We've all likely seen episodes of Top Gear with Clarkson absolutely shredding the rear tires on AMG Mercedes in a comically short period of time. It's also probably got us wondering, why would they build a car like that? Well, now those builders of ludicrously powerful sedans and expensive sport coupes have taken something of a sensible approach. For good or bad, the E63 AMG now gets the "4Matic" package standard, and will hopefully keep its tires on the rims for more than just a few miles of spirited driving. The 550 horsepower (577 in the "S") and 531 lb/ft of torque (590 in the "S") made by the 5.5 liter twin-turbo V-8 now go through Mercedes' "performance-oriented" all-wheel-drive system, which defaults to a torque split of 33/67 front to back but is capable of sending up to 70% to either axle. Even if the all-wheel-drive has made the E63 AMG a bit less wild and crazy, there's nothing less ridiculous about the straight line performance. Power is up by over 30 horsepower from last year, and the car should hit sixty miles per hour in around three and a half seconds. If it isn't limited to 155 miles per hour, it would reach a top speed in excess of 180. The new super sedan, therefore, won't disappoint in the speed department, but with the muscle car-esque, donut-happy version of the car now gone, there might be a little something missing in the fun department.Â
The CLS63 and S63 are also getting all-wheel-drive for 2014, so there's clearly a change of philosophy going on at AMG. They're not the only ones, as all-wheel-drive seems like it's slowly taking over the whole performance car market place. And since the people who can afford cars like the new E63 AMG 4Matic (which will set you back about $100,00) are probably on the mature side and sporting a few grey hairs, they may prefer the practicality of extra traction over the constant fear of spinning out. These drivers will also be protected by more computers and sensors and gizmos than ever before. Of course, it further removes the driver from the experience of, well, driving, but it's all in the name of safety.
Extras on the "S" model include a limited-slip rear differential and optional carbon-ceramic brakes with red calipers. Most importantly, though, the "S" package can also get you the wagon body style. It's not for everyone, but it has had wagon lovers drooling since press photos started rolling out in early 2013. For trim, what the E63 AMG 4Matic offers is characteristically pleasing. LED headlights are tastefully done, 19-inch titanium gray alloy wheels are aggressive without being ostentatious, and the interior leather with contrasting stitching lends a pleasing attention to detail. A 14-speaker sound system by Bang & Olufsen doesn't hurt, either. This 2014 car is a bit of a coming of age for the E63 AMG. It's matured to a point where people can thrash it with confidence, getting everything out of it that the car has to offer. Driving enthusiasts may lament the computers and the loss of the power slides, but driving enthusiasts don't make up the majority of the customer base and the car business is, after all, a business. The executives and rapper and oil princes who end up buying this car will probably like it just fineWe've all likely seen episodes of Top Gear with Clarkson absolutely shredding the rear tires on AMG Mercedes in a comically short period of time. It's also probably got us wondering, why would they build a car like that? Well, now those builders of ludicrously powerful sedans and expensive sport coupes have taken something of a sensible approach. For good or bad, the E63 AMG now gets the "4Matic" package standard, and will hopefully keep its tires on the rims for more than just a few miles of spirited driving. The 550 horsepower (577 in the "S") and 531 lb/ft of torque (590 in the "S") made by the 5.5 liter twin-turbo V-8 now go through Mercedes' "performance-oriented" all-wheel-drive system, which defaults to a torque split of 33/67 front to back but is capable of sending up to 70% to either axle. Even if the all-wheel-drive has made the E63 AMG a bit less wild and crazy, there's nothing less ridiculous about the straight line performance. Power is up by over 30 horsepower from last year, and the car should hit sixty miles per hour in around three and a half seconds. If it isn't limited to 155 miles per hour, it would reach a top speed in excess of 180. The new super sedan, therefore, won't disappoint in the speed department, but with the muscle car-esque, donut-happy version of the car now gone, there might be a little something missing in the fun department.Â
The CLS63 and S63 are also getting all-wheel-drive for 2014, so there's clearly a change of philosophy going on at AMG. They're not the only ones, as all-wheel-drive seems like it's slowly taking over the whole performance car market place. And since the people who can afford cars like the new E63 AMG 4Matic (which will set you back about $100,00) are probably on the mature side and sporting a few grey hairs, they may prefer the practicality of extra traction over the constant fear of spinning out. These drivers will also be protected by more computers and sensors and gizmos than ever before. Of course, it further removes the driver from the experience of, well, driving, but it's all in the name of safety.
Extras on the "S" model include a limited-slip rear differential and optional carbon-ceramic brakes with red calipers. Most importantly, though, the "S" package can also get you the wagon body style. It's not for everyone, but it has had wagon lovers drooling since press photos started rolling out in early 2013. For trim, what the E63 AMG 4Matic offers is characteristically pleasing. LED headlights are tastefully done, 19-inch titanium gray alloy wheels are aggressive without being ostentatious, and the interior leather with contrasting stitching lends a pleasing attention to detail. A 14-speaker sound system by Bang & Olufsen doesn't hurt, either. This 2014 car is a bit of a coming of age for the E63 AMG. It's matured to a point where people can thrash it with confidence, getting everything out of it that the car has to offer. Driving enthusiasts may lament the computers and the loss of the power slides, but driving enthusiasts don't make up the majority of the customer base and the car business is, after all, a business. The executives and rapper and oil princes who end up buying this car will probably like it just fine.
