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Road Test of the Year 2017: Mercedes-AMG E63 S

The Mercedes-AMG E63 S is a modern day muscle car. Jack Evans finds out what this German firecracker is like on the road

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It might look big and brutal on the outside – all sledgehammer to crack a nut – but under the skin of this E63 S, a colossal brain is working overtime.

From the driver’s seat, the calculations it’s working out are unfathomable. I’m simply enjoying squeezing every last drop out of the thunderous 604bhp engine, but this Mercedes has a trick up its sleeve.

Power is being sent to all four wheels – while naturally rear-biased, a clever system is shifting torque to the front for better cornering speeds when needed. Gone are the days when AMG cars used to err on the spiky side of terrifying, smoking rear tyres in a 40-a-day habit. These latest-generation models are now even more capable in even more conditions.

Drift Mode locks drive off to the rear wheels only
(PA/Jonathan Fleetwood)

Make no mistake, treat it without the respect deserves and you’ll be side-swiping sheep like a cricketer hitting a six in no time at all, especially when the roads are greasy.

I tread carefully through some of the sharper bends that this part of Wales has to offer as a result. There’s nothing quite as wonderful as having a twisty section of road ahead of you and control of a big, powerful V8 under your right foot – and today, I’ve got both.

Air suspension keeps the E63 S level at all times
(PA/Jonathan Fleetwood)

On the road, 604bhp is pretty intoxicating. Despite being twin-turbocharged, there’s very little lag from the 4.0-litre V8 under the bonnet. The moment you press the throttle you’re sent hurtling towards the next corner and, thanks to precise but weighty steering, those bends become just as much fun as the straights.

Yes, at some points the E63 S’s sheer bulk makes itself known, particularly when the roads start getting narrower. However, it never feels difficult to place nor unwieldy.

The V8 engine sounds impressive despite being turbocharged
(PA/Jonathan Fleetwood)

The E63 S has a bit of a party piece too – drift mode. This locks off power to the rear wheels, turning it into a rear-drive, 604bhp monster.

This can be used for impressively smoky starts, though for the vast majority of the time spent on the slippery roads of this test, the feature remained, understandably, off.

Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres generate huge amounts of grip
(PA/Jonathan Fleetwood)

The E63 S gets a great reaction from the public. Understated – particularly in the matt-grey finish you see here – it doesn’t attract too much attention, with only those in the know giving it praise. Deep in the heart of South Wales, through smaller villages and towns, the only real indication of the E63 S’s underlying performance is its baritone exhaust note.

This downplayed styling will really appeal to some, and means that when you want to, you can return to being just a ‘normal’ E-Class driver.

The E63 S produces over 600bhp
(PA/Jonathan Fleetwood)

When the dry, relatively warm weather turns full Welsh and transforms into driving rain, the E63 S feels no less approachable than any other car.

Its cabin, which is the same as you’ll find in the standard E-Class, is beautifully finished and feels geared up for those who simply like driving.

The E63 S' interior is beautifully made
(PA/Jonathan Fleetwood)

The steering wheel can be adjusted so it’s right up in your chest, and the gearshift paddle operation has a pleasing mechanical feel to it.

Then there’s the noise.

Somehow, Mercedes-AMG has designed a car that sounds civilised at low speeds and like a postbox filled with firecrackers at higher ones.

Each engine is hand built by an AMG technician
(PA/Jonathan Fleetwood)

It’s a racket that brings out the child in you – and an opportunity to floor the throttle under bridges or through tunnels is never passed up.

Incidentally, there are quite a few of those in South Wales – not that I’m complaining.

Large brakes provide tremendous stopping power
(PA/Jonathan Fleetwood)

When you think of sharp, twisting roads like those in the Brecon Beacons, you often think of an accompanying hot hatch or a compact, snappy sports car.

However, the E63 S makes it known that powerful, four-door saloons are just as capable – and just as much fun. Throw in the practicality of a four-door saloon, the desirability of that badge and the fact it can fly under the radar when you really want it to, and it’s a potent combination few will pass up.

FACTS AT A GLANCE

Price (as tested): £99,030
Engine: 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8
Power: 604bhp, 850Nm
Top speed: 186mph
0-60mph: 3.1 seconds
Fuel economy: 31mpg
Emissions: 207g/km

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