By Jay Shoemaker
November 7, 2006 -
OK, I admit it: I’ve consumed way too much AMG Kool Aid. I own multiple sets of the Mercedes tuner’s black license plate frames and key rings, an AMG logo-shirt, a cashmere V-neck sweater, half a dozen hats, a pair of driving shoes, a winter coat and a limited edition AMG watch. I would have more of their stuff, but recently I was introduced to a gentleman from Italy who spied the AMG logo on the back of my car and pronounced it, “Eye-Em-Gay,” and that sort of cooled me off. And then I drove the E63 AMG.
Even before I saw it, the E63 AMG had a mountain to climb. The new car has been roundly criticized by owners of the previous generation uber-E for offering less torque than their 5.5-liter supercharged V8 (465 vs. 516 ft.-lbs.). Without a doubt, the stupidly powerful E55 AMG was a giggle, particularly with the traction control turned off. But modulating the throttle from initial tip-in without whipsawing the heads of your passengers was a challenge. The flabby steering made cornering automotive Marco Polo. The electronic brakes were grabby. The E55 AMG was basically fun for the first few drag races, and then the cacophony of brake squeal and supercharger whine wore thin. So, you ask, how’s the new E63 AMG?
The E63 is the best machine ever (so far?) produced by the house of AMG. And boy, does it look it. Merc’s uber tuners have fitted the standard E with more aggressive lower bodywork all ‘round, a small trunk lip spoiler, more aerodynamic (i.e. autobahn friendly) side mirrors and four fat chromed tailpipes. The mad Merc hunkers down on five-spoke eighteen inch AMG wheels revealing massive binders beneath. OK, maybe the two gill slits behind the front bumper are a bit much. And I fear the “6.3 AMG” logos may become something of an embarrassment. Even though it’s not exactly a Q-ship, the E63 is perfectly positioned on the tasty side of obnoxious.
The E63’s interior also offers some delicious new flourishes. The steering wheel has an organic shape that seduces you into grasping it at the optimal 10 and 2 positions; including perforated leather at the optimal grips points. The paddle shifters peeking out from behind the helm’s fat rim are heavy gauge aluminum invitations to adrenal exuberance. Wherever thick Napa leather isn’t liberally applied, Alcantara supplants, including a lovely little piece at the front of the transmission stalk. The seats are massively bolstered with an incredible range of adjustment, comfort headrests and the Mt. Everest of lumbar support. Aluminum and black pedals complete the pseudo-racer treatment.
Once underway, it’s entirely possible to drive your spouse around town like a normal E350 kind of guy (providing your better half's deaf to low frequency burbling). As long as BMW keeps sticking the macabre SMG transmission in their M cars, lazy (if speed-crazed) well-to-do old guys like me will continue to flock to AMG to enjoy Mercedes’ mocha latte smooth seven speed transmission. The E63’s new steering and brakes are also magnificent, and not just in comparison to the old car. Though turn-in is not Porsche precise, you now know exactly where the car’s front tire are at all times. The brakes are as fearsome as before, now with added feel, precise bite and silent running.
Pull the trigger and the E63’s exhaust note is positively Wagnerian– only this is one opera I can sit through. Admittedly, the new car is somewhat less entertaining from rest than the old 5.5-liter, lacking that final measure of unbridled aggression. But it’s much smoother. If you set aside bragging rights, the ultimate performance differential between the two machines is not relevant in real world driving; you are guaranteed to run out of road and license well before the E63 runs out of breath. We’re talking about a four-door luxury automobile that makes the zero to sixty sprint in less than 4.5 seconds, and you’re complaining?
The E63’s handling is on another level entirely; it’s the best I’ve experienced from any vehicle in the Mercedes line. The car corners flatly and briskly, completely belying the gravitation effects of the sedan’s weight (4063 lbs.) and size (16” from top to tail). Only the tightest radii remind you of its mass. Despite the suspension’s high cornering capabilities, the ride quality is no worse than the E550 with the sport package: firm and communicative at level two on the adjustable Airmatic DC suspension, and plush at the normal setting.
The price for all this E63 virtuosity: $84k, the usual AMG parachute-style depreciation and 14mpg in the city (less when used in anger). If you can afford it, pay it. You can’t take it with you. And if you can, if you’re driving this mean machine, they’ll never catch you.
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POWERED
November 7th, 2006 at 11:38 am
So, how many readers wish they were Jay Shoemaker, sampling all of the top shelf merchandise?
Great write-up, Jay. Any chance you can go into more detail about how the new engine compares to the old one down here in the comments? What does it feel like? What does it sound like? Hear the mechanical bits, or just the exhaust? How ferociously does it rip to the redline?
Hopefully I can find one or two owners to input their fuel economy results in my survey. Should be interest, especially with a heavy foot. (Yes, the survey asks about the heaviness of one’s foot.)
Results I have so far:
http://www.truedelta.com/fuel_economy.php
November 7th, 2006 at 12:19 pm
Do they sell the seats separately?
November 7th, 2006 at 1:20 pm
Jay — have you driven the RS4 yet? I’m curious…
November 7th, 2006 at 1:26 pm
I like the new engine better than the old one, although it seems my view is in the minority so far. The gutteral sounds of the old engine were overwhelmed by the whine of the supercharger below 2,000 rpm. The new engine sounds great across the range. The brual torque characteristics of the 5.5 liter wore thin after a while for me and with the new engine, the throttle is much easier to modulate. The overall car is much more balanced with superior handling and braking. The interior finishes are improved. The E63 is more refined than the E55 and for this reason I much prefer it. Maybe if I was 24 instead of 54, I would feel differently.
I haven’t tried the Audi RS4. I am still trying to recover from my experience with the RS6, the S6 and the S8. Audi’s suspension settings are too aggressive for me in their S and RS line. I do have an order in for the R8 however.
November 7th, 2006 at 1:36 pm
I’ve only driven the S4 myself. Great sounding engine. I imagine the RS4 engine sounds even better.
The old AMG engine was based on Mercedes’ 3-valve V8, which isn’t among the better-sounding V8s. Since the new one was purpose built for AMG, I’d expect it to sound awesome.
November 7th, 2006 at 1:37 pm
FYI - BMW dropped a 6sp manual in the m5 for this year.
November 7th, 2006 at 1:39 pm
I dig the AMG line much more than the M line of BMW. The only pisser is they refuse to make cars in the US that have manual transmissions. Cars of this ilk to me should at least have the option. What is the problem? Why can’t they offer this?
Jay you say you have an order in for the R8. You mean you are on a waiting list? I too am on a waiting list but as of now no dealers are taking orders. Do you know something I don’t? Or are you across the pond where the car is already for sale?
As far as the suspension settings on Audis, BMW also has harder settings than the Benz cars, which to me are closer to being Lexis style cruisers with tuetonic muscle than being sports cars. Throw a 6speed in that E63 however, and tighten up her suspension. But clearly that is not the market MB is going for.
November 7th, 2006 at 2:01 pm
Correct, I have placed an order with my local dealer in the US for the R8, although, without final pricing, it is somewhat dicey. Road and Track reported a $130,000 price tag, which is more than I would spend on this. I have also been peppering Audi USA with requests for a European delivery option on the R8 and all indications are that this may be possible when the car is officially introduced.
November 7th, 2006 at 2:11 pm
Wow, I just finished testing a E320 CDI…damn, I wish it was an E63 instead! AMGs are stellar vehicles, and Jay did a great job explaining why its a better purchase over most anything else in its class.
November 7th, 2006 at 2:17 pm
The E320 diesel is also an amazing vehicle. I drove one from Phoenix to San Francisco, 775 miles and I needed to stop more than the the car did. I look forward to when we can order these new here in California. I hope that Mercedes will upgrade the suspension in the diesel cars to include the airmatic DC and something larger than those 16 inch wheels.