E63S vs M5

[V 02]

This might have been done to death but looking for a fresh take.

Bit of context:


I ve been looking for a new car for a while. Currently I drive a Tesla Model Y Performance, which is terrific as a daily hack but leaves me cold as a car enthusiast. It s just too good, too competent, theres no fun in it, it is like driving a Playstation. Brilliant, but ultimately soulless. I am someone who loves all forms of combustion equally, would have an EV again just probably not a Tesla as essentially my only car (I also have a beefed up type r which is just too unforgiving)

I was previously doing mega miles (but not huge journeys in one go) and an EV was brilliant. Then I moved to London without offstreet parking, and the EV was less good, but still good because I still did quite a few miles for work. I wanted some more feel, so I had a deposit down on a Taycan 4S, however I then found out I had gotten a new job, which I didn t realise required almost no office time or commuting at all , so this is the time for me to get a toy that is still practical and sensible enough.

I am 23 and single , no kids etc so considered the usual stuff M2, M4, Cayman , none of it just fits me and my requirements. So I ve settled on the super saloons: E63 and the M5 Competition but I m not a rush to buy so I want to make sure what I get I won t get bored of quickly like my Tesla. I ve lived a life of repmobiles as you can see from my garage!!


The reason why I m posting this in the AMG thread is because my heart says AMG more than anything. The M5 Comp seems to be easier to find, I m surprised how few good S there are for sale.



What do I need to know?

1. Is the ride as firm as people say? Unfortunately I am in poor health and suffer from chronic pain, part of the reason I am selling the Tesla is because the ride is borderline unbearable, it really is awful. And my Type R hasn t turned a wheel in nearly a year as it is punishing

2. I am expecting to average 20mpg in town and 25mpg on a run, is this realistic as forum responses vary widely

3. Are the the Performance seats uncomfortable, they don t look comfortable but they look awesome

4. Are they unreliable like some Mercs of the 90s and 2000s, I had a W210 and it wasn t awful yet everyone says they re horrid! What should I look out for to have been done, anything past the stuff listed on other forums?

5. Finally M5 or E63s if you have driven both? And is it much more agile than I d expect..? I m looking at the estate FWIW

[Faszination76]

V 02 said:

This might have been done to death but looking for a fresh take.

What do I need to know?

1. Is the ride as firm as people say? Unfortunately I am in poor health and suffer from chronic pain, part of the reason I am selling the Tesla is because the ride is borderline unbearable, it really is awful. And my Type R hasn t turned a wheel in nearly a year as it is punishing

2. I am expecting to average 20mpg in town and 25mpg on a run, is this realistic as forum responses vary widely

3. Are the the Performance seats uncomfortable, they don t look comfortable but they look awesome

4. Are they unreliable like some Mercs of the 90s and 2000s, I had a W210 and it wasn t awful yet everyone says they re horrid! What should I look out for to have been done, anything past the stuff listed on other forums?

5. Finally M5 or E63s if you have driven both? And is it much more agile than I d expect..? I m looking at the estate FWIW

To answer your questions, from the perspective of a current E63S owner:

1. Yes the ride is firm, but with air suspension all round its surprisingly compliant. I came from a C63S on regular springs and dampers and that was horrific in comparison.

2. I average between 21 and 25mpg in combined driving, i've seen 33.1mpg on a run to La Rochelle last year, magical things can and do happen

3. 99% of the people that will comment on this question will have never tried the performance seats, I have them in my E63 and had them in the C - they are incredible, 16-way adjustable so unless you aren't actuallly human, you should be able to get a comfortable setting. It is true the regular seats are like sitting in an armchair, but the performance seats make the car stand out from other E-classes.

4. They are very reliable, that is assuming you don't skimp on maintenance and make sure everything is done on schedule. The one thing to be aware of is the rear main seal, a known issue on these cars, but thankfully seems to be a problem on US cars more than UK/EU cars. An expensive fix at appro £5k.

5. Not had the pleasure of an M5, but I can tell you now the E63 belies its size very very well. Unless you are a regular track day attendee, it will do everything you want and more and sound fabulous doing it!

If you have any other questions, feel free to ask.

Simon