Mercedes-AMG E63 vs Chevrolet Silverado

What's the difference?

Feels like lately all the Mercedes-AMG buzz has been at the smaller end of the scale.

Most recently, the screaming GLA 45 S has arrived in Australia, pumping out more kilowatts and newton-metres than any compact SUV has a right to.

But here, we're doubling the cylinder count to eight, arranging them in a vee, and lighting the wick on AMG's powerhouse mid-size sedan, the recently upgraded E 63 S.

While the ferocious twin-turbo V8 and the rest of this beast's powertrain are unchanged, the car has been brought up to speed with some aero-focused styling tweaks, Merc's latest 'Widescreen' digital cockpit, as well as the MBUX multimedia system, and a tricky new multi-function sports steering wheel.

The Chevrolet Silverado enjoys enduring popularity in Australia’s unique new vehicle market for locally remanufactured right-hand drive versions of full-size US pick-up trucks.

Armed with unique V8 power, the range offered by General Motors Speciality Vehicles (GMSV) comprises the entry-level 1500 LTZ Premium and top-shelf 1500 ZR2, while the colossal 2500 HD offers the ultimate in heavy towing capabilities.

Their combined sales represent a leading market share of more than 40 per cent, in a specialised segment where purchase prices extend well into six figures.

The latest MY26 Silverado range is backed by a new five-year/unlimited km warranty paired with five years of roadside assist, which provides greater peace-of-mind for buyers than the previous three-year/100,000km and three years' roadside assist. The ZR2 also gets upgraded driver assistance plus additional exterior colours.

We recently spent a week aboard one of the latest 1500s to find out why the Silverado is such a popular choice for Aussie buyers and if it’s well suited to tradie duties.