Car review: 2021 Mercedes AMG E63 S sedan

By Larry Lark, contributor

The latest incarnation of the Mercedes AMG E63 S sedan exemplifies textbook German engineering.

This 2021 model builds on the high-performance vehicle attributes of AMG, yet adds considerably more creature comforts to keep the vehicle’s non-driver’s happy and entertained.

At the centerpiece is a handcrafted AMG 4.0-liter V8 bi-turbo engine that delivers 603 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a Speedshift MCT nine-speed transmission, the duo covers the 0-to-60 miles per hour in an impressive 2.8 seconds.

Originally nicknamed “Hammer” in 1986, the E63 S responds when pedal meets metal. Where’s an autobahn when a guy needs one? The E63 S reaches an electronically-governed top-speed of 186 miles per hour, and revs to life – when asked – at any speed.

The sedan transports up to five passengers in abject comfort and style. Front passengers can dial-up any number heated massage’s while traveling to their destination. Rear passengers enjoy the same nappa leather seats with quilted insets.

Styling is eye-catching, aerodynamic, and functional. The central air cooling inlet is significantly larger than before and now also bears the distinctive AMG-specific radiator grille, featuring vertical slats and a larger central star. Together with the flatter, all-LED multi-beam headlamps, aggressive wheel arches flared further outwards, and the rounded-fit hood with twin power domes, a completely new, considerably more dynamic appearance is created.

The reshaped front bumper is a jet-wing design with three large, functional air intakes and a front splitter enhances the overall proportions and also significantly reduces lift at the front axle. Other highlights include 20-inch, five-spoke wheels with black accents and a rear spoiler.

A new interior highlights is a MBUX infotainment system with two 12.3-inch screens, touchscreen and touchpad, intelligent voice control, plus AMG-specific displays and settings. The two displays for the instrument cluster and multimedia displays are housed beneath a shared glass cover to form a widescreen cockpit.

Gearheads will be delighted by an instrument panel display that can switch between three AMG display styles: “Modern Classic”, “Sport” and “Supersport”. The “Supersport” mode is particularly striking with a central, round rev counter and horizontal displays presented in perspective to the left and right of the rev counter, creating a spatial impression of depth. Via the AMG menu, the driver can select various AMG displays such as engine data, gear speed indicator, warm-up, set-up, G-meter and race-timer.

A car that goes fast also needs capability to stop fast. That is covered with the E63 S AMG carbon ceramic braking system. The large-sized, high-performance compound brake system is reliable, quick and fade-resistant, even under high loads.

All E 63 S models are equipped with AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive as standard. This intelligent system combines the advantages of different drive concepts: torque distribution on the front and rear axles and ensuring optimum traction on any surface. The driver can rely on a high level of handling safety.

And for true aficionados, drifting is still possible thanks to fully variable torque distribution. The Drift Mode integrated into the E 63 S as standard is ideal for this. This can be activated in the “RACE” drive program using the shift paddles, provided that ESP is deactivated and the transmission is in manual mode. When Drift Mode is activated, the E 63 S becomes a purely rear- wheel drive vehicle. Drift Mode remains engaged until the driver deactivates it again.

Safety features are off the charts, but alas, space does not permit, and they’re not as exciting as the rest.

Base Price: $108,550

Price As Driven: $134,440

Destination charge is included in base price. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturer. List price may vary at local dealerships.