Return of the 'Sleeper' Merc - Business Line Range

[KillerHERTZ]

As in the old days, AMGs are soon to be sold without the AMG kits, Quad Pipes etc:

To look more like a regular E-Class

The 2014 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG will soon be offered with a Business Line option which will be available through AMG's Performance Studio.
AMG's CEO Ola Källenius has given an interview to Car & Driver in which he offered some details about the upcoming Business Line package for the 2014 E63 AMG. It will be available only in Europe and will be offered through AMG's Performance Studio.
This package will tone down the aggressive looks of the E63 AMG and make it look more like a regular E-Class, turning it into a "sleeper car". One of the most important changes will be the removal of the quad exhaust setup of the AMG version.
All modifications will be in the aesthetics of the car as they won't involve a performance downgrade. This means the E63 AMG Business Line will retain its twin-turbo V8 5.5-liter engine producing 557 HP (410 kW) and 531 lb-ft (720 Nm) of torque.
The reason why it won't be offered in the United States is because the desire for adopting a more stock appearance for a flagship model is an "almost exclusively German phenomenon."

 

[SavMan]

It will be interesting to see what other models get this same approach or if it will only be the E63.

 

[developer]

I wouldn't buy one - the AMG package (for me) includes the clear identification - loud and proud.

 

[redbaron]

I like the idea. I suspect few will every order one that way, and you would really need to keep it a long time as they will be a residual disaster.

 

[millo777]

Best idea from AMG yet. If I'd kept my S72 I intended to dump the body kit and V12 insignia, fit bog standard 16" alloys and badge it as an s320.

So much better to have all the AMG oily bits and non of the plastic bolt on nonsense than the other way around.

 

[st4]

Nice idea but expect businessline models to depreciate like a stone in water.

 

[Dieselman]

I like the idea. I suspect few will every order one that way, and you would really need to keep it a long time as they will be a residual disaster.

Nice idea but expect businessline models to depreciate like a stone in water.

They are being introduced as buyers don't like all the bling, so there must be demand, which will filter into 2nd hand cars as well as new ones.

 

[st4]

They are being introduced as buyers don't like all the bling, so there must be demand, which will filter into 2nd hand cars as well as new ones.

You can imagine a PX conversation, oh its not got the sought after styling kit, its worth £5k less than a one with with, we can only give you £25k for it.

Oh I see it has the styling kit, doesn't really add much, I'll give you £25k for it....

Oh wait a minute.....

 

[neilrr]

I reckon MB will eventually rename all their cars 'AMG' & drop the name 'Mercedes-Benz'.

 

[SavMan]

They will sell well in Germany, I hope they do here.

Imagine if they do it across the range you could have at the lights

In the left lane a C250 AMG Sport Plus
In the right lane ssshh its an AMG

 

[st4]

Theres a balance needed. IMHO the new AMG ones are a bit OTT hence this has been brought in. What happpened to the muted subtly of the 55AMG series cars in 211/220/215/219 series as well as earlier varients.

 

[chriswt]

They will sell well in Germany, I hope they do here.

Imagine if they do it across the range you could have at the lights

In the left lane a C250 AMG Sport Plus
In the right lane ssshh its an AMG

I like the German attitude to car buying.

I remember someone (may be on this forum) telling me that the Germans aren't as obsessed with flashy looking cars and so you get less base models 318's spec'd to like a top of the range Sports models and more well spec'd big engined cars with stock a stock appearance.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

I'm quite looking forward to these depreciating badly. I like to buy after the first owner took the hit in the first year or two

 

[BTB 500]

the desire for adopting a more stock appearance for a flagship model is an "almost exclusively German phenomenon."

At the other end of the scale plenty of base model cars in Germany end up with aftermarket wheels / exhausts / bodykits / etc. to 'bling' them up. I'd say I see more of that over there than I do here ... maybe the insurance is easier.

 

[wemorgan]

I'm quite looking forward to these depreciating badly. I like to buy after the first owner took the hit in the first year or two

I like to buy after the 2nd and 3rd owner have also taken the hit over the past 5-6 years. Little doubt that after this time the previous owners have upgraded all the AMG bumpers etc

 

[@MARK]

Over the years I have noticed how the more flash the car, the more attention you get on the roads.

This ranges from people trying to race you away from the lights to people deliberately cutting you up or not letting you out of junctions. In this case I assume jealousy.

Not to mention the nicer the car, the more likely it is to get keyed these days.

So the ability of being able to drive something special without attracting attention does appeal.

they will be a residual disaster.

And a normal E63 isn't?

 

[Dieselman]

In this case I assume jealousy.

More likely that the other driver believes the one in the flash car to be an arrogant ****.

 

[tode]

Black, no badges, no kit is the way to go

 

[sjmaxwell]

I bet the new price will be the same with as without so no saving there but the second hand price will drop on the non-bling versions unless they add something else to them such as a full leather dash!

 

[BTB 500]

Presumably the 'non-bling' version will be cheaper?