We’ve now officially arrived at the decade which will see V8 goodness swapped for hybrid four-pot power in Mercedes 63 models, meaning the days of a thumping AMG four door are most definitely numbered. The change – which is due in 2021 with the next C63 – means that for the first time in modern history there is a finite supply of V8 63 AMGs, which is very sad news indeed. But as is often the case with this stuff, it does at least mean the spotlight can be cast back to Affalterbach’s very best eight-cylinder models from yesteryear, including those powered by its legendary M156 6.2-litre unit.
It was only at the start of the last decade that such an enormous atmospheric petrol motor could still be fitted to series run models like the E63. So to see the car we’ve Spotted today on sale for under £17k comes as light relief, as it means it’s still possible to bag an example of this dying breed for a figure that qualifies it as attainable. That doesn’t feel like something we’ll be saying for much longer, even for cars that have accumulated more than 90,000 miles.
It is the mighty engine - only short lived in the W212 - dropped into the world’s favourite airport taxi which makes this particular E63 memorable. By 2011, the 6.2 had been jettisoned for the punchier, bi-turbo 5.5-litre V8 (arguably a better fit for the E-Class’s limo-based reputation, and certainly more in the modern vogue) but with 525hp and 465lb ft of torque produced by one of German’s finest ever high-revving V8s, the E63 now stands as testament to the kind of mischievous, carbon-heavy series production hot rod that we’ll never see again.
These were the days of hydraulic power steering, too, so there’s more than just power and plushness aboard the E63. It shuns its 1.8-tonne mass with good body composure, control feedback and immense mechanical grip, although the latter is easily overcome with enthusiastic operation of the throttle pedal in typical AMG V8 form. Particularly when equipped with AMG’s optional limited slip diff and carbon ceramic brakes, the old 6.2 E63 feels as capable of bullying a country road into submission as it does hammering down the autobahn. So long as you can fund its drinking habits, that is.
That being said, average UK petrol prices have actually decreased since 2011 by more than 10p per litre, so unwarranted repair and service bills aside it looks a bargain candidate for the roaring twenties. Or one on the brink of crushing its hopeful owner into financial ruin (also like the roaring twenties). Still, at first glance it looks suitably healthy, with little more than bronze calipers and the bass of that engine to do the talking, it’s a proper Q car. One that’s arguably only a limited slip diff away from being the ultimate E63. All for under £17k!
SPECIFICATION - MERCEDES-AMG E63 (W212)
Engine: 6,208cc, V8
Transmission: 7-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 525@6,800rpm
Torque (lb ft): 465@5,200rpm
MPG: 22.4
CO2: 295g/km
First registered: 2010
Recorded mileage: 93,000
Price new: c £85,000
Yours for: £16,750
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