2016 New York Motor Show: Mercedes-AMG E43 revealed

WE’VE only just driven the all-new 10th generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and now AMG has already revealed its first performance variant.

Dubbed E43, it’s set to make its public debut at next week’s New York motor show and fills the gap between the regular E-Class range and the bonkers AMG E63 due later this year.

It also boasts the most powerful version yet of AMG’s new 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6. Bigger turbochargers and more boost return 295kW/520Nm, which when paired with standard four-wheel-drive propel the E43 from 0-100km/h in 4.6sec. That makes it just 0.3sec slower than the current version of AMG’s full-fat E63 S.

The E43 becomes the latest model in a string of what AMG says will be an extended range of six-cylinder, second-tier models as part of the brand’s plan to offer the most comprehensive performance car line-up in the world.

It joins the recently confirmed Mercedes-AMG C43 Coupe and Mercedes-AMG C43 Convertible, the latter which made its debut at the Geneva motor show earlier this month.

As well as more grunt, the E43 scores a unique AMG four-wheel-drive system with a 31:69 front-to-rear ratio, bigger brakes front and rear, sharper steering and firmer AMG-tuned air suspension with three-stage adaptive dampers.

AMG’s boffins have also tweaked the 9-speed auto to deliver quicker shift times, and Merc’s Dynamic Select dial is standard which lets you alter the E43’s personality via five modes: Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport Plus and Individual.

Visually the E43 scores a more aggressive front bumper, 19-inch AMG five-spoke alloys and twin, chrome plated exhaust pipes out back.

Inside there are AMG sports seats with greater bolstering, unique styling touches and a multifunction sports steering wheel wrapped in nappa leather with red stitching.

The regular E-Class’s brilliant, and huge, digital display remains but includes AMG-specific graphics.

No word yet on official pricing, but expect a sticker price around $200,000.