AMG E63 S is most powerful E-Class car

A lift to the airport in the 2018 Mercedes-AMG E63 S left passengers highly impressed, not surprisingly. They sat in beautifully sculpted Nappa leather seats and were surrounded by stretches of carbon fiber weave and elegant wood trim.

They were amazed by the highend Burmester sound system and loved the sweet fragrance filtering into the cabin.

But, folks, understand that it's also one of the fastest and most powerful luxury sport sedans in the world. It has the fire of a hot rod, with drift mode and launch control. And then ... ah, OK, go catch your plane.

The E63 S has a bold new front end with an oversize three-pointstar logo and huge air intakes to feed the beast inside. Crisp creases mark the hood and sides, and it has broader fenders to accommodate the wider tires with black forged wheels. At the rear, quad square exhaust tips spew groans and crackles like a blazing barn.

It's the most powerful E-Class ever—the E63 S even joins the elite 600-plus horsepower club. The AMG-handcrafted 4.0-liter V-8 has a pair of turbochargers that push output to 603 hp and 627 pound-feet of torque.

So it is not for the timid; it wants to run, and you'll feel it the moment you touch the accelerator. It will jackrabbit to 60 mph in a mere 3.3 seconds, with launch control engaged. That is crazy fast, neck-jarring, eye-opening fast, and should be done under controlled conditions, of course. Top speed is factory-capped at 186 mph.

Regulating the power is a 9-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, and it's distributed by a new allwheel(called 4Matic+). It is a variable torque system which sends most of the torque to the rear during heavy acceleration and cornering, but redirects some to the front when needed.

In Drift mode, 100 percent of the torque is shifted to the rear wheels, though it's a chore that starts by switching on Race mode and switching off stability control. Might wait for rally day.

"Launch Control" prevents wheel spin during strong acceleration. Once in Race mode, with feet on the gas and brake, you just pop the brake when the instrument panel flashes red. (Guess that means things are going to get red hot.)

For the majority who will commute rather than race, know that the E63's sport-tuned suspension means a firmer ride—even in Comfort mode. However, "dynamic" engine mounts do help minimize vibrations from the drivetrain. Steering is responsive and nicely weighted around town and on the highway.

Another plus: This Hulk Hogan of an engine is actually more economical this year, with credit going to a new cylinder-deactivation system. The V-8 becomes a mild-mannered V-4 when the extra oomph isn't needed, which means better mileage and a quieter ride.

Still, nobody will brag about mileage figures: EPA numbers of 15 mpg city, 22 highway, are modest enough but they're even optimistic for anyone who likes to drive with, uh, vigor.

Inside, dual displays of performance data and infotainment unite to form a broad panel of instruments. The cabin's racy look is accented with a flat-bottom performance wheel. Interior trims come in carbon fiber, wood and metal.

Seats, adorned with the AMG logo, offer numerous adjustments and massage features but they require entering Mercedes' sometimes-overwhelming COMAND system.

While you're there, you can also find the multitude of ambient LED lighting choices—64 colors from which to choose.

The 1,450-watts of Burmester sound emanates from 23 speakers; the subwoofer is in the trunk. Five sound profiles are offered, from live concert to easy listening, and sound can actually be fine-tuned toward a single passenger. It works and it's amazing.

On a more practical note, trunk space is on the tight side, compared to its foes from Cadillac, Audi and BMW, with only 13 cubic feet. That's just enough for a set of golf clubs or a couple of smaller suitcases. But the rear seats can be folded down from inside the trunk to open more space.

E63 S has plenty of advanced-tech safety features but many of them are optional, somewhat disappointing for a $100,000-plus vehicle. An AMG Premium package ($3,600) includes adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warnings and lane-keep assist.

There's plenty of power, punch and tech in the E63 S, and it'll take more time than a jaunt to the airport for passengers to get the whole story—or for you to finish boasting about it.