AS one of Mercedes-Benz’s better known models, the E-Class sedan offers a mix of prestige, luxury and comfort, making it one of the sought after executive models locally.
While performance from the standard E 200 and E 300 variants are more than enough to satisfy the daily motoring needs of any driver, the Mercedes-AMG motorsports division always has the means to transform any regular Mercedes-Benz model into a tarmac-burning sensation.
The updated Mercedes-AMG E 63 S 4Matic+ which we tested recently is an example of the seasoned tuner’s handiwork which not only elevated the level of grunt but also the visual excitement.
Compared with the typical E-Class variants, the E 63 S ups the aggressive looks with a more hunkered-down appearance, a Panamericana grille featuring upright slats with an oversized Mercedes star, a bonnet with twin power domes and flared wings.
Adding on to the appeal are the restyled E-Class LED headlights, a deep front apron with aggressive lower air intakes, rear boot spoiler, quad exhaust tips and 20-inch wheels with aerodynamic rim edge.
Inside, the E 63 S feels upmarket and spacious with plenty of shoulder and leg room, a panoramic sliding sunroof to provide a breezier feel, and AMG carbon-fibre trimming with nappa leather upholstery and yellow topstitching for a motorsports touch.
It also gets the familiar Widescreen Cockpit display with the voice-operated Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) support, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, Burmester surround sound system and mood lighting.
Also new is the redesigned flat-bottom multi-function steering wheel with paddle shifters and two additional controllers for vehicle settings at the eight and four o’clock positions.
The leather and Dinamica microfibre cover makes the steering wheel nice to grip while the front AMG Performance Seat package comes with generous side support to keep front occupants securely tucked in during spirited maneuvering.
Rear seats come with air-conditioner vents with adjustments for air speed and temperature.
With a 4.0-litre V8 bi-turbo engine delivering a savage punch of 612hp and 850Nm of torque, the E 63 S is easily the most powerful car in Mercedes-Benz Malaysia’s line-up.
The E 63 S also comes with the 4Matic+ all-wheel drive system that automatically adjusts power between the front and rear wheels depending on conditions as well as being able to be manually set to only rear-wheel drive.
It also uses the nine-speed AMG Speedshift MCT transmission that is lighter and more responsive compared with a torque converter-type transmission.
Set the transmission to Drive and the brute force E 63 S takes off effortlessly with the engine staying lively and always eager to go.
A 0-100kph sprint can be done in 3.4 seconds and the top speed levels out at 300kph.
With an AMG Performance Exhaust system, the vehicle’s soundtrack can be selected to deliver a sports car raucous that would not go unnoticed.
At high speeds, the E 63 S remains well insulated from wind noises although road-scrubbing sound from its large tyres can creep into the cabin.
The E 63 S also comes with an AMG Dynamic Select that allows the driver to choose driving modes of Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Race and Individual.
The feature will adjust the engine, transmission, suspension, steering, electronic stability programme, exhaust and all-wheel drive system according to a pre-determined setting.
In Comfort mode, the mighty V8 block can deactivate four of its eight cylinders when the E 63 S is driven leisurely from 1,000 to 3,250rpm and does not require full performance.
The E 63 S also gets fitted with dynamic engine mounts that vary their stiffness to driving conditions and requirements.
In addition, the electromechanical speed-sensitive power steering also has a variable ratio while providing good feedback and steering precision.
While the AMG Ride Control+ suspension provides a stiffer ride for better handling at high speeds, it can also be set to be softer although the ride will be much harder in comparison with that of typical Mercedes-Benz cars.
You can easily blast the E 63 S beyond the legal speed limit on expressways with the car remaining true to the driving line while being fully composed and planted.
Also, large cross-drilled and slotted disc brakes offer excellent stopping power and can bring the four-door sedan from high speeds to a complete halt without issues.
The E 63 S also comes with a host of safety and semi-autonomous driving features such as anti-collision system, active cruise control, and steering with lane keeping assist among others to make long distance travelling more enjoyable.
With an asking on-the-road without insurance but with 10% SST price of RM1.118mil, the E 63 S is unlikely to fly off the shelves like the more sedate E 200 and E 300.
However, the E 63 S can certainly provide the thrills of an exotic high performance two-seater sports car for five persons with generous boot space to go.
SPECIFICATIONS
Mercedes-AMG E 63 S 4Matic+
Engine: 3,982 cc, V8, bi-turbo
Maximum power: 612hp (450kW) from 5,750 to 6,500rpm
Maximum torque: 850Nm from 2,500 to 4,500rpm
Transmission: Nine-speed AMG Speedshift MCT, 4Matic+ all-wheel drive
Acceleration (0-100kph): 3.4 seconds
Top speed: 300kph
Combined fuel consumption: 11.6 litres per 100km
Features: Airbags, AMG Ride Control+ suspension, AMG high-performance compound brake system, AMG Dynamic Select, AMG Night package, Multibeam LED headlights, Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus, AMG Exterior Carbon-Fibre package I, AMG Performance Exhaust system, panoramic sliding sunroof, AMG carbon-fibre trim, dashboard and door beltlines in nappa leather, AMG carbon-fibre center console, AMG Performance Seat package High-End, AMG Performance steering wheel in nappa leather/Dinamica microfibre, 360 degree camera, Active Parking Assist with Parktronic, Driving Assistance package, Active Distance Assist Distronic, Active Steering Assist, Hands-free access, Keyless-Go, Pre-Safe system, MBUX multimedia system, Burmester surround sound system, Head-up Display, Touchpad without controller, AMG Track Pace, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, wireless charging for mobile devices, two USB ports in the rear with charging function and 20-inch AMG 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels
Price: RM1,118,888 (on-the-road without insurance but includes 10% SST)
Keyword: Mercedes-AMG E 63 S 4Matic+: Brawny prestige