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finder score: 88.00%
3 critics
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Critic reviews
| Website | Rating | Notable quotes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| CarAdvice | 90% | "But even better for enthusiasts of all kinds, the rear-drive Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG remains a cohesive and capable large performance sedan. " | Read more |
| Car Sales | 87% | "It reminds us yet again that while some performance sub-brands are first and foremost marketing exercises, AMG is the real deal." | Read more |
| Motoring | 87% | "Its great ability, strong character and clear purpose means it lives up to the AMG mantra of accessible, burly and stunning performance. What a car." | Read more |
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How does the Mercedes-Benz E63 compare with its peers?
The complete Mercedes-AMG E 63 S review
Mercedes-AMG E 63 S pricing
The Manufacturer's recommended list price for the E 63 S is $209,239, but additional costs like the luxury car tax, retailer delivery and stamp duty take the total cost past $250,000.
Overview
AMG is Mercedes-Benz’s high-performance brand, famous for adding a wild side to models throughout the German manufacturer’s range. The Mercedes-AMG E 63 S is AMG’s interpretation of the E-Class Saloon and it combines a hair-raising drive with an impressive list of included kit and safety features.The arrival of the latest version of the E 63 to our shores was hotly anticipated by motoring enthusiasts, not only because of the pulse-quickening performance for which AMG is known but also because this luxurious machine was switching from rear- to all-wheel drive for the first time in Australia.
With an impressive Finder Score to its name, the Mercedes-AMG E 63 S obviously offers plenty to those who can afford it. At well over $200,000 by the time you get it on the road, the E 63 S is well and truly ensconced at the premium end of the market.
But you get what you pay for and in the E 63 S that means breathtaking speed; excellent standard kit and safety tech; and a wonderful level of comfort and refinement. There’s no wagon version in Australia, but there’s plenty to like about this powerful four-door sedan.
Is it the right car for you? To find out, let’s take a closer look at what some leading motoring journalists had to say about this
Exterior
There are a few subtle but still quite noticeable design changes that help the E 63 S stand out from an ordinary Mercedes-Benz. With its big front air dam, bulging bonnet and wide wheel arches, it has an intimidating on-road presence that lets you know it means business.
At the same time, there’s none of the garishness you might expect from a car that produces the same level of performance as this one. This is still a Merc after all, so anything too “in your face” would seem very much out of place.
Extra-wide 20-inch cross-spoke wheels complete the look.
Engine and performance
The bi-turbo, 4.0-litre V8 in the Mercedes-AMG E 63 S produces 450kW and 850Nm, and is also available in the lower-spec E63 with 420kW and 750Nm. With the trademark roar you’d expect from an AMG V8, the engine announces its arrival straight away.
The reviewers were unanimous in their praise for the big V8, which delivers the sort of performance you’d expect from a supercar. “Aggressive”, “unruly” and “supercar quick” are just some of the adjectives the reviewers used to describe the bi-turbo, which sees the E 63 S rocket from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds. Its 850Nm of torque is available from the 2,500rpm mark as well, ensuring you have effective performance on tap across a very broad range.
This is paired with a nine-speed automatic that sends power to all four wheels via AMG’s 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive system. As you’d expect from AMG, this system is biased towards the rear and can even be set to power the rear wheels only when you select Drift Mode.
The nine-speed transmission also came in for plenty of praise. Responsive and quick, it shifts you through the gears smoothly and rapidly. At lower speeds, it also avoids the low-speed clunkiness you get from dual-clutch transmissions in some of AMG’s main rivals.
However, with so much power at your disposal, it’s no surprise that the E 63 S can get a little thirsty. While the official combined fuel consumption figure of 9.3L/100km is pretty good, the reviewers spent a little more time at the petrol pump in the real world, which isn’t surprising when you’re behind the wheel of a machine that practically begs to be driven with vigour. And if you feel like doing some fuel-efficient cruising, there’s a cylinder deactivation feature that allows the engine to run on four cylinders and get plenty of extra distance out of the 80-litre fuel tank.
Another common comment from the reviewers was there are limited opportunities to test the true limits of this big luxury sedan on Australian roads. To get a complete idea of what the E 63 S can do, you’ll need to head to a race track.
- Engine type
- - Direct-injection, bi-turbo V8
- Drivetrain
- - RWD,4WD
- Fuel type
- - Petrol
- Fuel tank capacity
- - 67 litres
- Max. torque (Nm@rpm)
- - 850Nm
- Fuel consumption (combined)
- -9.3L/100km
- Max. power (kW@rpm)
- - 450kW
- Combined CO2 emissions petrol / diesel
- - 212g/km
- Transmission
- - AMG Speedshift MCT 9-speed automatic
Handling
On the road, all reviewers were similarly impressed with what the E 63 S had to offer. Despite the fact that it’s a large sedan and weighs in at around two tonnes, it promises levels of grip and body control it has no right to provide.
The all-wheel-drive system does an excellent job of putting power down on the road and steering is responsive and precise. Pirelli tyres offer traction and confidence, even on undulating terrain and in wet conditions, while there’s plenty of fun to be had for anyone who thinks of themselves as a keen driver.
There are also multiple drive modes on offer to suit your mood and/or the conditions. Comfort Mode allows you to experience the sort of luxury you’d expect from an E-Class Saloon, softening the steering and suspension for a more laid-back cruise. But as soon as you switch to one of the sportier settings, everything becomes firmer, tauter and more aggressive.
Interior
Stepping inside, the reviewers all agreed that the interior of the E 63 S is a very nice place to travel. The interior is based on the E-Class, which is a great starting point in terms of comfort and quality, but with a few additions, most notably the firm AMG Performance seats. These may get a little uncomfortable for longer drives, but you can opt for sports seats as part of the Active Comfort package if this is a problem for you.
The driving position is excellent, the steering wheel is wrapped in leather and there are high-quality finishes everywhere you look. The reviewers loved the widescreen cockpit display, which is spread across twin 12.3-inch screens and offers impressive graphics and easy vision. However, one reviewer did point out that this system is a little complicated and the level of customisation available is huge, so getting the hang of it might take some time.
Throughout the rest of the cabin, the list of included features is a long one. Three-zone climate control, 13-speaker sound system, panoramic sunroof, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay compatibility and LED lighting are all standard. The boot boasts a pleasing 540 litres of cargo space, rear-seat passengers are spoiled with plenty of leg- and head-room and you’ll find plenty of storage solutions spread around the interior.
With a 5-star ANCAP rating, the E 63 S is also loaded with safety tech and features. Auto emergency braking, lane change assist, rear cross-traffic alerts and nine airbags are all included, while the 360-degree camera system is very handy when parking. However, the inclusion of Performance seats means the E 63 S misses out on the Pre-Safe Impulse Side system that helps get you as far away as possible from an imminent side collision.
All this is backed by a three-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty.
| Mercedes-AMG E 63 S interior and safety features | |
|---|---|
| AMG Performance seats | Yes |
| AMP Performance steering wheel in nappa leather | Yes |
| Digital TV tuner | Yes |
| Wireless charging system for mobile devices | Yes |
| Automatic climate control with three climate zones | Yes |
| Nappa upholstery | Yes |
| 13-speaker Burmester surround-sound system | Yes |
| Head-up display with virtual image windscreen projection | Yes |
| Comand Online infotainment system with Internet connectivity, high-resolution media screen, navigation with 3D map display and dynamic route guidance, smartphone integration via Android Auto or Apple CarPlay | Yes |
| Windscreen wipers with rain sensor and one-touch wipe function | Yes |
| Adaptive Brake | Yes |
| Speedtronic variable speed limiter | Yes |
| Steering wheel shift paddles | Yes |
| Interior LED lighting | Yes |
| Nine airbags | Yes |
| Anti-lock braking system | Yes |
| Attention Assist | Yes |
| Brake Assist System | Yes |
| Brake pad wear indicator | Yes |
| Driving Assistance Package (includes Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, Active Brake Assist with cross-traffic function, Active Lane Change Assist, Evasive Steering Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist and Pre-Safe Plus | Yes |
| Tyre pressure monitoring system | Yes |
| 360-degree camera | Yes |
The verdict
As you’ve no doubt gathered by now, the reviewers were quite enamoured with the E 63 S as a total package. Its key selling point is its on-road performance: impressive speed, precise handling and that signature AMG brutishness, all in the guise of a big four-door sedan.
It’s also a pleasure to use on a day-to-day basis, packed with practical features and plenty of space for luggage and passengers. Throw in the top-spec safety tech for which Mercedes-Benz is famous, plus the comfort and premium finish of the interior, and you’ve got a car that reviewers struggled to find any major faults with.
That said, it’s by no means a small car. And while the E 63 S delivers speed and performance that bely its size, some keen drivers will simply prefer the sportiness and agility that only something smaller and lighter can provide. It’s also got quite a thirst when pushed hard, but fuel economy probably isn’t going to be a major concern for anyone spending upwards of $200,000 on their next set of wheels.
If you’re looking for a driver’s car that offers go-fast goodness and everyday comfort in equal measure, not to mention a whole lot of other luxury touches as well, the reviewers agreed that the Mercedes-AMG E 63 S is well and truly worth a closer look. Book yourself in for a test drive to find out exactly what it has to offer.
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Pictures: mercedes-benz.com.au
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