Thursday 13th October 2016

Mercedes E63 AMG: Spotted

Unsure about a 4WD, turbocharged E63? Try this!

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The new Mercedes-AMG E63 isn't far off now, the media tests looming and excitement building about the latest generation of super saloons. Not a lot is known about the car yet, but it will feature the new 'hot-V' twin-turbo V8 and 4WD seems likely. Given the standard set by both the C63 and GT expectations are very high for the E63, so bring on those first drives!

Pics aren't great; car looks to be though!

But the new car will be a different kind of E63 to previous models, more configurable and more tech heavy than before. So what better time to celebrate the old version?

Moreover, the appeal of a big saloon with a great naturally aspirated engine and two-wheel drive will never be lost on us. They were exciting cars new, and are arguably even more so with the knowledge that they won't happen again.

Of course an E63 estate would have been nice to feature, but the spec of this saloon more than makes up for it. 'Performance Pack' is the key one in this car's list of features; back then that meant a bump for that glorious M156 6.2 V8 from 525hp to 550hp plus a mechanical limited-slip diff. It would have been a pricey option back then - and is consequently hard to find now - but well worth seeking out. If it's anything like a Performance Packed C63 of the same era, it makes the car more engaging and more dynamically capable beyond simply the obvious benefits.

This E63 has plenty of other desirable options too, including some additional carbon, a seat upgrade, a Harman Kardon stereo and a sunroof. In 2011 - just five years ago, remember - it cost the first owner £87,000. Today, with 27,000 miles and a full Mercedes-Benz service history, this E63 is for sale at £26,000. Which looks like an absolute bargain.

6.2 litres. In an E-Class.

As only a generation (and a facelift) behind new, this will still feel like a modern car. Largely because it is, after all. But that's supplemented by a fantastically traditional big-cube V8 and staunchly rear-driven dynamics. Sounds like quite a good combination, doesn't it?

Now, as then, the AMG faces quite a few rivals for those after something large, fast and luxurious. An M5 is the obvious choice, but at this money you're stuck between very nice examples of the V10 car or high mileage versions of the twin-turbo V8. As for the Jaguar XFR, the Mercedes may have found an equal in terms of depreciation! Both lower mileage pre-facelift and revised cars with more miles are available for the same money. Finally, if a naturally aspirated engine is a must, the odd Maserati Quattroporte can be found as well.

Arguably though none of those cars detracts from the E63's considerable appeal. What more could you want from a big sports saloon? Better fuel consumption? Drive it less. Otherwise it looks pretty compelling. Enjoy the big V8s while it's still possible!

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MERCEDES-BENZ E63 AMG
Engine: 6,208cc, V8
Transmission: 7G-Tronic automatic, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 525@6,800rpm (standard car)
Torque (lb ft): 460@5,200rpm (standard car)
MPG: 22.4
CO2: 295g/km
First registered: 2011
Recorded mileage: 27,000miles
Price then: c. £87,000
Price now: £26,000

See the original advert here

[bigmuzzie]

Those seats are an "upgrade" - I'd hate to see the normal ones then.
It maybe just me but no matter what they do the E-class never seems to achieve the 'sporty' look of the C and S class, looks more like Grandad in M&S sports wear.

[jamespink]

Lovely, lovely, lovely! Perfect alternative to a new hatchback, MPV (they only carry "up to" 5 people anyway) "sports" car (any weedy thing like an MX5) small works van (the Merc has a big boot and a back seat) or almost any other kind of motorised transport for £25k! Fab!

[Trophy-GTA]

Nice but I'll have the odd Quattroporte thanks.

Edited by Trophy-GTA on Thursday 13th October 11:54

[JohnGoodridge]

The M156 is on my bucket list - although I'd probably take it in C63 Wagon form.

Can't help the massive want for an S85 at the moment though - even given the enormous potential for catastrophic borkage. That E61 linked to in the article is gorgeous.

End of an era. From here it's turbo petrol to hybrid to full electic. Get your high revving atmospheric now, while you can.

[WCZ]

Trophy-GTA said:

Nice but I'll have the odd Quattroporte thanks.

Edited by Trophy-GTA on Thursday 13th October 11:54

this is a much better car, the value for money is absolutely insane here

[Rearwheel]

The engine and sport pack will sell the car, addictive!

[Itsallicanafford]

I just cannot get my head around this level of depreciation.

[kambites]

Itsallicanafford said:

I just cannot get my head around this level of depreciation.

70% over 5 years is about as "average" as you can get.Yes it's a lot in absolute terms but only because it was an expensive car to begin with.

[Nesty]

Wow this is epic, is that £2.60 a mile to run though?! That's some crazy depreciation.

[Dave Hedgehog]

Golf R or one of these, hmmmm

[Tuvra]

I really want to love it, this shape hasn't aged well though

The facelifted one is a much better looking beast to my eyes:-

[PistonBroker]

bigmuzzie said:

It maybe just me but no matter what they do the E-class never seems to achieve the 'sporty' look of the C and S class, looks more like Grandad in M&S sports wear.

I think that's part of the appeal for me. Doesn't look anything special but we all know it is.

[Trophy-GTA]

WCZ said:

this is a much better car, the value for money is absolutely insane here

Yes it is a much better car for sure but my heart goes towards the Quattroporte. It's the same reason why I daily drive a rosso Alfa Romeo GTA.

[richinlondon]

Taxi!

[Atmospheric]

The expression for this is "Oof"

What a car. Good long term car.

[rallycross]

richinlondon said:

Taxi!

A 550 bhp taxi, I like it!
Those front seats don't look like they will do a very good job of holding you in place for long.
I'd guess this will still be worth £10k if you kept it for 10 yrs and added 100k miles to it.

[texr2000]

This must be a late 6.2 as thought 2011 they had made the switch to 5.5 bi-turbo, or maybe it was inline with the facelift. I'd say this probs has a little future classic about it being last NA v8 AMG E Class

[FN2TypeR]

Ace

Those front seats look a bit rubbish though. Apart from that this is absolutely stonking!

[Ahbefive]

Love that. Agree the seats look terrible though and I should imagine repairs will be often and expensive.

[rtz62]

There's something strangely attractive about a design that is quite angular.
On pain of repetition, those front seats look like they are out of a base spec model or taxi spec car. I'd have expected to see Recaro-style seating, adjustable in every direction rather than such ordinary-looking fayre.
Change the badging to E220 CDi and to those not in the know it would look like any other Merc repmobile, which is part of the attraction to me; walk softly but carry a big stick could almost have been invented for this..........