Mercedes has announced the new, high performance version of its E-class, the E63 AMG, which has learnt a thing or two from its glamorous brother, the SL63 AMG.

The 6.2-litre V8 in the new E63 AMG develops 518bhp and 464lb ft of torque, matching the SL63 AMG in terms of figures and also sharing the same seven-speed transmission from the high-performance roadster.

With four individual gearbox modes – Controlled Efficiency, Sport, Sport Plus and Manual – you have the choice between a fun, involving drive and a fuel efficient one. Gearshifts as quick as 100 milliseconds coupled with the powerful V8 see the E63 AMG to 62mph in 4.5sec and up to the obligatory limited speed of 155mph. With the BMW M5 and new Jaguar XFR reaching 60mph in 4.5sec and 4.7sec respectively, the AMG more than holds its own against its key rivals.

The AMG’s beefier engine is coupled with wider front wings, large air intakes and LEDs on the front apron along with side skirts and two chrome-plated twin exhausts set inside a black rear diffuser.

Since taming that big V8 isn’t easy, Mercedes offers a three-stage ESP, again borrowed from the SL. There is, of course, the opportunity to turn it off, but for those not willing to make the big leap there is an intermediary mode in the form of ESP Sport.

The new AMG Ride Control means that the suspension damping is electronically adjusted according to the road surface leading to less roll through the corners. The exclusive set up sees the front axle sit on steel spring struts while the rear suspension uses AMG-specific air springs. This means that the front spring struts ensure a more sensitive response while the rear air struts will keep the vehicle at a constant height because of their automatic level control system.

On top of that there are three suspension modes available at the touch of a button – Comfort, Sport and Sport plus, which can be changed depending on whether you want things taut or gentle.

Despite the size of the engine, Mercedes has claimed a combined 22.4mpg through a couple of green technologies. This includes a sort of KERS system for the road, which recuperates kinetic energy through braking and allows E-class drivers to pretend they’re Lewis Hamilton, in some ways at least…

The E63 goes on sale in September, with prices yet to be announced. Set aside around £65K if you fancy one, though. You can read our review of the next rung down on the E-class ladder, the Mercedes E500, in issue 130 of evo – on sale now.