Now this does look exciting. We've already been mightily impressed with the new
AMG E63
, its combination of supreme luxury, great comfort and a 612hp wild side laying down quite a marker for the next BMW M5. And before those saloons have even reached the UK, an estate model has been announced to join the line up.
Lose the tints and we'll take it
Important stats first: the wagon boasts just as much power (571hp as standard, 612hp for the S) and torque (553lb ft or 627lb ft) as the saloon, but carries an additional 100kg. This means that a standard 4Matic+ estate weighs 1,985kg (2,060kg with the EU's 75kg driver) or 1,995kg as an S (so 2,070kg to EU standards). Acceleration and efficiency suffer slightly, but this is still a car capable of sub-four seconds to 62mph and, officially at least, 30mpg.
Many of the same external tweaks have been made for the estate as were grafted onto the saloon, including the wider front arches, big front splitter and flics incorporated into that. The aero apparently had to be reworked for the estate though, to ensure the right balance between agility and stability. An AMG exhaust and diffuser complete the rear end, with a V8 sound apparently tuned specifically for the estate. Imagine it with the seats folded down - 1,820 litres of space and more V8!
As with the saloon, the estate uses a nine-speed MCT automatic, air suspension with adaptive damping, AMG Dynamic Select driving modes and either a mechanical or electronic limited-slip diff. The fancy rear axle has been reworked for this installation too. None of the technology employed on the saloon is missing from the estate, basically. That includes the semi-autonomous stuff too, if you're interested.
Passengers get comfort, you have this - result
Finally, for those who need more than what's offered by a 600hp AMG estate, there will be an E63 S 4Matic+ Edition 1 available at launch. In addition to the standard spec, the Edition 1 will be offered with designo selenite grey magno or designo night black magno paint and comes with the exterior AMG Night pack, light grey stripes, new 20-inch wheels and a few interior embellishments.
The E63 Estate is another one to look for at the Geneva show, which appears very good timing given BMW will only be showing the regular 5 Series Touring at the same expo. Sales will begin in April, with prices due to follow soon.