Mercedes-amg E 63 Estate
FIRST UK DRIVE All-wheel-drive performance wagon is a hit on UK roads
Storming 563bhp 4WD wagon driven in UK for first time
MERCEDES has never offered British buyers a 4MATIC version of the AMG E 63 before. Although this car has sold well elsewhere, we’ve had to make do with the livewire, tail-happy rear-wheel-drive models.
However, the introduction of the latest saloon changed this. The maker has now added a more practical Estate to its range, too, and we’ve driven it for the first time.
On paper, the stats are impressive. The wagon weighs more than two tonnes, yet will sprint from 0-62mph in 3.6 seconds. It’ll do 155mph flat out, and claims 31mpg, too.
Just 10 years ago the E 63’s forefather did 19mpg and emitted 345g/km of CO2. The new car is 40 per cent cleaner, but is still in the highest bracket for company car tax.
The move from rear to all-wheel drive has had a dramatic effect on the car’s usability. It’s gone from being an unpredictable (if highly entertaining) muscle car to a secure, stable and lightning-fast crackerjack that’s designed to rival Audi’s RS6 Avant. Turn-in is razor sharp, while the strong brakes and precise steering offer plenty of confidence on quick and broken British B-roads.
As with any AMG, the ballistic 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 is the star. Its soft gargle on startup turns into a fully blown thunderstorm at full chat, with the £1,000 AMG Performance Exhaust unleashing a cacophony of gunshots as you lift off the throttle.
You’ll rarely notice the extra weight over the rear axle, with the all-round pneumatic air suspension striking a great balance between comfort and handling. Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Race drive modes adjust the adaptive dampers, throttle, steering and gearbox response, and alter the E 63’s character accordingly. It’s more playful and lighter on its feet than the Audi – not to mention faster in a straight line, too.
The standard-fit 19-inch wheels kick up a degree of unwanted road noise, but rarely will you notice jolts or crashes in the cabin.
Still, despite the power and torque, the new 63 is just as practical as the standard E-class Estate. That means the same 640litre boot, swelling to 1,820 litres with the rear seats folded. The AMG E 63 comes with a three-year unlimited-mileage warranty, and servicing costs from £45 per month.
You get a load of kit as standard. As well as the air suspension and 19-inch wheels, every E 63 has LED lights, sports seats and Mercedes’ widescreen cockpit display. The cabin is beautifully finished in Nappa leather, while our car also featured wireless charging (£250) and a head-up display (£825).
“The move from rear to all-wheel drive has had a dramatic effect on the Mercedes’ usability” Newcars