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The E63S shares its engine with the flagship AMG GT R
Performance – The Mercedes-AMG E63S is powered by a 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 motor that belts out 612 HP and 850 Nm. Let me tell you straight away, this results in a 0-100 km/hr time of just 3.4 seconds with the top speed restricted to 250 km/hr. You can purchase the AMG Driver’s package to up the limit to 300 km/hr. So in terms of on paper specs, there is no denying this is a fast car and when we drove it on the Buddh International Circuit, we were in awe of the acceleration of this beast. There is some lag lower down and that brings a character to this car as I firmly believe in enjoying the silence before the storm because once the turbos spool up, they ensure you get pinned back in the seat and the E63 simply rockets ahead.
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The engine revs happily and there is minimal turbo lag
The motor revs quite quickly, redlining close to 7000 RPM and before you blink, the 9-speed MCT gearbox has already done its thing, putting you in the next gear in a flash, the transmission is just super quick with shifts and it’s really the character of this engine which differentiates the E63 from its compatriots. This AMG V8 is refined but it’s less about German refinement and more American muscle. It feels throaty and sounds absolutely ballistic (there is also a button to turn on the active exhausts) with cracks and pops on up and downshifts.
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The E63S gets a four-wheel-drive system that can send up to 100% of engine torque to either axle
The ECO mode features cylinder-deactivation to save fuel
The E63 let’s you take manual control of cogs and won’t upshift unless you decide to do so. The car returns a mileage of 4 km/l which coupled with the 80-litre fuel tank gives it a decent flying range. There are multiple drive modes like Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and even Race, the latter most also has a rather simple launch control function, left foot on the brake, right foot on the accelerator and once you release your left foot, you are off in the horizon, pretty neat. These modes alter the engine, gearbox, suspension and the steering, with everything set to level madness in Race mode.
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The E63s features Mercedes’ Air Body Control AMG Sport Suspension
Driving Dynamics – The E63 has put on weight and that’s largely due to all-wheel drive but before you fret, it has a Drift mode which, as the name suggests, let’s you drift by going rear-wheel drive only. Engaging Drift mode is as complex as complex can get, in short, AMG has made it easy to change your mind once you decide to drift because it’s a tedious and time consuming process to turn the E63 4MATIC to E63 2MATIC.
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4MATIC ensures that there’s enough traction and grip around corners
The E63S offers the practicality of a sedan and power of a supercar
The ride quality is also very good, even with those low profile wheels. The Mercedes-AMG E63S does a great job over bad roads and if you encounter a speed-breaker too tall, just raise the nose with a press of a button and forget about it because as you speed up, the air suspension automatically drops the ride height to ensure the best aeros at high speeds. This go-fast Benz uses steel discs but you can opt for ceremaic ones which are optional. The E63 sheds speed with the same vigour it accelerates with and offers great stopping power.
