2006 Mercedes-Benz designo E500 with AMG Sports Package

2006 Mercedes-Benz designo E500 with AMG Sports Package Photo Gallery

2006 Mercedes-Benz designo E500 with AMG Sports Package	2006 Mercedes-Benz designo E500 with AMG Sports Package	2006 Mercedes-Benz designo E500 with AMG Sports Package	2006 Mercedes-Benz designo E500 with AMG Sports Package
2006 Mercedes-Benz designo E500 with AMG Sports Package	2006 Mercedes-Benz designo E500 with AMG Sports Package	2006 Mercedes-Benz designo E500 with AMG Sports Package	2006 Mercedes-Benz designo E500 with AMG Sports Package

(from DaimlerChrysler Press Release)

    Everything new out of Mercedes-Benz doesn’t always reach our radar… that is until the acronym AMG enters the picture. Such is the case with the new generation E-Class. Announced at the New York Auto Show, we weren’t too taken aback by the new E-Class on account of its evolutionary upgrades, including a subtle restyle that begs not to be noticed.

    If you feel a little too wet behind the ears to handle the 514-hp E63 AMG, then you could opt for the new AMG sports package that adds unique items like a new front apron with larger cooling inlets, a pair of chrome-tipped tailpipes and 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels. While the sports package isn’t a true AMG overhaul since the engines in the E350 and E500 have been left alone, their suspensions have been firmed up with steel springs and their steering sharpened a bit. Cross-drilled rotors and special silver calipers also portend this package’s sporting intentions.

    Inside the cockpit the AMG treatment continues with unique color combinations and the use of special ARTICO man-made leather. The seats have been recontoured to provide better lateral support and the stock steering wheel has been replaced with an AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel.

    Despite the lack of engine upgrades, an E-Class with the AMG sports package will accelerate faster thanks to the 7G-TRONIC Sport transmission, which, when used in manual mode, will shave an additional .2 seconds off your blast to sixty.

    Pricing for the new package ranges from € 4,611 to € 5,365 ($5,692 to $6,623 US). It will be available in June, although the fact MB provided pricing in Euro doesn’t bode well for North American inclusion anytime soon.