With the release of the new 5 Series, BMW has confirmed a new trend with German saloons started by Mercedes when it brought out its latest S, E, and C-Class sedans. That would be the fact that smaller entry-level sedans for the two German luxury brands are beginning to take all of their design cues from the range topping cars. As the middle of the pack Mercedes, the E-Class got the same treatment, but just ahead of the 2016 LA Auto Show the company has unveiled the AMG E63 and E63 S.

Thanks to its S-Class clothes, the new AMG E63 and its more powerful sibling should be true sleepers ready to ruin the days of sports car owners who dare to challenge. Unsurprisingly, Mercedes decided to stick its handbuilt and proven 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 under the hood where it can be had in two flavors. The first is the lite version, the AMG E63 that makes 571 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque good for 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds. The AMG E63 S is for those who enjoy dominating the competition with nothing more than overindulgence of power. It's revised engine makes a head-spinning 612 horsepower and 626 lb-ft of torque, making it the most powerful engine fitted to a stock E-Class.

The power upgrade helps knock a tenth of a second off the AMG E63's 0-60 mph time and helps beat the current M5's 4.0 second 0-60 mph time by a long shot. Both Mercs get a 9-speed automatic with multi-clutch technology and a wet start off clutch to enable better response off the line. Mercedes' 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system will lose its rear bias in favor of a completely variable system that will send power front or rear on the fly to help the 4,301 pound machine corner at the edge of what's physically possible. Those wanting to play around with the rear end must opt for the AMG E63 S to get a drift mode installed onto the variable torque distribution system, enabling the engine to send all its power to the rear and smoke some rubber.

To help with efficiency, Mercedes has added a cylinder deactivation feature to allow it to run on four cylinders when not under stress. Adjustable air suspension keeps the AMG from feeling too aloof when approaching its 156 mph top speed but is still capable of delivering comfort like a true Mercedes. Other upgraded features include larger brakes to keep the large sedan from careening off a track after a few laps of hard braking as well as variable drive modes to help tailor the Benz to a variety of driver preferences and skill levels. Mercedes will use the LA Auto Show as the venue to allow buyers to become more intimate with the sedan before it goes on sale midway through 2017. Pricing will be announced in the interim.