2003 Mercedes-Benz E 55 AMG Pictures, Specifications, Information

In the 2003 E 55 AMG, Mercedes-AMG presented a worthy successor to the popular previous model. The E 55 AMG confidently positions itself at the forefront of all standard-specification sports saloons in its segment: the high-performance engine, familiar from the SL 55 AMG has an output of 469 hp at 6100 rpm and develops a maximum torque of 516 lb-ft, which is available across a broad range between 2650 and 4500 rpm.

This tremendous power results in the four-door vehicle's extraordinary performance: the Mercedes-Benz E 55 AMG passes the 60 mph mark in under 4.7 seconds, and reaches a speed of 120 mph in 16.1 seconds. The top speed is 155 mph (electronically governed). Despite its sporty character, the new AMG high-performance Saloon is very modest when it comes to fuel, with a consumption level of 12.9 litres per 100 kilometres in the NEDC combined cycle. The exhaust emissions are also pleasingly low: the E 55 AMG already complies with the EU4 limits, which are not due to come into force until 2005.

Motor racing expertise influences engine design

The technical highlights of the sophisticated AMG V8 supercharged engine include the mechanical supercharger, located between the cylinder banks, which places the 5.5-litre eight-cylinder engine under a maximum pressure of 0.9 bar. Integrated in the compact supercharger module is the charge-air cooler, which operates along the highly efficient lines of an air/water heat exchanger. Using AMG's wealth of experience in the field of motor racing, the interior of the engine has been given a totally new design: the crankcase, crankshaft and pistons have been reinforced, the cylinder heads and valve train have been optimised and a more powerful oil pump has been added.

AIRMATIC DC semi-active suspension with AMG-specific tuning

To ensure that the high engine output is delivered to the road effectively, the Mercedes-AMG engineers have redesigned the suspension and the braking system. In the E 55 AMG the progressive dynamic handling systems help set the sports Saloon apart from its current competitors. The air-sprung, semi-active AIRMATIC DC suspension with ADS II allows the driver to opt for a more comfortable or a very sporty ride. Damping and springing automatically adjust to the given situation in fractions of a second, and the required tuning can also be selected manually in three stages at the touch of a button. The spring struts, shock absorbers, torsion bars and the entire electronic suspension management have been specifically adapted to the high dynamic potential of the AMG model.

Experience gathered during over three decades in motorsport also served as a basis for the fully modified power transmission, with the steel rear axle and differential cooling, and for the braking system, with Sensotronic Brake Control, familiar from the SL 55 AMG: internally ventilated, perforated brake discs all-round, sized 360 x 36 millimetres at the front and 330 x 26 millimetres at the rear, ensure excellent deceleration of 10.8 m/s2 and practically no fading. Eight-piston fixed callipers at the front axle allow a brake pad surface which is almost twice as large as in the Mercedes-Benz E 500.

New AMG twin-spoke light-alloy wheels

Contact with the road is provided by size 245/40 ZR 18 (front) and 265/35 ZR 18 (rear) wide-base tyres, which are fitted on attractive AMG twin-spoke light-alloy wheels, eight inches wide at the front and nine inches wide at the rear. In addition to the AMG twin-spoke wheels, painted in sterling silver, striking side skirts from the AMG bodystyling package emphasise the elegant silhouette of the Saloon; the V8 KOMPRESSOR lettering on the front wings draws attention to the fact that this is the most powerful E-Class of all time. At the front the AMG front apron, with its large air intakes and clear-glass fog lamps, sets this exclusive sports Saloon apart from the rest, while a fitting finishing touch is provided at the rear by the AMG rear apron with integral, oval, chromed twin tailpipes, left and right.

Fine leather appointments in exclusive nappa/nubuck combination

The interior style of the new Mercedes-Benz E 55 AMG follows the lead set by the dynamic exterior: the AMG sports seats have powerful contouring, unique fluting and AMG badges in the backrests, and come in an exclusive nappa/nubuck leather combination. The leather, which also trims the door panels, is available in three different colour combinations. The three round instrument displays in the E 55 AMG are distinguished from those of the other E-Class models by new dials with the V8 KOMPRESSOR and AMG logos, and the speedometer gauge which extends to 320 km/h. Further AMG-specific interior elements include the AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel with racing car-style gearshift buttons, the fine wood trim in bird"s-eye maple and the door sill panels with the AMG logo.