Curtain falls on E63 with run-out Final Edition
Mercedes-AMG bids farewell to its V8-powered flagship with limited edition model
We knew the end was near, of course. When the V8 is being ousted from supercars, you know its future in saloons must be tapering. Obviously this is unfortunate in a broader sense, but it seems particularly significant for Mercedes-AMG, which has been in the business of fusing improbably large engines with family-friendly cars since its inception. The manufacturer has been selling us on the idea of its petrol-electric four-cylinder replacement for months now - and the official unveiling of the combination in the new C63 is imminent - but, no matter the output, it will struggle to replace the spiritual satisfaction of eight cylinders arranged in a vee.
Deep down, Mercedes-AMG knows this - and because it also knows how to turn a buck, it has endowed the last-of-the-line flagship models of its W213 production run with special edition status. The 999 examples of the Final Edition get no more power from the 4.0-litre V8 biturbo - but they hardly need any; long experience has taught us that 612hp is plenty enough. Instead you get a choice of saloon or estate with exclusive matt graphite grey magno paint, 20-inch AMG forged wheels in a cross-spoke design, AMG emblems on the C-pillars and a dash of stickering on the flanks.
Added to which there’s the familiar advantages of the AMG Night Package alongside trapezoidal, black chrome twin tailpipe trims, and every buyer gets a customised AMG Indoor Car Cover with "AMG E 63 S FINAL EDITION" lettering in matching colour. If you can bear to remove this and actually take your historically significant E63 for a drive, you’ll discover the ritziest ‘AMG Performance Seat Package High-End’ has been installed, together with swathes of carbon trim, brushed stainless steel and contrast stitched black kappa leather. Plus the ‘AMG FINAL EDITION’ badge that designates your car’s ‘1 of 999’ status.
Granted, it’s not the silly-power, flame-out special that would might have appropriately brought the curtain down on a model that includes the legendary Hammer as part of its lineage - but Mercedes-AMG is retiring the V8, not the E63. We’ll learn more about the badge’s new wearer next year, and it is virtually a given that its maker will have ensured that its performance eclipses the outgoing model. Nevertheless, it won’t sound the same or where the time-honoured V8 badge on its wings. For that you’ll need the Final Edition - and if ever there was a combustion-powered, do-it-all car to qualify for a space in the forever garage, it’s this one. No word on price or UK allocation yet, but we’d take ours as a wagon and save it for Sunday best.
On another, though, it does feel a bit hard to justify burning as many hydrocarbons as these things demand for the sake of performance far in excess of what could ever be safely used on the road, especially when that performance can be delivered in much more eco-friendly ways nowadays.
Not saying I wouldn't still drive something with a massive, needlessly powerful petrol engine if I had the option, mark you. I just also understand why that's kind of selfish so it makes sense that international environmental policy has successfully priced me out of it.
On another, though, it does feel a bit hard to justify burning as many hydrocarbons as these things demand for the sake of performance far in excess of what could ever be safely used on the road, especially when that performance can be delivered in much more eco-friendly ways nowadays.
Not saying I wouldn't still drive something with a massive, needlessly powerful petrol engine if I had the option, mark you. I just also understand why that's kind of selfish so it makes sense that international environmental policy has successfully priced me out of it.
)Then they created an "actual" C Class coupe and put the AMG powerplants in that.
Historically, the wrong way round but maybe it's because the C63 became such a huge brand that they did it that way.
On another, though, it does feel a bit hard to justify burning as many hydrocarbons as these things demand for the sake of performance far in excess of what could ever be safely used on the road, especially when that performance can be delivered in much more eco-friendly ways nowadays.
Not saying I wouldn't still drive something with a massive, needlessly powerful petrol engine if I had the option, mark you. I just also understand why that's kind of selfish so it makes sense that international environmental policy has successfully priced me out of it.
I can just about see them getting away with this, much as many will miss the V8s.
However, once they retire the engine, what will Aston Martin do ? Would AMG carry on making the engine just for them if they no longer make it for themselves ? I know they are relatively hand built but wonder if they would really want to keep the resource going doing a relatively small volume ?
Mercedes have been making a lot of noise of late about building up the Maybach brand, so not clear they would be interested in buying AM, as many have suggested. You wonder if there's a risk that they could be left without an engine ? Can't see a 4 cylinder AM hybrid flying out of the dealers....
Makes you wonder why they don't have engine noise options in EV's, press a button for V8 or V12, would be a lot cheaper than hiring J M Jarre or H Zimmer to produce a whiney noise to cover up the whine of the electric motor.
Despite their benefits, I still can't get excited about any EVs yet, so the future isn't looking too bright right now.
On another, though, it does feel a bit hard to justify burning as many hydrocarbons as these things demand for the sake of performance far in excess of what could ever be safely used on the road, especially when that performance can be delivered in much more eco-friendly ways nowadays.
Not saying I wouldn't still drive something with a massive, needlessly powerful petrol engine if I had the option, mark you. I just also understand why that's kind of selfish so it makes sense that international environmental policy has successfully priced me out of it.
We should be given a life long carbon allowance to be used as you wish…. And a dirty great V8 is a fine way (just not in matte paint!) to spend those credits! Plus they’ve made it now!
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