Saturday 25th February 2017

Mercedes-AMG E63 S 4Matic: PH Video

Is 612hp and 4Matic all-wheel drive enough to offer a fighting chance against Bernd Schneider in an AMG GT?

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The principles of ducks and drakes track tuition are simple enough. Instructor leads the way to show you the line at a pace that's quick enough to be enjoyable but managed to ensure a suitable boot-cooling safety margin. It's a well-established formula. And one totally ignored by five-time DTM champion Bernd Schneider on AMG launches. Basically he goes maximum attack and it's up to the hacks to try and keep up.

It's a very AMG approach - you either man up and go for it or potter around at the back, lip quivering. At least the E63 S has the firepower - and traction from its 4Matic+ all-wheel drive - to offer a fighting chance, Dan doing his best to offer some insight into what the mega Merc is like around Portimao while at least keeping Bernd's hard charging AMG GT in sight.

Can he keep up? Or will it all end in tears? And is the Drift Mode good for anything beyond incinerating tyres? Watch the vid to find out!

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[Guffy]

The noise, the noise!

I wonder how many will get driven like that though?!

[jamespink]

Damn I want that job! Awesome drivetrain/package. How will this compare to the new M5 :-) Can't wait!

[Dave Hedgehog]

finally a rival for the RS6 as the ultimate daily driver


great vid

Edited by Dave Hedgehog on Thursday 23 February 17:09

[trickywoo]

Guffy said:

The noise, the noise!

I wonder how many will get driven like that though?!

Probably none given you'll be black flagged doing it on a track day and 3 points if a rosser sees you on the road.

Big empty roundabout that you have previously scoped out is your only real option.

[Michaelhunt]

Good job the car and footage made up for your lack of talking and presenting lol

[Walter Sobchak]

What a car!.

[John-seuw1]

From my experience, the 747 has always sent a jolt through the cabin shortly after rotation. All part of the character!

[El Guapo]

I seem to be the only person on the planet who does not like the sound made by AMG V8s.

[HighwayStar]

El Guapo said:

I seem to be the only person on the planet who does not like the sound made by AMG V8s.

Me neither, AMGs are clearly good cars but I've never liked them or the sound of the V8s.

[Yipper]

Looks like grandad's taxi, and the noise is a step down from previous models in the range, but MB has to be applauded for the switchable AWD-RWD system. A genuinely good innovation that instantly makes rival models like the BMW M5 and Alfa Quad feel very dated.

[nicholasm]

Some of the worst delivery to camera I've ever seen... but quite understandable and very amusing!

[Amanitin]

that taxi colour does not do it any favours

[tankplanker]

trickywoo said:

Probably none given you'll be black flagged doing it on a track day and 3 points if a rosser sees you on the road.

Big empty roundabout that you have previously scoped out is your only real option.

Plenty of track days where drifting is the main focus: http://www.dwyb.co.uk/index.php Although I doubt anything other than a journalist would turn up with a brand new E63S at one.

[Phil Dicky]

Yipper said:

Looks like grandad's taxi, and the noise is a step down from previous models in the range, but MB has to be applauded for the switchable AWD-RWD system. A genuinely good innovation that instantly makes rival models like the BMW M5 and Alfa Quad feel very dated.

Agreed with regard to the M5...Alfa is a segment below though.

[Oddball RS]

Do these do the lovely front wheel hop too?

[E65Ross]

Phil Dicky said:

Yipper said:

Looks like grandad's taxi, and the noise is a step down from previous models in the range, but MB has to be applauded for the switchable AWD-RWD system. A genuinely good innovation that instantly makes rival models like the BMW M5 and Alfa Quad feel very dated.

Agreed with regard to the M5...Alfa is a segment below though.

Well the M5 is dated, they'll be a new one coming soon...

[Gandahar]

The big selling point is the 2wd / 4wd. Choice is with the driver. Fast or furious.

I wonder if they will do the same with the C class? That would definitely be one over the M3/4

[Buff Mchugelarge]

Good job Dan