Mercedes E63 AMG: Spotted
Unsure about a 4WD, turbocharged E63? Try this!
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.
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!
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
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.
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..........
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