Latest AMG Mercedes – the new E 43 – to make its debut in New York.

Mercedes-AMG has unveiled the all-new E 43 model, ahead of this year’s New York Motor Show. True to form, Mercedes is not hanging around with its new line-up, the E 43 announcement following swiftly on the heels of the E-Class unveil in January, both the recent C 43 AMG and C-Class Cabriolet releases, and the SLC 43 Roadster, with presumably an E-Class convertible unveil also imminent. The E 43 is set to continue AMG’s ever-expanding rivalry with Audi’s S range and BMW’s M-division.

The new E 43 is powered by the same 3-litre twin-turbo V6 as the C43, and also features the same nine-speed automatic transmission albeit with shorter gear ratios. Given the 396bhp and 520Nm (384lb ft) output, performance figures are hardly last, with the powertrain capable of 0-100ph in just 4.6 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 250kph. The new Merc also features a 4MATIC all-wheel-drive configuration (though this is mostly rear-biased, torque distributed 31:69) and Air Body Control suspension, with a damping system that gets three modes including comfort, sport and sport plus. The brakes have also been beefed up, the 360mm discs front and rear both ventilated and cross-drilled.

Visual changes over the base E-Class are surprisingly limited, though the 43 variant features a revised front grille and larger air intakes in the bumper, chrome exhaust tips and 19in AMG alloys. There’s a similarly restrained look on the inside, the AMG sport seats featuring red and black stitching to accompany red seatbelts. There’s also a sports steering wheel and stainless steel pedals.

Starting prices for the new Mercedes-AMG E 43 are set to be announced upon the model’s unveil at the New York Motor Show, which opens its doors on March 25.