Mercedes-AMG E63 S 4Matic+ India launch on May 4

Mercedes-Benz has announced that it will launch the most powerful E-Class ever made - the AMG E63 S 4Matic+ - in India on May 4.

While there is a standard E63 available globally, Mercedes-Benz will bring in the top-of-the-line S variant, which gets a 4.0-litre, twin-turbo V8 making 612hp and 850Nm. Sending that power to all four wheels is a nine-speed, dual-clutch automatic. In what would come as a shock to some, the E63 S does 0-100kph in a claimed 3.4 seconds - that's quicker than the AMG GT R supercar - and is electronically limited to 250kph, but can run all the way up to 300kph with the AMG Driver's package option ticked.

The latest E63 S is brutally fast but Mercedes has equipped the engine with cylinder deactivation technology (it shuts down half a bank of cylinders at low speeds) to make the car more fuel-efficient.

The E63's all-wheel drive system is flexible. While it does split power among all four wheels, by engaging Drift mode (yes, the E63 S has one), you can turn it into a pure rear-wheel-drive car. Also part of the package are AMG's sports suspension, an electronically-controlled differential lock, dynamic engine mounts, and carbon ceramic brake discs are available as an option.

Visually, the E63 has the muscle to match its performance. It features a new grille, bonnet, bumpers, beefier wheel arches, and 20-inch matte grey alloys.

The only direct rival to the E63 S at this time is the new BMW M5. We're all set for one thrilling showdown.