Well, that didn't take very long. No longer than a fortnight following our first drive of the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the automaker is rolling out something a bit more exciting -- the Mercedes-AMG E43.
Much like the C43 before it, the E43 packs a twin-turbocharged V-6, a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. In the E43, the heart that lies beneath the hood puts out 396 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque, which is enough to send the car to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds and on to an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.
AMG isn't just about hustle, though -- it's also about flash. And flash abounds in the E43 -- the exterior features larger air inlets in the front bumper, Mercedes-Benz's fancy "diamond"-style grille, AMG-specific wheels and plenty of chrome and gloss-black trimmings. And it wouldn't be an AMG without a quad-tipped exhaust.
Inside, the story remains the same as the C43. Standard equipment includes Mercedes' sport seats, red stitching, red seatbelts and some fancy pedals for all that time you spend staring into the footwell. The seats are leatherette, but a little more coin will earn you some plush Nappa leather.
We'll get our first in-person look at the E43 this month at the New York International Auto Show. The car should arrive in US dealerships early next year, and there's no word yet on pricing.
