Mercedes-AMG E63 S 4Matic+

EXECUTIVE PERFORMANCE SEDAN, Mercedes-AMG E63 S 4Matic+. Muscular sheetmetal. Stiff suspension. Brutal V8. This has been the familiar formula for E-Class executive expresses for nearly 30 years, yet Mercedes says the latest, the AMG E63 S MATIC+, takes the biggest step yet between generational models. That stride is the switch from traditional rear-drive to all-wheel drive. With 450kW and 850Nm produced by the E63 S’s 4.0-litre twin-turbo, it’s understandable why even AMG’s indomitable engineers determined that trying to distribute those outputs to the ground via just two wheels was, if not futile, certainly unwise. With greater traction combining with a terrifically torquey engine, the E63 S’s acceleration – 0-100km/h in 3.4 seconds – prompted Greg Madden to declare it offered “supercar performance in a family sedan”.

At Phillip Island, the E63 S also proved it wasn’t an exception to the rule that modern AMG Benzes are staggeringly competent on a race track. “For a day-to-day driver, it’s amazing how it drives on both road and track,” said Nathan Robinson. “Like a sports car – except you’re just sitting higher,” said Adam Marshall, while “predictable handling” encouraged Richard Foo to use as much of the V8’s power as he dared. “The addition of all-wheel drive has transformed the E63 S,” said Michael Stahl. “In the previous rear-drive version, I’d eventually found that all the gee-whiz acceleration and knuckle-whitening feel on a wet road became a bit tiring. This new car has phenomenal performance and the capability to use all of it.”

Not entirely forgetting its roots, or indeed its most hardcore customers, the E63 does feature a Drift Mode, which, via a slightly laborious process, decouples the front wheels from the transmission. Michael Roberts and Leticia Estrada were among the majority more interested in the sound, rather than the tyre smoke, and judged the Mercedes to offer the best engine noise of 2018’s septet. Braking performance was aided by optional AMG composite brakes, yet even after multiple fast laps of a track, they exhibited neither the squeakiness nor poor pedal feel that can afflict such highperformance stoppers.

Perhaps more surprising was that some judges declared the E63’s interior their favourite, even ahead of the Mulsanne. Their view was based on the Benz’s blend of high-tech presentation (notably the dualscreen display), excellent ergonomics and access to bountiful driver aids that include semi-autonomous steering. The only sore points – quite literally – were the standard AMG performance seats, which Jez Spinks remarked felt “as stiff as the E63’s sportiest suspension setting”. This didn’t deter a unanimous assessment that concluded the E63 S was a staggeringly impressive all-rounder – ably demonstrated post-event when it provided an enjoyable cruise back to Melbourne airport, just moments after scorching around Phillip Island. – JEZ SPINKS

Engine
4.0-litre V8 twin-turbo
Power/torque
450kW/850Nm
Transmission
Nine-speed automatic; all-wheel drive
Weight
1955kg
Performance
0-100km/h in 3.4 sec; Maximum speed 300km/h
Price
$239,611 (as tested $249,511)

Sources: Robb Report Australia, July 2018

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