MERCEDES Benz has left the best until last, topping off the staggered launch of its E-Class stable with the scorching E63 AMG.

The high-performance sports sedan arrives just in time for Christmas at the apparent bargain price of $234,900.

This is $4000 less than its predecessor, yet there is an extra $28,000 worth of additional equipment. The E63 is powered by a 6.2-litre V8 engine producing 386kW and 630Nm of torque and is mated to a seven-speed sports-shift automatic transmission.

It launches the 1.8-tonne sedan to 100km/h in just 4.5 seconds yet fuel consumption drops by 15 per cent to 12.7 litres/100km.

The transmission has a new wet start-up clutch that replaces a conventional torque converter. It features four individual drive modes, double-declutching, a "race start" function and can change ratios in a mere 100 milliseconds.

A new suspension system features electronically controlled damping, which automatically varies the damping to optimise ride and handling whatever the driving conditions.

A more precise steering system is fitted along with three-stage stability control. Still to come is a bigger brake option using ceramic composite discs.

Standard equipment includes 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels with 255/35 R19 tyres at the front and 285/30 R19 at the rear.

Visual clues include wide wheel arches, a large air intake, horizontal daytime lights, tinted headlights, prominent side sills and rear apron, a rear spoiler and a new quad exhaust system.

Inside there are sports seats with improved lateral support and four-spoke sports steering with shift paddles.