Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG 2011 review

Ah, yes, a new engine and most of the tricky bits in Mercedes-Benz's performance armoury rolled into one package - the E63 AMG four door sedan. It would have to rate as one of the meanest four doors around given the fact that there's 386kW /700Nm percolating from the 5.5-litre biturbo V8 under the sculpted bonnet.

Thing is, you can up the ante by ticking the Performance Package box for $17,900 that gets 410kW/800Nm and even sportier chassis bits.

Engine

This is the force fed replacement for the much loved naturally aspirated 6.2-litre V8 that is being shuffled out the back door due to fuel consumption and emissions issues. Pity, we were big fans but it lives on for a while in the C63AMG.

The new unit has direct fuel injection, variable cams and is intercooled. Fuel economy is appreciably better than the 6.2 V8 at 10.0 litres/100km combined - a big improvement. And the good thing is the 5.5-litre is just as lusty as the 6.2 but not quite of the same voice due to the turbo set-up.

Technology 

E63 is crammed with luxury drive assist technology including multi-mode chassis dynamics and multi-mode transmission - a seven-speed MCT (Multi Clutch Transmission) with paddle shift and a blip function on the down change. It's one of the best in the business.

There's AMG Ride Control - adaptive suspension with air springs and self levelling on the rear. The front suspension is unique to the E63AMG, designed to deliver better cornering and feel. 

Three stage stability control is used and engine stop/start comes into play when 'eco' mode is selected which also means second gear take offs and short shifting to prevent high engine revs. Inside is a wall of high tech equipment to entertain, stay connected or make travel time more comfy.

Dynamics

Though it tips the scales at 1840kg, the E63 is a dab hand through corners and feels more lithe than its size would suggest. Powerful six piston brakes up front, wide front track, the adaptive suspension, huge tyres and clever technology combine to deliver an exciting drive experience. It absolutely hammers into, through and out of corners and brakes with total control. Then, back everything off and the big bad 'E' glides into luxury cruise mode wafting along like it should be chauffeur driven.

Inside

We still haven't figured out all the kits inside this car - the amount of driver assist and luxury features is monumental. We particularly like the active front seat side bolsters and lane keeping assist function that kicks the car back into your lane if you stray. Premium audio and satnav, seats that do just about everything, keyless push button start, radar cruise, adaptive headlights - there's plenty to justify the $241,000 sticker. It has a super small battery and space saver spare in the large boot.