2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG E63 S AWD Sedan: The Understated Driver-Oriented Executive Sedan

Highlight:  The vehicle is also available as a wagon.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $136,040 (Base Model E350: $55,300)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; a stability control system; all-wheel drive; AMG electronic slip differential; a tire pressure monitoring system; a braking assist system; electronic blind spot; a brake hold feature; a 360-degree camera; and a parking assist system

Standard Equipment (E63 S): 20-inch wheels; high performance summer tires; a 9-speed transmission; a start/stop fuel saving system; dynamic engine mounts; race and drift modes; race start function; AMG dynamic select driving mode; AMG sport suspension based on air body control; AMG performance exhaust system; electro mechanical power steering with direct steering; AMG sport speed sensitive steering; aluminum and high strength steel body structure;  keyless entry system; a push button ignition starter system; rain-sensing wipers; power front seats with memory; a dual zone automatic climate control system; 64-inch color with ambient lighting; heated and ventilated front seats; power folding side mirrors; Nappa leather seats; a power trunk closer; an illuminated entry system; a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment screen; a touchpad controller; 12-inch digital instrument cluster; a navigation system with 3 years of updates; 3 year of live traffic service provided by TomTom; rear spoiler; power sunroof; LED headlights; LED taillamps; and wireless charging

Options:  carbon fiber exterior paint; black Nappa leather seats; AMG carbon ceramic braking system; AMG performance steering wheel in Nappa leather; cabin air fragrance; 20-in AMG forged cross spoke wheels; augmented video for navigation; black cloth headliner; power rear window sunshade; carbon fiber elements; front splitter; side fender inserts;  side sill panel inserts; active steering assist; active lane change assist; active emergency stop assist; active speed limit assist; active brake assist with cross traffic function; evasive steering assist; active lane keep assist; active blind spot assist; pre safe plus collision assist system; pre safe impulsive side; route based speed adaption system; LED intelligent light system; adaptive highbeam assist system; high black gloss assist system; black chrome tailpipe trim; increased cabin insulation; windshield and side windows with acoustic and heat absorbing membrane

Other Trim Levels:

E350 AWD

E450 RWD or AWD

E53 AWD

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a Burmester Surround System audio system with AM/FM/HD with SiriusXM

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Apple/Android Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Standard E63 S Engine/Horsepower: 4.0-liter bi-turbo, 8-cylinder engine/603-hp

Recommended Fuel: Premium

Standard Fuel Mileage: 16-city/23-hwy

What’s New: The fifth-generation E-class received its first exterior refresh, since being restyled in 2017.

Why: 

Refreshed interior and exterior

AMG package, which enhances the appeal of the E-class

AMG ceramic brakes

603-horsepower engine

A handcrafted 8-cylinder engine in an era of 6-cylinders and hybrids

627-lb ft of torque

20-inch AMG sport wheels

Precision drive and feel basically a driver-oriented vehicle

All wheel drive is standard

Optional carbon fiber racing-like exterior paint

Black Nappa leather form-fitting front seats

A Host of optional driver assist features

Comfortably seats five

But: 

Pricey - $136,000

Lacked an in vehicle wireless charger

An optional charger is needed for Android smartphone

Augment reality, why do we need it?

The optional heads up display (HUD) system should be standard

Augmented video for navigation

The optional route-based speed adaption system doesn’t allow others following time to readjust their highway speed, which could lead to a rear end accident

AMG equals a stiff suspension system

Verdict: At first glance the all-new Mercedes-Benz E63 S can be quite deceiving. However, upon a closer examination, it doesn’t take one long to realize that this vehicle is literally a beast. From the handcrafted induced AMG 4.0-liter, 8-cylinder to Nappa leather seats to the racing-like exterior paint, this Mercedes-Benz just screams excitement.

The closes competitor to the Mercedes-Benz is BMW’s M5, which spews out 600-horsepower. Unlike the E63 S, the BMW is only available as a rear wheel drive. The AWD Mercedes-Benz, which is approximately $4,000 more than the BMW, allows the driver to navigate the vehicle in most weather conditions.  

And there is the Audi RS 7, which plays in this league too. The Audi, with its hatchback-like design, is priced about $6,500 more than the Mercedes-Benz. The horsepower comes in under 600-horsepower. However, like the Mercedes-Benz the Audi has an AWD configuration.

So, for those who have over $100,000 to invest in a sedan and just isn’t quite ready to yield to those land yacht-like SUVs, the E63 S is definitely a worthy contender to consider.

Competition: Audi RS 7 and BMW M5 Competition