Hans-Dieter Seufert Mercedes E 63 AMG in the test
15.05.2010
The journey to your own personal route is not a highlight: A 81 from Stuttgart heading north, a motorway with scars like on the surface of the moon, plus heavy traffic and generously distributed speed limits. Here the Mercedes E 63 AMG (to the driving report Mercedes E 63 AMG) for 105,791 euros, which every E class does best: He looks after the passengers. His surcharge assistance systems are wide awake, report speed restrictions thanks to traffic sign recognition, keep the distance to the vehicle in front with the Distronic, warn of cars in the blind spot and beep if a car cuts in too close in front of him.
Mercedes E 63 AMG in the test: good driving comfort on long journeys
As it should be for a sedan, you sit very comfortably, but not exactly cheap. For 4,225 euros, the multicontour seats are on board, the talents of which encompass all types from living room armchairs to sports seats - comfort is what is most important here on the motorway. They are strongly supported by the chassis. Steel windings spring at the front, air-filled bellows at the rear, the comfort mode is activated from the three preselectable damper characteristics, and the Mercedes E 63 AMG actually compensates for the road waves very convincingly in our test. The slightly resinous response does not interfere even on long journeys.
The mighty eight-cylinder still has little to do on the limited motorway. Its crankshaft rolls in the bearings at speeds just above the idle level because the automatic considers level seven to be the right one very early. She is right, because with a maximum torque of 630 Nm it is almost completely irrelevant which gear ratio is engaged: there is always more than enough fire ready. If you ask for the free-sucking V8 in the Mercedes E 63 AMG, you hear a muffled thunderstorm of sound, dominated by deep rumbling. Our test drivers stated that neither the wind nor any noteworthy road noises were disturbing at this concert.
Mercedes E 63 AMG in the test: release to 300 km /h costs 3,930 euros extra
The electronically limited 250 km /h reaches the Mercedes E 63 AMG almost casually. He could be faster, but the release to 300 km /h costs - including driver training- 3,930 euros. When driving briskly, however, you shouldn't pay too much attention to the consumption values, because they could put a dent in your enjoyment. In the test average, the 525 PS wanted to be fed with 16.2 L /100 km. Cautious drivers, with a Swabian willingness to save, can travel 100 kilometers with 10.4 liters of Super Plus. Assuming that the transmission works in the most economical setting C, which upshifts even at low speeds.
Mercedes has im Housing of the automatic called Speedshift combines the planetary gear sets typical of a converter machine with a multi-plate clutch running in an oil bath, which works more efficiently than a torque converter. Above all, however, it offers a more direct connection between the engine and the drive train, and commands from the accelerator are implemented more quickly. On the other hand, some shift smoothness falls by the wayside. Compared to automated manual transmissions, however, the automatic Speedshift of the Mercedes E 63 AMG shifts gears as smooth as butter - even in the Sport + level, which changes gear in 100 milliseconds faster than blinking.
Mercedes E 63 AMG: Shift times and suspension setup are adjustable
The motorway exit is approaching, the precise, responsive steering can finally prove its quality, and the waltz on the country road begins. So let's use the setting options that AMG offers for the Mercedes E 63: damper in the medium-hard setting, transmission to sport (25 percent shorter shift times than in C) and the seat cheeks nestled close to the body for the best lateral support. Of course you can shift manually, the gear ratios then also change very smoothly in 100 millisecond intervals, accompanied by throaty double-declutching bumps downwards. But you don't have to, because the automatic has the right translation ready in most cases. If not, the 630 Nm fix it reliably.
Power oversteer can be easily provoked in the sportiest E-Class
In sport mode with 40 percent tighter dampers, the suspension of the Mercedes E 63 AMG suppresses especially the body movements stronger, but still offers enough comfort. In Sport +, on the other hand, you won't drive faster on public roads, but much more uncomfortable - another 30 percent tighter dampers also take their toll in the test. If you like, you can also shift the ESP control limits and play with all kinds of freedom in the slip angle of the rear wheels in ESP Sport. Power oversteer can be provoked in almost every corner, but if you like, you can approach the limit area high up in the summit very sensitively. On the way there, the heavy car remains neutral like a Bundesliga referee.
Ceramic brakes for over 8,000 euros in Mercedes E 63 AMG
The test car rolls on 19-inch wheels that house ceramic brake discs and decelerate effectively, albeit no better than their metal counterparts, and when hot, they slacken slightly. On the other hand, they weigh 16.7 kilograms less and cost - there is no final price yet - probably over 8,000 euros. AMG customers, however, are not too price-sensitive. On the other hand, she values the skillful fusion of typical Mercedes comfort with the power of a super sports car. This Mercedes E 63 AMG is a very successful blend.
