Welcome to the world of high-performance luxury, where the Mercedes-AMG E63 S reigns supreme as an undisputed titan. This isn’t just another executive sedan; it’s a meticulously crafted masterpiece that seamlessly blends supercar-rivalling power with the opulence and daily usability expected of a Mercedes-Benz. Our comprehensive AMG E63 S review will explore why this vehicle, with its ferocious AMG 4.0L biturbo V8 and sophisticated engineering, continues to captivate enthusiasts and dominate its segment. From its astonishing E63 S performance specs to its luxurious interior, prepare to discover every facet of this incredible machine.
The Essence of the Mercedes-AMG E63 S
So, what exactly makes the Mercedes-AMG E63 S so special? In a world of fast cars, it stands apart. Think of it as the automotive equivalent of a world-class athlete in a bespoke suit—immensely powerful and capable, yet wrapped in an exterior of pure elegance and sophistication.
What Defines a Super Sedan?
The term “super sedan” gets thrown around a lot, but the Mercedes-AMG E63 S is the textbook definition. It’s a vehicle built on a simple yet profound premise: why should you have to choose between a practical, luxurious four-door car and a fire-breathing sports car? The E63 S argues that you shouldn’t. It offers:
- Blistering Performance: Power figures that challenge dedicated supercars.
- Supreme Luxury: A cabin adorned with the finest materials and cutting-edge technology.
- Everyday Practicality: Four doors, a comfortable ride (when you want it to be), and a usable trunk.
Within the esteemed AMG lineup, the E63 S sits at the pinnacle of the E-Class family, representing the most extreme expression of performance available in this iconic model line.
A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing: Design Philosophy
At first glance, the Mercedes-AMG E63 S might appear to be a handsome, well-proportioned luxury car. But look closer. The flared wheel arches, the aggressive “Panamericana” grille, the quad exhaust tips, and the subtle power dome on the hood all hint at the beast lurking within. This design language is intentional. It’s for the discerning buyer who doesn’t need to shout about their car’s capabilities. The car’s presence speaks for itself, making it the ultimate Mercedes-AMG executive sedan for those who appreciate understated power.
Unleashing the Beast: Performance and Engineering
This is where the magic truly happens. The engineering prowess packed into the Mercedes-AMG E63 S is nothing short of breathtaking. It’s a symphony of mechanical and digital systems working in perfect harmony to deliver an unforgettable driving experience.
The Heart of the Matter: AMG 4.0L Biturbo V8
At the core of this machine is its soul: the handcrafted AMG 4.0L biturbo V8 engine, known internally as the M177. Each engine is assembled in Affalterbach, Germany, following the revered “One Man, One Engine” philosophy, where a single master technician builds the entire engine from start to finish, affixing a signed plaque upon completion. This isn’t just a manufacturing process; it’s a promise of quality and a personal touch.
The engine features a “hot-V” configuration, where the two turbochargers are nestled between the cylinder banks. This design, as detailed by Mercedes-Benz, results in a more compact engine, reduced turbo lag, and improved thermal efficiency (Mercedes-AMG GmbH, 2023). The result? A staggering 603 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque that feels like an unending tidal wave of acceleration.
Blistering Acceleration: The 0-60 mph E63 S Experience
What do those numbers mean in the real world? They mean a 0-60 mph E63 S sprint in as little as 3.0 seconds, according to tests by publications like Car and Driver (Car and Driver, 2023). That’s faster than many purpose-built supercars. The launch control system, combined with the all-wheel-drive grip, creates a gut-punch of acceleration that pins you to your seat and re-calibrates your perception of speed.
Seamless Power Delivery: AMG Speedshift MCT 9-Speed Transmission
All that power is channeled through the brilliant AMG Speedshift MCT 9-speed transmission. Unlike a traditional torque converter automatic, this gearbox uses a wet start-off clutch, which reduces weight and inertia, allowing for lightning-fast, aggressive shifts, especially in the more dynamic drive modes. Yet, in Comfort mode, it can be as smooth and imperceptible as any luxury sedan transmission, highlighting the car’s incredible dual personality.
Stopping Power: Carbon Ceramic Brakes AMG
Going fast is one thing, but stopping is arguably more important. While the standard high-performance brakes are excellent, the optional Carbon ceramic brakes AMG take things to another level. These massive, lightweight discs offer incredible resistance to brake fade during repeated hard use, such as on a racetrack. They provide immense, confidence-inspiring stopping power, ensuring the Mercedes-AMG E63 S can shed speed as violently as it gains it.
The Symphony of Power: AMG V8 Engine Sound
Let’s talk about the noise. The AMG V8 engine sound is legendary. It’s a deep, menacing burble at idle that erupts into a thunderous, crackling roar as you climb the rev range. It’s a sound that’s both mechanically pure and emotionally evocative. Even with modern emissions regulations, AMG’s engineers have worked tirelessly to preserve the character that makes this engine so beloved. It’s an integral part of the Mercedes-AMG E63 S experience.
Dynamic Prowess: Driving Experience and Chassis Technology
Power is nothing without control. Fortunately, the Mercedes-AMG E63 S is a masterclass in chassis dynamics, offering a breadth of capability that is simply astounding for a car of its size and weight.
Adaptive Agility: AMG Ride Control+ Suspension
The secret to its versatility lies in the AMG Ride Control+ suspension. This advanced multi-chamber air suspension system with adaptive damping allows you to transform the car’s character at the touch of a button. In Comfort mode, it glides over imperfections with a composure befitting an E-Class. Switch to Sport or Sport+, and the suspension firms up, the body control becomes taut, and the car feels ready to attack a winding road with surprising agility.
Mastering Traction: AMG Performance 4MATIC+ All-Wheel Drive
Putting over 600 horsepower to the ground is a challenge. The AMG Performance 4MATIC+ system is the solution. This fully variable all-wheel-drive system can intelligently distribute torque from 100% rear-wheel drive to a 50/50 front-rear split. This means you get the security and traction of all-wheel drive when you need it, but the car retains a dynamic, rear-biased feel for an engaging driving experience.
Unleashing the Fun: Drift Mode E63 S
Have you ever wanted the all-weather security of AWD and the tail-happy fun of RWD in one car? That’s exactly what Drift Mode E63 S delivers. By engaging Race mode, switching the transmission to manual, and deactivating stability control, the system decouples the front axle entirely, sending 100% of the power to the rear wheels. This transforms the composed Mercedes-AMG E63 S into a tire-shredding machine, allowing for controlled, exhilarating power slides in a safe environment. It’s a brilliant piece of engineering that satisfies both the rational and emotional desires of a performance driver.
Luxury Meets Performance: Interior and Technology
Step inside the Mercedes-AMG E63 S, and you’re greeted by a cabin that perfectly marries high-performance focus with unabashed luxury.
A Cockpit of Command: E63 S Interior Features
The E63 S interior features are a feast for the senses. Deeply bolstered AMG Performance seats hold you securely in place, while materials like Nappa leather, carbon fiber, and brushed aluminum cover nearly every surface. The thick-rimmed AMG steering wheel feels perfect in your hands, complete with intuitive controls for drive modes and performance settings. It’s a space that feels special, whether you’re on a racetrack or stuck in traffic.
Digital Domination: MBUX Infotainment AMG
Front and center is the stunning dual-screen display powered by the MBUX infotainment AMG system. This setup includes a customizable digital instrument cluster and a large central touchscreen. The system is incredibly intuitive, with crisp graphics and AMG-specific displays that can show everything from G-forces to engine data. The “Hey Mercedes” voice assistant adds a layer of convenience, while features like AMG Track Pace can record and analyze your performance on a closed circuit, acting as your virtual race engineer (Google Search Central, 2024).
Practicality and Ownership
For all its wild performance, the Mercedes-AMG E63 S never forgets that it’s also a Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
The Versatile Performer: Mercedes-AMG E-Class Wagon
For the ultimate blend of performance and practicality, look no further than the Mercedes-AMG E-Class wagon. It offers all the mind-bending performance of the sedan but with a cavernous cargo area, making it arguably the coolest and most versatile family car on the planet. It’s the perfect one-car solution for the enthusiast with a family, a dog, and a need for speed.
Daily Driving: Comfort and Usability
As a daily driver, the Mercedes-AMG E63 S is remarkably civilized. In Comfort mode, the engine is quiet, the suspension is compliant, and the transmission is smooth. It’s a serene and comfortable place to be for long journeys or daily commutes. The advanced driver-assistance systems add a layer of safety and reduce fatigue on the highway.
Running Costs: E63 S Fuel Economy and Maintenance
Let’s be realistic: a 603-horsepower twin-turbo V8 is not going to be a champion of fuel efficiency. The E63 S fuel economy is, as expected, quite thirsty. However, for buyers in this segment, this is rarely a primary concern. Maintenance will also be more expensive than a standard E-Class, but that is the price of admission for this level of world-class performance and engineering.
The E63 S in the Arena: Competition and Market Position
The super sedan segment is a battlefield of titans, and the Mercedes-AMG E63 S has a legendary rivalry.
Head-to-Head: E63 S vs M5
The eternal debate: E63 S vs M5. The BMW M5 is its most direct and formidable competitor. While both cars offer staggering performance, they do so with slightly different philosophies. The M5 is often praised for its razor-sharp handling and clinical precision, while the Mercedes-AMG E63 S is celebrated for its more characterful, muscular V8 engine and its slightly more luxurious feel. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference, but the E63 S’s inclusion of Drift Mode and the availability of a wagon variant are significant advantages.
A Glimpse into the Past: Historical Context
The legacy of the high-performance E-Class is long and storied. It traces its roots back to the legendary 1980s AMG “Hammer,” a W124 E-Class sedan into which AMG famously shoehorned a massive V8. That car established the template for the modern super sedan. Through generations of E55 and E63 models, the formula has been refined and perfected, culminating in today’s technologically advanced and astonishingly powerful Mercedes-AMG E63 S.
The Road Ahead: Future Developments for the E63 S
The automotive world is changing, and even the mighty V8 is not immune. The future of the Mercedes-AMG E63 S is electric—or at least, electrified.
The Inevitable Shift: Hybridization and Electrification
The next generation of the E63 is widely expected to be a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV). It will likely pair the beloved AMG 4.0L biturbo V8 with a powerful electric motor, a strategy already seen in the AMG GT 63 S E PERFORMANCE. This will result in even more horsepower and instantaneous electric torque, but it will also add weight and complexity. The challenge for AMG will be to integrate this new technology while preserving the raw, emotional driving experience that defines the brand.
Conclusion
The Mercedes-AMG E63 S stands as a magnificent testament to automotive engineering, offering an unparalleled blend of brutal performance, sophisticated luxury, and everyday usability. It’s more than just a car; it’s a statement, a thrilling experience, and a benchmark for the Mercedes-AMG executive sedan segment. Whether you’re chasing lap times, embarking on a cross-country tour, or simply enjoying the visceral roar of its AMG V8 engine sound, the E63 S delivers on every promise. As we look to the future, its legacy of power and innovation is set to continue, albeit in an evolving form. It remains, without doubt, an automotive icon and a true masterpiece from Affalterbach.
Mercedes-AMG E63 S FAQs
Question: What makes the Mercedes-AMG E63 S engine so powerful?
Answer: The Mercedes-AMG E63 S is powered by a handcrafted AMG 4.0L biturbo V8 engine. Its “hot-V” turbocharger placement minimizes lag, while direct injection and high-pressure fuel delivery contribute to its immense 603 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque, delivering explosive acceleration and a thrilling AMG V8 engine sound.
Question: How does Drift Mode work in the E63 S?
Answer: Drift Mode E63 S is a unique feature of the AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive system. When engaged in Race mode with ESP off and the transmission in manual, it sends 100% of the engine’s power to the rear wheels. This temporarily transforms the Mercedes-AMG E63 S into a pure rear-wheel-drive vehicle for controlled oversteer.
Question: Is the Mercedes-AMG E63 S a good daily driver?
Answer: Absolutely. Despite its supercar-level E63 S performance specs, the Mercedes-AMG E63 S is renowned for its versatility. Its AMG Ride Control+ suspension offers a comfortable ride in “Comfort” mode, while its luxurious interior and advanced MBUX infotainment AMG make it a refined and practical Mercedes-AMG executive sedan for daily commutes and long trips.
Question: What are the key differences between the E63 S sedan and wagon?
Answer: Both the Mercedes-AMG E63 S sedan and Mercedes-AMG E-Class wagon share identical powertrains and performance figures, including the 603 hp AMG 4.0L biturbo V8. The primary difference lies in practicality: the wagon offers significantly more cargo space and versatility, making it a unique “super wagon” that blends supercar performance with family utility.
Author Bio:
Alex Carter is an automotive journalist and performance driving enthusiast with over 15 years of experience. He has contributed to numerous leading automotive publications, specializing in European performance vehicles. Alex holds a degree in mechanical engineering and spends his free time on the racetrack, continuously seeking the perfect apex.
Disclaimer:
The information presented in this blog post is based on extensive research from publicly available data, expert reviews, and official manufacturer specifications as of late 2023. All performance figures are subject to testing conditions. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Readers are encouraged to consult official sources and conduct their own research before making any purchasing decisions.
You can refer to more:
- Official Mercedes-AMG E-Class Sedan Page : Provides direct manufacturer information, official specifications, and the latest model details for the Mercedes-AMG E63 S.
- Car and Driver Latest E63 S Review : Offers an independent, authoritative review with performance test results, expert opinions, and comparisons that complement our AMG E63 S review.
- How AMG’s “One Man, One Engine” Philosophy Works : Explains the unique craftsmanship behind every AMG engine, including the AMG 4.0L biturbo V8, enhancing the E-E-A-T aspect of the blog.
- BMW M5 vs. Mercedes-AMG E63 S Comparison : Provides a direct comparison with its main competitor, the BMW M5, offering external perspective on the E63 S vs M5 discussion.
