Bonkers. There are no other words that can adequately describe the $113,675 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG S-Model 4MATIC Wagon. With 577 hp on tap, this car would be incredibly fast by itself. Add on the convenience of a wagon and you have one of the most practical, powerful and fastest vehicles on the planet.
For many, having a family means ditching the sports car and going for a SUV or a minivan. Those vehicles offer more space for children, strollers and friends. Wagons are also another option, but they aren’t as popular in the United States as the rest of the world. They are extremely practical.
The E63 AMG S-Model 4MATIC Wagon.
The E63 AMG Wagon takes the practicality of a wagon and cranks up the performance to insane levels. On the surface, it’s hard to tell. The more aggressive bodywork will let enthusiasts know the car is special, but the 4MATIC (Mercedes’ term for all-wheel drive) badge tries to relay the message of sensibility.
Don’t let the 5 doors and the badging fool you. This car is criminally insane. Pressing the starter button causes a roar from the rear exhaust. The sport seats add a little more bolstering to hold you in place. The AMG steering wheel looks like it should come from a race car.
On the racetrack at Road America the car really shines. It’s almost funny seeing this big, heavy wagon lap the circuit. It’s even funnier when it’s chasing down sports cars and keeping up with them.
The exhaust absolutely roars when you push the accelerator to the floor. No fake engine noise here like on modern BMWs. Acceleration from the 5.5L twin turbo V8 is relentless. 577 hp and 590 lbs/ft of torque guarantees that.
When your focus lies with the next corner, you forget you are driving a car that is 16 feet long. Only when you look in the rearview mirror are you reminded you’re driving a heavy station wagon and not a purpose-built sports car. The truth is that a Jaguar F-Type feels nicer in the corners, but the E63 Wagon still rocks on the track.
The E63 AMG Wagon has room for 5 comfortably.
When it comes to safety, Mercedes-Benz has the E63 covered. The car will stop automatically if you’re about to have a crash. It will actively keep you in your lane of traffic. It has cameras at all angles helping you park. It’ll also make sure you don’t hit things in your blind spot.
577 hp comes at a cost. The E63 AMG Wagon gets 15 mpg in the city, 21 mpg on the highway, or 17 mpg combined. A 2014 Shelby GT500 does better than that. Also, the E63 AMG Wagon starts at $102,370, so it’s not for everyone.
But let’s say you only have room for one car. You want to be able to take the kids to school and soccer practice in comfort and safety. The Mercedes-Benz will do that without a problem. But if you want to drop the kids off and proceed to a racetrack, or just want something incredibly fun to drive, the E63 AMG Wagon will do that too. On the surface, it seems silly. But it is an absolutely marvelous car.
| Motor Review Fast Facts: | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | E63 AMG S-Model 4MATIC Wagon |
| Trim Package: | N/A |
| Fuel Economy: | 15mpg city / 21mpg highway / 17mpg combined |
| Engine: | 5.5L DI V8 Twin-Turbo |
| Transmission: | 7-Speed Automatic |
| Horsepower and Torque: | 577hp and 590lbs/ft |
| Base Price: | $102,370 |
| Price as Tested: | $113,675 |
| Pros: | Fast. Practical. Safe. |
| Cons: | AMG version doesn’t have the 7 passenger option. |
| Final Thoughts: | No family hauling station wagon should be this fast. |
| Vehicle provided by manufacturer for review. | |