1st Mercedes-amg E 63 4L4L

Supercar performance meets practicality as range-topping E-class Estate takes victory

THE Mercedes-amg E 63 S feels more like a hot rod with a boot thanks to its massive power output. But it still delivers impressive handling to match the Porsche Panamera’s abilities as a cross-country cruiser.

There’s a marked difference in character between these two cars, despite their similar bodystyles, performance and turbo V8 engines.

The E 63 driving experience is dominated by the engine: it starts with a purposeful flare of revs and, with a push of a button, you can open up the £1,000 AMG performance exhaust to turn up the volume further still. Put your foot down and the V8 truly comes to life, cracking and popping on the overrun and unleashing the E 63’s brawny personality. It’s much noisier inside and out than the Panamera’s more restrained, but still muscular, V8 sound.

The performance is there to match the engine, too: while the Mercedes wasn’t able to keep up with the Porsche off the line, it’s faster in-gear. It took 2.1 seconds to cover 30-50mph in fourth, which was half a second faster than the Panamera, while it easily had the measure of its rival from 50-70mph in the taller ratios. This is partly thanks to an extra ratio in its gearbox to cover a similar speed range, and partly due to its power and torque advantage. Both of these points are highlighted best by the 50-70mph time in seventh gear: the Mercedes took 4.9 seconds and the Panamera 9.5 seconds.

However, there are more factors than just performance here. The stiff suspension means the E 63 is far less forgiving than the impressively compliant Porsche over the same surfaces. Even with the dampers in their softest mode the Mercedes is too stiff, fidgeting and thumping over bumps and ridges. Sport and Sport+ modes are even firmer and rarely suited to British roads.

The steering is weighty, precise and gives a good connection to the front axle. There’s a great level of grip for such a heavy car (2,070kg) and the advantage of that firm suspension is impressive body control, so it remains flat as it takes corners with amazing agility.

Inside, the E 63 is similar to a normal E-class Estate, but with sporty AMG touches, including a set of special sports seats. The twin 12.3-inch display screens are standard and look great, and include Apple Carplay, Android Auto and sat-nav. The extensive level of kit matches that of the Panamera, while our test car was also equipped with wireless charging (£250).

DRIVING

THE E 63’s 4.0-litre V8 is one of the most characterful turbocharged engines around, and the noise it makes combined with the stunning performance is brutally addictive.

REFINEMENT

Performance is only one element, though. The firmer ride and more intrusive road noise mean the Mercedes-amg isn’t as relaxing on a long journey as the Porsche.

RUNNING COSTS

Cylinder-deactivation tech saves fuel, but the E 63 fell behind at the pumps. While both cars cost a lot to fuel, AMG owners will pay £485 more per year at £2,821.

TAX

There’s just 1g/km between our cars, so the E 63’s lower list price means it’ll be a more affordable company car. Higher-rate earners will pay £13,709 a year, against £17,353 for the Panamera.

PRACTICALITY

As it’s based on the standard E-class Estate, the E 63 has a more traditional bench in the back, giving more space. There’s lots of headroom and the middle seat is roomier than the Sport Turismo’s.

LUGGAGE SPACE

The AMG’S Estate bodystyle is more conventional than the Porsche’s sleeker variation, so the boot is significantly bigger, at 640 litres. Fold the seats and there’s 1,820 litres, which is well ahead of the Panamera’s 1,390-litre load bay, but the larger Merc isn’t as easy to manoeuvre as the Porsche with its rear-axle steering. Both cars get a power tailgate as standard to aid loading.

INTERIOR & TECHNOLOGY

ALL E 63 S models have leather as standard, but go for the £2,595 Premium package and you’ll also get a panoramic sunroof, adaptive LED lights, a Burmester premium sound system and keyless entry and start.

DISPLAY

The twin 12.3-inch high-res display screens in the E 63 are bright, plus they’re easy to use on the move thanks to the rotary dial on the centre console. You can even control them via the buttons on the steering wheel.

OWNERSHIP

MERCEDES came 21st out of 27 in the makers’ chart of our Driver Power 2017 survey. Its dealers fared a bit better, finishing 12th out of 26. Porsche didn’t rank in either category.

SAFETY

The AMG features a reversing camera and AEB. The Driving Assistance Plus pack (£1,695) adds blindspot and lane keep assist, plus adaptive cruise.