In news that will make prospective super-sedan buyers (and the BMW M5) sit up and take notice, Mercedes-Benz has launched the all-new AMG E 63 S 4Matic+ in India with a price tag of Rs1.5 crore (ex-showroom, India). While there is a standard (read vanilla – if you can call a 571hp four-door that) version of the E 63 on sale abroad, Mercedes has decided to bring the top-of-the-line S variant to India.

This top-of-the-line variant packs a 4.0-litre, twin-turbo V8 making a colossal 612hp and 850Nm of torque. Remember, the E 63 S is based on the standard-wheelbase E-class, not the long-wheelbase one; and it also gets a fully digital instrument console that's not available on the locally-assembled E-class.

Just like the latest M5, the new E 63 has also made the shift to all-wheel-drive and sending that power to all four wheels is a nine-speed, dual-clutch automatic gearbox. It's worth noting that the E 63 S does 0-100kph in a claimed 3.4sec, which would mean it accelerates even quicker than the AMG GT R supercar. Top speed is electronically limited to 250kph, but that can be revised to 300kph with the AMG Driver's package option ticked.

The latest E 63 S may be brutally fast – but it's sensible, as well. Mercedes has equipped the V8 engine with cylinder deactivation technology (it shuts down half a bank of cylinders at low speeds) to make the car more fuel-efficient.

Also, the E 63's all-wheel drive system is flexible. While it does split power among all four wheels, by engaging Drift mode (yes, the E 63 S has Drift mode), you can turn it into a pure rear-wheel drive. Also optional parts of the package are AMG's sports suspension, an electronically-controlled differential lock, dynamic engine mounts and carbon ceramic brake discs.

Visually, the E 63 has the muscle to match its performance. It features a new grille, bonnet, bumpers, beefier wheel arches, and 20-inch matte grey alloys.

At this price, the E 63 S is only marginally more expensive than the BMW M5 – which, at Rs 1.43 crore (ex-showroom), is its only real rival at this time.