The 2017 Mercedes-AMG E43 is absolutely flawless!

As Mercedes-Benz launches its first upmarket variant of the all-new E-class sedan, that new car, the E43, continues to usher in a new era for AMG as well. Previously, AMG models were always the autobahn-inhaling, uncompromised hot rods of the range. Those cars still exist, denoted by their “63” or “65” nomenclature. Now, however, the mid-level sport versions also are adapting the AMG moniker, with the lesser number “43.” Already, there’s a Mercedes-AMG SLC43 roadster and GLE43 crossover coupe, with a C43 sedan, coupe, and convertible, plus a GLC43 crossover and crossover coupe all launching soon—not to mention the four-cylinder “45” AMGs, the CLA and the GLA.

All AMG 43 cars use a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6, which makes 362 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque in the models that have already been released. For the E43, Affalterbach fitted larger turbos to coax out another 34 hp. It may not be hand-built and individually signed, as are other AMG engines, but the twin-turbo V-6, with its 396 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque, represents welcome increases of 145 hp and 113 lb-ft compared with the 2.0-liter turbo four in the E300. The blown six cuts the zero-to-60-mph sprint to 4.5 seconds, fully 2.0 seconds quicker than we timed the E300. If Mercedes’ times prove accurate, the E43 would just edge out the 420-hp CadillacCTS V-Sport but trail the 450-hp Audi S6, which we clocked at 3.9 seconds (although some might put the Audi up against the full-zoot E63).

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