AMG E63 S Sedan by Mercedes

A Rocket on Four Wheels

The AMG E63 S Sedan by Mercedes is one of the slickest land-rockets to wear the AMG badge. But you already knew that, with full knowledge of the Mercedes AMG division that has been in existence since 1967. There’s something special about those letters that adorn the flanks and the rear decklid of certain AMG cars and SUVs. It’s a proper case of conspicuous consumption. And we would gladly sign up to be conspicuous consumers.

Napleton News recently had a chance to get behind the wheel of this matte blue Magno-painted monster for a week. Our palms were sweating, and our heart was racing as soon as we pushed the starter button. Here’s why:

What moves the AMG E63 S?

Power for our tester comes from a hand-built 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 that produces…(wait for it)…603 horsepower at 5,750 rpm and 627 lb-ft of torque at 2,500 rpm. The engine is mated to an AMG Speedshift MCT 9-speed automatic transmission. From there, power goes to an AMG Performance 4Matic AWD that puts grip at all four corners of the vehicle. Best of all, the artist responsible for creating this engine signs a builder plate under the E63’s hood.

But that’s not all! Other trick high-performance bits include an AMG Sport Suspension based on MB’s Air Body Control, an AMG high-performance composite brake system updated with a Carbon Ceramic brake system. Finally, an AMG electronic limited-slip differential and performance exhaust system help to round out the build sheet.

What does the AMG E63 look like?

The Mercedes AMG E63 S Sedan starts as a three-box-design sedan. That’s the same as numerous others sedans on the road today. Except it isn’t. From the base E-Class sedan, you’ll dispense with the concave diamond-cut design grille. Instead, you get the waterfall grille reminiscent of the Mercedes 300 SL that competed in Mexico’s Carrera Panamericana road race.

Matte’s not flat

Our matte Blue Magno paint, at nearly $9,000 requires hand washing because automatic car washes will cause swirls to appear. Trust us, don’t do it, regardless of what you have seen on Youtube.

Our E63 Sample included the AMG Carbon Fiber Exterior Package I. This includes a carbon-fiber front splitter, side finder inserts, side sill panel inserts and a rear bumper insert. And if that were not enough, add in the AMG Carbon Fiber Exterior Package II, which includes carbon fiber mirror covers and a carbon fiber decklid spoiler. It’s totally boy racer but in a mature way.

Inside the Mercedes AMG E63 S cabin

The “best or nothing” has been the brands mantra and in this AMG E63 S, they don’t mean maybe. Impeccable artistry and detailing are on display everywhere you look and apply even down to the electronics in this vehicle. About those electronics: There are very few dials and buttons to control the E63’s dashboard. Instead, we find two 12.3-inch display screens mounted end-to-end, for an endless expanse like a modern aircraft’s glass cockpit. The audio duties were the responsibility of the Burmester Surround Sound System, which also delivers SiriusXM and HD Radio.

Voice controls kept our hands on the wheel with the call of “Hey Mercedes.” Uttering that phrase wakes the voice control system, which would change a station, find your directions or even ask for gas stations or other points of interest. (“Hey Mercedes, find a Pizza joint near me.”) Other controls were accessible through the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX).

Safety is standard on the E63 S

Key safety features in the new 2021 Mercedes AMG E63 S Sedan include standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking. Some desirable, but optional features, include available lane departure warning and lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control. But honestly, with an out-the-door price north of $100,000, we think they should be included as the price of doing business.

Behind the wheel of the AMG E63 S

We’ve said it before, but we will repeat ourselves: Getting behind the wheel of a Mercedes-Benz is an occasion. Getting behind the wheel of an AMG vehicle is an epic event! That goes double here! With 603 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque, it may not have as much juice as a Challenger SRT Hellcat. That much is true. But in what other vehicle can you stuff four friends inside and then rocket from 0-60 in just under 3-seconds? How about 0-100 in 7.0 seconds? Or going for a brisk run on the Autobahn at 187 mph? And do it in complete comfort?

All of that is possible inside this new Mercedes AMG E63 S Sedan. Starting with the basic E-Class sedan and replacing the suspension, transmission, 4Matic all-wheel drive system and more with AMG kit.

What you end up with is a vehicle that is a modern-day Jekyll and Hyde.

And that’s no horror story!