2017 Mercedes-AMG E43 Packs a 396hp Punch

Mercedes has unveiled the first high-performance version of their latest E-class car, with the Mercedes-AMG E43. The car gets motivation from a 3.0L Biturbo V6 engine that makes 396 hp and 384 lb-ft. of torque, and is also fitted with AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive.

That AWD system has rear-biased torque with a front to rear ratio of 31:69. Mercedes pegs the E43 with a 0-60mph time of 4.5 seconds with an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph. That is fast for a big car that tips the scales at 4,145 pounds.

The biturbo engine uses 16 psi of boost with a setup putting the turbos close to the engine to reduce lag. The engine is mated with a 9g-Tronic transmission with double-declutching and AMG Airmatic Adaptive Sport suspension.

The E43 also has a 12.3-inch high-resolution instrument screen and a special interior that uses MB-Tex and red top stitching. More details will come at the New York International Auto Show later this month, and the car will hit dealerships by early 2017.