The Mercedes-AMG E63 S is one of the most impressive performance sedans ever built. When you think of supercars, you probably imagine low-slung exotics with two doors and very high price tags. But there is a car hiding in plain sight that can keep pace with many of them: a four-door executive sedan with a hand-built twin-turbo V8, all-wheel drive and room for the whole family.
In this guide we explain why the AMG E63 earned its reputation as a “supercar killer,” covering its performance, technology, driving character, practicality, ownership costs and what to look for if you are buying one today. For more AMG background, see our guide to the features that make an AMG truly unique.
Table of Contents
- A Short History of the AMG E-Class
- Mercedes-AMG E63 S Power That Defies Logic
- One Man, One Engine
- 4MATIC+ All-Wheel Drive and Drift Mode
- Chassis, Brakes and Driving Modes
- The Sound of Thunder
- Interior: Executive Meets Aggressive
- Performance With Practicality
- The E63 S Wagon: A Cult Favorite
- Mercedes-AMG E63 S vs Its Rivals
- What Replaced the E63?
- Buying a Used Mercedes-AMG E63 S
- Who Should Buy a Mercedes-AMG E63 S?
- Ownership Costs
- Final Verdict on the Mercedes-AMG E63 S
A Short History of the AMG E-Class
AMG’s story with the E-Class goes back decades. In the 1980s, the independent AMG company created the legendary 300 E 5.6 AMG “Hammer,” a mid-size sedan with a huge V8 that could outrun many sports cars of its era. That car established the formula that the E63 would later follow: a discreet business sedan with shocking performance.
Over the following generations, AMG offered E-Class models with V8 power under names like E55 and E63. The W213 generation, sold from the 2018 model year, became the most powerful of them all, and the E63 S version is widely seen as the peak of the V8-powered AMG E-Class.
Mercedes-AMG E63 S Power That Defies Logic
| Specification | Mercedes-AMG E63 S 4MATIC+ (W213) |
|---|---|
| Engine | 4.0L twin-turbo V8 (hand-built) |
| Horsepower | 603 hp |
| Torque | 627 lb-ft |
| Transmission | AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9-speed |
| Drivetrain | AMG Performance 4MATIC+ with Drift Mode |
| 0-60 mph (Mercedes-AMG) | 3.3 seconds |
| Body styles | Sedan and wagon |
Those are supercar-level numbers in a car that seats five, has a full trunk and can be ordered with massaging seats. The twin-turbo V8 delivers its huge torque from low engine speeds, so the E63 S feels explosive whether you are merging onto the highway or accelerating out of a corner.
One Man, One Engine
Like other top AMG models, the E63 S uses an engine assembled by hand at AMG’s engine facility in Affalterbach, Germany. Under the “one man, one engine” philosophy, a single technician builds each V8 from start to finish and signs a plaque mounted on top of the engine. It is a small detail, but it gives owners a personal connection to the car and reinforces AMG’s reputation for craftsmanship.
The 4.0-liter V8 uses two turbochargers mounted inside the “hot vee” between the cylinder banks. This layout shortens the path for exhaust gases and improves throttle response, which is one reason the engine feels so immediate despite its turbocharged design.
4MATIC+ All-Wheel Drive and Drift Mode
Unlike older rear-wheel-drive AMG sedans, the W213 E63 S uses AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive. The fully variable system can send power between the front and rear axles as needed, which means:
- Strong grip in rain, cold weather and on imperfect roads
- Extremely fast, consistent launches
- A rear-biased feel during normal driving
- An optional Drift Mode that disconnects the front axle and sends all power to the rear wheels, intended for closed-course use
This combination of traction and playfulness is one of the main reasons the E63 S became so popular among enthusiasts.
Chassis, Brakes and Driving Modes
The E63 S uses AMG Ride Control+ air suspension with adaptive damping, giving drivers a wide range between comfort and sport. AMG Dynamic Select offers several modes, including Comfort, Sport, Sport Plus, Race and an Individual setting, each changing throttle response, gearshift speed, suspension firmness and exhaust sound. Large composite brakes are standard, and carbon ceramic brakes were available for owners who plan regular track use.
Road testers have described the result as a sedan that feels surprisingly agile for its size. It is more playful than many rivals, especially with the rear-biased all-wheel-drive system in its sportiest settings, yet it remains calm and comfortable on long highway journeys.
The Sound of Thunder
Start the E63 S and you will hear one of the most charismatic V8 soundtracks in the industry. With the AMG Performance exhaust in its loudest setting, the car rumbles, pops and crackles, especially in Sport Plus and Race modes. In Comfort mode, the exhaust flaps close and the car becomes a refined, quiet cruiser, which shows how wide its personality really is.
Interior: Executive Meets Aggressive
Inside, the E63 S combines E-Class luxury with AMG performance details. Highlights include Nappa leather AMG sport seats, carbon fiber or wood trim, a flat-bottom AMG Performance steering wheel with drive-mode controls, and dual 12.3-inch screens running the MBUX infotainment system on later models. AMG Track Pace, available on some versions, can record lap times and performance data on track days.
The cabin is refined, quiet and technology-rich, yet it still feels like a cockpit built for serious driving.
Performance With Practicality
Need to take the children to school in the morning and enjoy a mountain road in the afternoon? The E63 S handles both. The sedan offers room for five passengers, a 13.1 cubic-foot trunk and adaptive air suspension that can be set for comfort or sport. The rare E63 S Wagon adds even more cargo space, making it one of the most practical high-performance cars ever sold in the US.
The E63 S Wagon: A Cult Favorite
The Mercedes-AMG E63 S Wagon deserves special mention. Fast wagons have a passionate following in the US, and the E63 S Wagon was one of very few high-performance estates officially sold in the country. It offered the same 603-hp V8 and all-wheel-drive system as the sedan, plus a large cargo area and the option of a third-row seat for children in some configurations.
Because it was built in relatively small numbers, the E63 S Wagon has developed a cult status among enthusiasts. Clean examples are often harder to find than sedans and tend to attract strong interest whenever they appear for sale.
Mercedes-AMG E63 S vs Its Rivals
| Vehicle | Horsepower | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Mercedes-AMG E63 S (W213) | 603 hp | Loud V8, playful, available wagon |
| BMW M5 Competition (F90) | 617 hp | Sharp, precise, driver-focused |
| Audi RS7 Performance | 621 hp | Stable, refined, all-weather grand tourer |
| Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing | 668 hp | Rear-drive, available manual transmission |
Each rival has its own strengths, but the E63 S stands out for its combination of sound, luxury and an available wagon body style. For a closer look at the BMW alternative, read our BMW M5 CS review, and for a brand-level comparison see AMG vs Audi RS.
What Replaced the E63?
The W213 generation was the last E63 with a V8. When Mercedes-Benz launched the new W214 E-Class, the top AMG version became the E53 Hybrid, which uses a turbocharged inline-six combined with a plug-in hybrid system. It is a capable and modern performance sedan, but many enthusiasts see the V8 E63 S as the end of an era. That is one reason clean, well-maintained W213 E63 S models remain desirable on the used market.
Buying a Used Mercedes-AMG E63 S
Because the W213 E63 S is no longer sold new, most buyers today will shop on the used market. Here is what to check:
- Service history: regular oil changes and documented servicing are essential on any twin-turbo V8.
- Engine mounts: worn active engine mounts can cause extra vibration, a known issue on several AMG V8 models.
- Air suspension: check for sagging, warning lights or uneven ride height.
- Transmission behavior: test the multi-clutch transmission in traffic and from cold.
- Brakes and tires: high-performance components wear quickly and are expensive to replace.
- Modifications: tuned cars can be more stressed; stock examples are usually the safer choice.
A pre-purchase inspection by a Mercedes-AMG specialist is strongly recommended. Many of the same principles apply as in our guide to Mercedes C63 AMG reliability.
Who Should Buy a Mercedes-AMG E63 S?
- Drivers who want supercar acceleration in a discreet, practical sedan or wagon
- Enthusiasts who value a hand-built V8 and a dramatic exhaust sound
- Families who need all-weather traction without giving up performance
- Buyers looking for one of the last V8-powered AMG E-Class models
Ownership Costs
Running a Mercedes-AMG E63 S is expensive compared with a regular luxury sedan. Insurance, premium fuel, tires and brakes are all costly, and scheduled maintenance should be done by a dealer or an independent AMG specialist. Owners who budget for these costs from the beginning are usually the happiest with the car. The reward is a sedan that delivers supercar acceleration with luxury-car comfort.
Looking for a cheaper alternative? Our guide to fast used cars under $40K includes several German and American options.
Final Verdict on the Mercedes-AMG E63 S
The Mercedes-AMG E63 S is not just a sedan; it is a missile in a business suit. It proves that you do not need a two-door supercar to feel thrills, hear thunder and dominate the road. With 603 hp, all-wheel drive, a Drift Mode and the option of a wagon body, it remains one of the most complete performance cars of its era.
For buyers who want one of the last great V8 AMG sedans, a well-maintained E63 S is a fantastic choice. Current AMG models can be explored on the official Mercedes-AMG USA website.
