The latest sharp-dressed W212 E63 AMG - in the first of its three incarnations - was launched at the 2009 New York International Auto Show, powered by a revised 518hp version of the W211's normally-aspirated M156 6.2-liter V8. Capable of 62mph in just 4.5 seconds, the E63's seven-speed automatic transmission now came with four driver-selectable modes, including a manual mode with paddle shifters behind the steering wheel. An optional AMG Performance Package was also offered with lightweight, forged 19-inch AMG alloys, a stiffer suspension, a limited-slip differential and a special three-spoke sport steering wheel.
Marginally cheaper than the outgoing W211, the 2010 estate version still set buyers back a still hefty £73,855, but included a specially-tuned self-levelling sports air suspension at the rear. Between 2009 and 2011 UK buyers snapped up 315 examples.
2011 saw the E63 AMG's much-admired 6.2-litre V8 finally replaced with a more efficient twin-turbo 5.5-litre V8 pumping out 525hp in standard tune, and 557hp in Performance Package trim. Just 4.3 seconds was all the standard saloon took to get to the 62mph benchmark, whilst a beefy 516lb ft of torque from a mere 1,750rpm (590lb ft with the Performance Pack) imbued the 2011 E63 AMG with consummate overtaking ability - at almost any speed.
Mercedes claimed the mew engine was 22 per cent more efficient than the naturally-aspirated model, thanks in part to a new stop-start system that was added to the Speedshift MCT seven-speed transmission. This high-performance tech came at a price though - £74,895 for the standard saloon and £76,895 for the estate - before a single option was added. Despite the price tag, Mercedes sold 407 UK examples between 2011 and the launch of the third incarnation of the W212 E63 AMG in 2013.
And so we arrive at the latest evolution of the breed - the current facelifted M157-engined E63 AMG, packed with cutting-edge technologies like spray-guided direct injection, a lightweight aluminium crankcase, variable intake valve timing, air-to-water charge-cooling, generator management and a fuel-saving start/stop system. A far cry indeed from that first primal W210 E55 AMG.
The cutting-edge 5.5-litre twin-turbocharged V8 is good for 557hp (with 62mph in just 4.2 seconds) yet claims an impressive average economy figure of 28.8mpg, and CO2 emissions of just 230g/km. The even quicker AMG S meanwhile boasts a whopping 585hp whilst the spec and ride quality put the E63 AMG S firmly in the luxury car category.
The price? Either £84,720 or £85,900 - depending on whether you prefer four or five doors. Liberal ticking of the options list could see you dangerously close to the £100K mark! But this hasn't dented demand, with 637 UK units sold to date.
And that means the W212 depreciation curve over the next few years is likely to be steeper than an Olympic downhill ski course. "The very best low-mileage W212s will no doubt stabilise in value in the far future," says Glass's Robert Redman, "but at the moment they are in plentiful supply compared to other AMG E-Classes." So if you're worried at all about residuals steer clear.
As far as tuning goes though Oliver Stoner at Prestige Car Service sees huge potential. "The bi-turbo E63 AMG is so much better than the normally-aspirated, it's the best W212 model to tune," he reckons. "And with only a few modifications 700hp can be achieved."
Buy if: the cost is unimportant, or you want the definitive tuned AMG E-Class
Don't buy if: you care about residual values or you're after a future classic
We found: 2010 E63 AMG Saloon, silver, full service history, 28k miles, £30,950
Price Guide
Poor: Under £25,000
Good: £25,000 to £37,000
A1: £37,000+
Special Editions: Performance Pack models £35,000 upwards