Yes, the Mercedes-AMG E 63 S is still a hardcore “Hammer” like its predecessor — and spiritual successor to the 1992 AMG “Hammer” — but it has Dynamic Select drive modes that work brilliantly. The usual suspects, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ are joined by the AMG special “Race” mode. As with the (even more mental, 639-hp) AMG GT 63 S 4MATIC+ 4-Door Coupé, the animated dials on the steering wheel are equipped with their own little displays. The left circle comprises two displays with switches, covering everything from the AMG Dynamics settings for the suspension and drivetrain to the active exhaust, traction control, and start-stop system; which makes going through the various set-up choices a ceremonial affair. The right dial circles through the driving modes.
In “Comfort”, everything’s like an E 350 d: quiet and refined yet effortlessly unhurried with a pliant ride that soaks up the bumps. Switch to “Sport” and things firm up a little while still not being too aggressively urgent — no lunges at the hint of a right toe on the right pedal. Yet, it’s raring to go at a moment’s notice. “Sport+” brings all of the above tuned up another notch, and “Race” is the party trick. The four-barrel, black-finished AMG-stamped exhaust opens up, blaring its intentions with a familiar and very welcome baritone. The accompanying acceleration is ferocious and the response from the engine, steering, and adaptive suspension fine-tunes the experience to ensure sensory saturation. I am immersed. The V8 baritone, the sensation of speed, the blurring of side views, tunnel vision, and seat-of-the-pants acceleration make it all feel hair-raisingly brilliant. The AMG high-performance brakes can make time stop. A quick rush of blood to the front of the head is all I remember when stamping on the brakes from triple-digit speed. Yes, there are everyday ordeals to deal with, which make things seem even clearer.
Speed humps, bad roads, undulations, potholes, and weaving traffic highlight just how usable the Mercedes-AMG E 63 S really is. No contact for the front-lip, underbelly or wide skirts makes for a reassuring drive across surfaces. To say Mercedes have worked on improving the ride is an understatement. The ride quality can be, at a whim, plush and comfortable or taut and sporty. The response is astounding and driver engagement has been moved up a notch, perhaps even two. The overall experience is extremely rewarding and that is the biggest achievement of the W213-facelift model.
Forget the four steering wheel touch-control spokes and the dials for a minute, this is a car that successfully blends tasteful luxury with engaging performance and everyday usability. While it’s no 911, at almost 1.9 tonnes, it has four doors, four properly comfortable seats, and a large boot; once the spare is kept aside. It’s also not too bad on the efficiency front. It goes into a proper head-to-head with the impressive BMW M5 Competition and, from where I’m sitting, it’s far, far more difficult to recommend one over the other. A new star is born. It’s hammer time and it’s coming down hard on — whatever little — competition there is.
Need to Know – Mercedes-AMG E 63 S 4MATIC+
Price: Rs 1.71 crore (ex-showroom)
Engine: 3,982 cc, V8, biturbo, direct-injection, petrol
Max Power: 612 hp @ 5,750-6,500 rpm
Max Torque: 850 Nm @ 2,500-4,500 rpm
Transmission: Nine-speed, dual-clutch automatic, all-wheel drive, selectable rear-wheel drive
Suspension: Four-link front, multi-link rear, multi-chamber air springs
Weight: 1,880 kg
Performance:
Power-to-weight Ratio: 325.54 hp/tonne
Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 3.4 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed: 300 km/h (limited)
