Mercedes-AMG E63 Estate (W213) | Spotted
All the family car you'd ever want or need, now for not much more than £35k
Until recently, there really was no beating an AMG for something fast and fun that the family could also fit into. The C63 in all its forms - two-door, four-door, wagon - was the most appealing package around; maybe not as sharp as an M car, but more engaging at normal speed and a whole lot nicer to drive than an RS Audi. It was much the same story for the E-Class once it moved to four-wheel drive; an M5 was persuasive, but lacked an estate option. Neither RS6 nor RS7 was quite as likeable as either E63. Even the half-fat six-cylinder models, either 43 or 53 badged, were well sorted.
Now look. BMW’s first M3 Touring is one of the best fast wagons ever, and even the M5 has returned (now with V8 power). The Audi RS5 is already more memorable than its predecessor, and an RS6 that employs the Panamera’s electrified V8 would be mighty. Meanwhile, Mercedes really fumbled its hybrid strategy, with both C63 and E53 AMG not really at the races. The new C53 really can’t come soon enough to restore some kudos.
It all means that, while we inevitably tend to look back on the recent past quite fondly (it’s amazing the effect that mandatory lane keep can have), it’s especially common for the mid-size AMGs. Because they were the best of the breed, and the sub-par replacements have emphasised that fact. We’re now almost 10 years on from the launch of the ‘213 era of AMG E63, and it has seldom looked so appealing. It represented a big change back at the end of 2016, as the first four-wheel drive ‘63 that we’d get in the UK and with the smallest V8 of any AMG E-Class. But the concerns were allayed pretty swiftly: the 4.0-litre hot-v was more monstrous than even the C-Class, and the 4Matic nicely judged. Nobody needed a two-wheel drive, everything-off setting, naturally, though it was a nice nod back to the hooligan old days.
The ride was firm, no doubt, and the interior wasn’t to all tastes (a running theme with recent Benzes), but the E63 was more than capable and charming enough to overlook those drawbacks. It’s especially easy to do with early cars now available for the price of a Renault Scenic. The ideal E63 of this era is one of the facelifted cars from the end of 2020 onwards, with a softer ride and nicer steering, but there aren’t as many of those - you’ll need at least £65k for one.
This E63, on the other hand, is £36,850, or basically £30k less. It’s the non-S variant, which means a little less power and torque from the V8 and no Drift Mode - you’ll live. And those that can’t will surely find plenty of aftermarket suitors able to restore some power. Or make it skid more.
Alongside the price, the spec is the main appeal here: in a sea of greys, whites, black wheels and bad tints, a dark blue E63 on modest silver wheels and clear glass is a real treat. Largely unassuming, albeit with those rude front arches and chunky exhausts to convey some menace. There are some useful options, too, including the Burmester stereo and Premium Package. It’s being sold with a full service history, an extended Mercedes warranty and a fresh MOT. Talk about ticking all the boxes. It’s not often one of the very cheapest examples is also one of the most desirable; this E63 is surely proof that miracles can happen. Don’t be surprised if 2017 feels like a golden vintage into 2027 and beyond…
SPECIFICATION | MERCEDES-AMG E63 4MATIC+
Engine: 3,982cc, twin-turbocharged V8
Transmission: AMG Speedshift MCT 9-speed, four-wheel drive
Power (hp): 571@5,750-6,500rpm
Torque (lb ft): 553@2,250-5,000rpm
MPG: 32.1 (NEDC combined)
CO2: 203g/km
Year registered: 2017
Recorded mileage: 69,750
Price new: £86,915 (before options)
Yours for: £36,850
Still, At Tot Hill Shell filling station this morning, Super Unleaded was 189.9p, which at 22mpg translates to about 40p per mile. I would much rather be driving a V8, but that's 20x the fuel cost of my current electric daily. It's a hard sell, I'm not really quite rich enough to stomach that
Fuel and repair costs will be massive. They all do that, sir.
And it won't necessarily throw up large unexpected bills. I've run E500s for 16 years and have had very few problems with them. The only thing more expensive on the 63s will be tyres and front brakes.
Still, At Tot Hill Shell filling station this morning, Super Unleaded was 189.9p, which at 22mpg translates to about 40p per mile. I would much rather be driving a V8, but that's 20x the fuel cost of my current electric daily. It's a hard sell, I'm not really quite rich enough to stomach that
Fuel and repair costs will be massive. They all do that, sir.
And it won't necessarily throw up large unexpected bills. I've run E500s for 16 years and have had very few problems with them. The only thing more expensive on the 63s will be tyres and front brakes.
I often regret not going for a V8 with my occasional cars to be completely honest in that regard. You just don't notice the fuel costs at all in a car that you don't use very often in my experience.
Still, At Tot Hill Shell filling station this morning, Super Unleaded was 189.9p, which at 22mpg translates to about 40p per mile. I would much rather be driving a V8, but that's 20x the fuel cost of my current electric daily. It's a hard sell, I'm not really quite rich enough to stomach that
I could get 99.99mpg out of my SL55, going downhill, according to the computer.
Still, At Tot Hill Shell filling station this morning, Super Unleaded was 189.9p, which at 22mpg translates to about 40p per mile. I would much rather be driving a V8, but that's 20x the fuel cost of my current electric daily. It's a hard sell, I'm not really quite rich enough to stomach that
I could get 99.99mpg out of my SL55, going downhill, according to the computer.
Fuel and repair costs will be massive. They all do that, sir.
And it won't necessarily throw up large unexpected bills. I've run E500s for 16 years and have had very few problems with them. The only thing more expensive on the 63s will be tyres and front brakes.
I often regret not going for a V8 with my occasional cars to be completely honest in that regard. You just don't notice the fuel costs at all in a car that you don't use very often in my experience.
And it won't necessarily throw up large unexpected bills. I've run E500s for 16 years and have had very few problems with them. The only thing more expensive on the 63s will be tyres and front brakes.
It may look like a family estate but the running costs are very much 600hp supercar. Still worth every penny though, and thats a lovely spec.
Still, At Tot Hill Shell filling station this morning, Super Unleaded was 189.9p, which at 22mpg translates to about 40p per mile. I would much rather be driving a V8, but that's 20x the fuel cost of my current electric daily. It's a hard sell, I'm not really quite rich enough to stomach that
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