2018 Mercedes-AMG E63S Test Drive Review – Best Super Sedan

2018 Mercedes-AMG E63S Test Drive Review

Car Tested: 2018 Mercedes-AMG E63S ; Road Test No. 1037; Test Location: Mumbai

Price OTR Mumbai: Rs. 1,78,07,499/-

The E63S is a mid-size luxury sedan that can go from 0-100 km/hr in 3.4 seconds

The E-Class is India’s favourite luxury sedan but that doesn’t stop it from swapping luxury for sporty as the E63 AMG (or Mercedes-AMG E63) as the Germans like to call it, is an outright bombastic missile of sorts, that has enough room for passengers and their luggage. While Mercedes sells the LWB of the E-Class in India, the E63 is based on the short wheelbase model and we get the higher S version which adds another shot of madness to this super saloon. When we drove it on the track, we were in disbelief by its thrust, so a practical road test was the need of the hour.

Exteriors – The Mercedes-AMG E63S has all the necessary demeanour that is expected from a super-sonic luxury saloon. The Germans never fail at creating a well-measured balance between brash and sophistication and the E63S is no exception. The E-Class, in every way, looks elegant and the sporty elements are subtle yet effective. The front looks brilliant with sporty bumpers, two-slatted grille and the numerous creases on the bonnet. The rear is highlighted by large bumpers, lip spoiler, and quad exhausts. Also, the E63S is the short-wheelbase version of the E-Class. As a result, it looks smaller, tighter and lighter than the one we are used to seeing on our roads. Add to that a matte grey finish and those sexy alloys, the E63S is like a little black dress. Perfect for any occasion.

Interiors – The dashboard layout is similar to the standard E but there are some changes. You get an all-digital instrument cluster which makes it look new-age and cool. You also have the option of heated and ventilated seats. The quality, as always is top notch. From the way the Burmester speakers spring into action to the nice little clock that ticks away, the interior of this AMG is an inspiring fusion of old meets new. It is comfortable, refined, loaded with equipment and characterful in equal measure.

The E63S sits lower than the regular E-Class for a more sportier feel

The cabin might not feel as airy as the regular E-Class and that’s for two reasons, one is the all black cabin, no beige or light colours here as this is all about being sporty and the other is the short wheelbase which means this car has only decent amount of space at the rear, not an excess of it. The seats are very supportive, the ones at the front more so while the quality is excellent, everything points to German precision.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Safety and After Sales Service – The talking point about safety is the fact that this is an all-wheel-drive which ensures added traction when the weather turns wet. But, of course, the E63S goes beyond that and offers all the required electronics including an ultra-sensitive traction control system which ensures you don’t get too carried away by the monstrous reserves of power and torque on board. Add to that the car’s tank-like build and a 5 star Euro NCAP safety rating, you indeed have a very safe saloon.

Verdict -The Mercedes-AMG E63S proves once again that the Stuttgart based automaker is deserving of the back to back championships it has won in Formula 1. The regular E-Class and the E63 feel like two different animals altogether, one excels in comfort and the other simply excites the senses like no other sedan in the market currently, it’s not only fast but also has a distinct character, that which doesn’t want you to stop driving it.

What’s Cool
* The car looks mean, muscular and like a spaceship
* Offers practicality with 4 seats and a large boot
* Interior like any Mercedes doesn’t disappoint
* Insanely powerful, loud and stable at high speeds
* Comes with a 5-star safety rating

What’s Not So Cool
* Rear seat space is slightly limited

Alternatives: – BMW M5, Audi RS7

2018 Mercedes-AMG E63S Specifications

* Engine: 3982cc, V8, Twin Turbo Petrol
* Power: 612 HP @ 5750-6500 RPM
* Torque: 850 Nm @ 2500-4500 RPM
* 0-100 km/hr: 3.4 seconds
* Top Speed: 300 km/hr
* Transmission: 9-Speed AT
* Fuel Type: Petrol
* Tyre Size: 265/35/20 (Front), 295/30/20 (Rear)
* Suspension: AMG Control Suspension
* Brakes: Disc (Front & Rear)
* Safety: 7-airbags, Attention Assist, Active Brake Assist, Crosswind Assist, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), ABS, Driveline Traction Control, Active Parking Assist, Blind Spot Assist

2018 Mercedes-AMG E63S Dimensions

* Overall length x width x height: 4994 mm X 2065 mm X 1461 mm
* Wheelbase: 2939 mm
* Fuel Tank Capacity: 66-litres
* Kerb Weight: 2048 kgs

Testers’ Note:

Further Reading –

Mercedes-Benz E350d Review
Mercedes-Benz E220d Review
Mercedes-Benz E-Class All-Terrain Review

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