front track and an all-air suspension system in use at the rear along with automatic height control.

The AMG RIDE CONTROL setup features electronically controlled variable damping, which is dependent on road conditions, speed and driving style. Without driver input the system optimizes the juxtaposing dynamics of ride and handling.

With driver input, the suspension calibration can be stiffened considerably to emphasize handling characteristics over ride comfort. A console-mounted button instantly activates the Sport and Sport-Plus settings. A noticeable deterioration in ride absorbency incrementally accompanies the settings, which transform the big E-Class into a track-ready sled that sounds the part as much as acts it.

With driver input, the suspension calibration can be stiffened considerably to emphasize handling characteristics over ride comfort.