Mercedes E63 AMG

There’s lots of column inches being written about the new C63 AMG at the moment, and with justification. It is a very good car. But I thought I’d have a re-visit with it’s big brother, the E63. We had 2 calls last week looking for a Mercedes E63 AMG for sale, and I realised I’d never driven one. It’s predecessor – the somewhat mad E55 – I’ve had a lark with on a few occasions, but never with the E63. Time to put things right.

Understated. I think that best describes the E63 AMG. A ‘Q’ car, if ever I saw one. Yes, it does sit a bit lower, and has a few body tweaks. But they are minor; subtle; understated. Mercedes have done this like Audi do. With taste. I like it. It’s nice to speak softly, but carry a big stick. And the E63 has a very big stick indeed.

I was sorry to see the blower 55 engine bow-out. It was mad as hatter, but great fun. On paper the new 63 almost seems a backward step. Until you drive one. I did that some time ago in the CLS, and I was very impressed. This is the first of the all AMG engines, and it shows. The different torque curve means it is possible to fit the latest 7-speed auto box, instead of the old 5 speed in the E55. And that made the car much smother, and much more responsive. Yes, as with all these clever auto boxes you do need to interfere to get the best, but this is a good box, and makes the car capable of being cruiser and blaster all wrapped up in one package. And the E63 (a 6.2 litre for goodness sake) gets very close to the M5 with this engine, and in many ways betters it. There is no substitute for cubic inches, and the Mercedes takes that trophy. And the power is there when you want it. No twiddling with badly designed i-drives. Just plant your foot and it goes. But if you want to cruise it does; the air suspension making the car very civilised around town. It’s hard to do that in an M5. There is no doubt that on a track, or in a mad cross-country dash I’d take the M5. But for everything else I’d take the E63. It really is that good.

0-60 comes up in not much more than 4.0 seconds and it handles very well. The air suspension really does work. But its party piece is the ability to really play hard and survive. Turn off the esp and this car is almost as mad as the E55. Tyre-burning standing starts with plumes of white smoke are entirely possible (so long as your bank balance can stand the tyre costs!), and proper slides are really easy (in the right place, please). But Mercedes don’t trust you completely. Take it too far and you can feel the electronics coming to the rescue, even with the esp off. Probably sensible. There is a huge amount of latitude before you get reined back – just about the point where your skill fails to reach your ambition!

A good car this. Loads of room; nicely understated; good handling; accessible performance. As good as it gets in this sector for all-round usability.

Oh, and it seems to be properly bolted together!