This Merc E-Class is as quick as a Bugatti Veyron

The world of performance car tuning never fails to surprise and delight. And while Mercedes prepares to usher in an all-wheel-drive-only E63 AMG, a particularly zany tuner has provided evidence this is not bad news at all.

That’s because Posaidon has used the traction offered up by the outgoing, optionally AWD E63 to produce performance figures befitting a supercar. Namely a 218mph top speed (limited, if you’re wondering) and a 2.8-second 0-62mph time.

The former tops a Lamborghini Aventador SV, the latter matches the standard specification of Bugatti Veyron. Yikes.

Catalysing those nuggets of Top Trumps gold is a modest power upgrade. If the definition of ‘modest’ is a climb from 557 to 1,006bhp. Not far off double, if you’ve run out of fingers to count on.

Such a hike required Posaidon, in its own words, to “upgrade and re-engineer all the major engine components, starting with a pair of larger turbochargers and more efficient
intercoolers.” That ought not to be much of a surprise.

There are more nuanced updates than some socking great turbos, though, such as competition-spec spark plugs and a newly calibrated limited-slip differential on each axle. Bigger brakes, uprated suspension and wider tyres are all welcome (and doubtless necessary) additions, too.

Weight has been saved via the unceremonious ditching of interior trim and the rear seats, as well as the fitment of C63 AMG Black Series seats up front, whose installation saves 40 kilos alone. There’s carbon aplenty, too, with plenty of it visible on the bonnet, mirror caps, spoiler and diffuser.

More power, fewer kilos, and madcap acceleration as a result. Posaidon’s E-Class is fairly simple to understand in all areas but one: its name. Dubbed the RS850+, it riffs off the name of Posaidon’s last E63-based rocket, which had around 850bhp. What’s wrong with RS1000?

Oh, and if you’re wondering what the unlimited top speed is, then Posaidon claims a ‘theoretical’ 229mph. Which still isn’t quite enough to topple rival tuner G-Power’s modified BMW M5…