2020 Mercedes-AMG E63 S

Overview

While the almighty 2020 Mercedes-AMG E63 S costs a lot more than most sedans, it also costs a lot less than a rocket ship. The comparison is valid because the E63 basically turns the tarmac into a launch pad every time its 603-hp twin-turbo V-8 powertrain and tenacious all-wheel-drive system are unleashed. Pair that with razor-sharp handling and a roaring soundtrack to create one of the most raucous four-doors on the planet. Of course, its elegant cabin and high-tech features live up to the brand's luxury-sedan billing. While the 2020 E63 S is more car than most people need, Mercedes-AMG ensures that investment is worth every penny.

What's New for 2020?

Mercedes-AMG doesn't make any significant changes to the 2020 E63 S. Instead, every model now sounds sportier at start-up and adds a new Slippery drive mode. Likewise, the sedan's steering wheel now boasts a digital drive-mode selector and more material options. A newly standard performance exhaust and available matte-fiberglass trim round out the updates.

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Pricing and Which One to Buy

Other than its stonking twin-turbo V-8, it's hard for us to justify spending more than six figures on the 2020 E63 S, especially when the Mercedes-AMG E53 costs more than $30,000 less. Still, people who can afford the E63 clearly want the most extreme E-class on the market, and that's exactly what they'll get. Every model has legit performance equipment and luxury features out of the box, but we'd sweeten the pot with the Exterior Lighting package for optimal nighttime visibility, keep our hands and bodies toasty with the Warmth and Comfort package, and upgrade the rest of the interior with the Acoustic Comfort package, three-zone climate control, heated rear seats, head-up display, soft-close doors, and massaging front seats.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The E63's powerful twin-turbo 603-hp V-8 engine is a mild-mannered partner and a maniacal monster all wrapped up into one. Left in Comfort mode, the engine and nine-speed automatic transmission react with stoicism and smoothness. Select any of the sportier drive modes and the powertrain unleashes relentless fury. Gearchanges are lightning fast, and the engine's 627 lb-ft of torque tears the tires with rampant rage. In our testing, the E63 S went from zero to 60 mph in a mere 3.0 seconds and ripped up the quarter-mile in 11.1 seconds at 126 mph. For context, the mighty Porsche 911 Turbo (which has 580 horsepower but tipped our scales at 3571 pounds, 1016 pounds less than the E63) did the run to 60 mph in 2.7 seconds and the quarter-mile in 10.7 seconds at 130 mph. Despite being saddled with a pair of turbochargers, the 4.0-liter V-8 sounds almost as wonderful as AMG's naturally aspirated V-8 engines of yore. While not as supple as the regular E-class, the E63's ride is soft enough in its default setting that daily driving is certainly a possibility. Toggle the springs to the Sport or Sport+ setting, however, and the E63 is liable to shake out the fillings in your teeth. Push the E63 to its handling limits, and you'll be greatly rewarded. There's more cornering grip here than any of the E63's impressive competitors can muster—even the BMW M5. Adding to the thrill is the E63's steering, which is well weighted and highly communicative.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Given the mind-expanding performance of the E63 S, the mighty Mercedes-AMG is impressively fuel efficient. But that doesn't mean it's an abstemious consumer of fuel. The EPA estimates the 2020 E63 S sedan will earn 15 mpg city and 23 mpg highway. The last E63 we tested returned 22 mpg on our 200-mile highway route, which helps us evaluate real-world efficiency. Not bad for a rocket ship.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

As in other E-class models, the E63's interior is made of high-quality materials that are pieced together with the care and craftsmanship of a handbag by Hermès. Largely devoid of buttons, the E63's dashboard is anchored by a row of knurled-aluminum switches for adjusting the standard dual-zone automatic climate-control system. A chunky three-spoke steering wheel features a flat bottom and a pair of big paddle shifters. Although the E63's trunkroom is less than that of rivals such as the Porsche Panamera Turbo, we still managed to fit five of our carry-on suitcases inside. That number is only one less than the Porsche, which is technically a hatchback and sports a visibly larger cargo area.

Infotainment and Connectivity

A pair of 12.3-inch screens dominate the upper dashboard—one for the digital gauge cluster and another for the infotainment system. The interface is controlled by the brand's ubiquitous console-mounted control knob, with a touchpad on top that allows users to input commands by swiping a finger and offers a degree of added functionality. Alas, we found the touchpad fussy to use and easy to brush accidentally. The driver can also interact with the two screens by using a pair of touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel. Standard features include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, a Burmester audio system, and wireless phone charging.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)

View Crash Test Results

The E63 hasn't been tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). We're also disappointed that Mercedes charges customers extra for most driver-assistance technology. Key safety features include:

• Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
• Available lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
• Available adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Although its warranty is class competitive, we continue to be befuddled by Mercedes-AMG's decision to forgo complimentary scheduled service—something nearly all of its rivals such as BMW, Jaguar, and Volvo offer.

• Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
• No complimentary scheduled maintenance