The 604bhp Mercedes-AMG E 63 S is a rapid do-everything luxury saloon

What’s new?

It’s difficult to start anywhere other than the engine. The 4.0-litre V8 under the bonnet makes the E 63 S the first super-saloon on sale in the UK to offer more than 600bhp – in fact, it has 604 – and with the help of two turbochargers it offers up the kind of performance that leaves your stomach in the boot every time the throttle is pushed. Funnily enough, 850Nm of torque will have that effect.

This is the first time the E 63 has been offered with all-wheel-drive in the UK, while adaptive air suspension is also new. The former offers stonking grip in all conditions and the latter means you can switch between a ride that’s cossetingly comfortable or bone-shakingly sporty as you desire.

There are two trims to choose from. The ‘standard’ E 63 has 563bhp while the S model, which we’re testing today, gets the aforementioned performance bump and some extra kit.

Looks and image

The standard E-Class has a quiet sophistication about it, and AMG, Mercedes’ performance division, must have been tempted to transform it into a bewinged beast. Fortunately, they managed to restrain themselves to uncharacteristic subtlety. There are small winglets in the front bumper and a mere suggestion of a bootlid spoiler to denote this is the 63. A quad-exit, chrome-tipped exhaust system and black diffuser give the game away somewhat at the rear, though.

Inside, our S test car’s performance seats look brilliant but are incredibly firm and feel a bit out of sorts with the E-Class’s luxurious interior. When really pushing on they’re welcome, though, as they hold your hips in place. The rest of the interior is typical Mercedes class, with premium materials throughout.

Space and practicality

The E-Class is a big car. This means that the cabin is spacious enough for four adults to travel long distances in comfort, while the boot is large enough for most occasions – an E 63 Estate is also available if practicality is vital.

A driver assistance package is available as an optional extra for £1,695 and includes a number of safety features such as blind spot assistance, lane-keeping assistance, and a semi-autonomous driving mode. For a car that starts at nearly £90,000 this equipment should really be included as standard, but on the plus side it’s not too expensive in comparison to the cost of the car.

Behind the wheel

Pretend for a second the seats aren’t park bench firm, keep the E 63 S in comfort mode, and you can almost pretend you’re in just another luxury premium saloon. However, flick the engine to Sport mode and it’s like pouring extra hot sauce in a chicken korma.

What was once mild suddenly demands your attention. The throttle response improves and, if you push too hard, that surge of horsepower won’t be afraid to catch you out. The air suspension firms up perhaps a bit too much here, making you feel like you’re rather hanging on along a bumpy back road, but when it all hooks up it’s astonishing a big, premium barge can handle like this.

It’s the Jekyll and Hyde personality that truly impresses, though. Back in comfort mode and those in the back would probably never know the monster that lurks beneath the bonnet. It really is a do-it-all kind of car.

Value for money

For the ‘standard’ – if you can call it that – E 63, prices start at £78,935. For your cash you get a bit less performance, AMG sports suspension, unique 19-inch alloy wheels, Nappa leather upholstery, and Mercedes’ brilliant double 12.3-inch displays.

Opt for the full-fat S model, which costs from £88,295, and you get a power hike, 20-inch alloy wheels, active engine mounts, AMG performance seats and even more Nappa leather.

This makes it about right for the segment, though there are a few options you might feel should be standard for that money. For example, the £1,695 driver assistance package or £1,000 performance exhaust.

For those who really want to splash the cash there are plenty of ways to do so, including ceramic brakes for £6,995, a carbon-fibre package for £3,370 and a premium package that adds a surround sound system, panoramic sunroof and LED lighting, costing £2,595.

Who would buy one?

The E 63 S is a bit of a juxtaposition – a big, luxury cruiser with high-performance tendencies. Naturally, AMG has handled the opposing personalities brilliantly, so those who want a luxury cruiser with performance on top won’t have to compromise too much to do so.

THE KNOWLEDGE

Model: Mercedes-AMG E 63 S
Base price: £88,295
Engine tested: 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8
Power: 604bhp
Torque: 840Nm
Max speed: 155mph
0-60mph: 3.1 seconds
MPG: 31mpg
Emissions: 207g/km