2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG E-Class AMG E 63 S 4MATIC+ Review

In the luxury high-performance four-door coupe market, Grand Tourer models have always been the focus for consumers seeking a balance between "speed and comfort" — capable of meeting the refined needs of daily commuting while also unleashing their performance potential on highways or mountain roads. The 2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG E 63 S 4MATIC+ is a representative of this niche market, with its 4.0T V8 twin-turbo engine delivering 612PS, all-wheel-drive system, and full-featured technological setup as core selling points. It raises the question of whether this "suit-wearing brute" can truly balance the elegance of a GT with the wild side of AMG. The main objective of this test drive is to verify its actual performance in daily driving, performance capability, and long-distance comfort.

From the exterior, the AMG E 63 S maintains the elegant profile of the E-Class while enhancing performance attributes through detailed design. The front features AMG’s signature vertical-bar grille, paired with large air intakes in the front bumper, while the side vents are designed to optimize aerodynamics. The side profile showcases flowing lines, with visually striking 20-inch multi-spoke wheels paired with wide tires measuring 265/35 R20 in the front and 295/30 R20 in the rear. At the rear, the car is equipped with a small-sized spoiler, quad-round exhaust pipes, and LED taillights with a distinctive design that differs from the standard E-Class, offering high recognition when lit. The overall design is not overly aggressive but makes it clear to car enthusiasts that it is a high-performance vehicle.

Inside, the interior maintains Mercedes' luxurious feel while incorporating AMG-specific elements. The dashboard features a dual 12.3-inch screen setup consisting of a fully digital instrument cluster and a touchscreen central display, offering smooth operation and touch functionality. The seats are wrapped in Nappa leather, with the front seats featuring memory-enabled electric adjustments and strong lateral support, ensuring long-distance comfort. The rear seats support a 40:20:40 split-folding configuration, with a center armrest that includes cup holders, along with independent air vents and a 220V power outlet, providing excellent practicality. In terms of features, the car comes standard with a Burmester 13-speaker audio system, HUD head-up display, 360-degree panoramic camera, and automated parking, ensuring convenience in daily use.

In terms of space, the dimensions are 4988mm/1907mm/1463mm (length/width/height), with a wheelbase of 2939mm. Both front and rear seating areas offer ample space for passengers. A front-row passenger, standing at 180cm, has about one fist of headroom after adjusting their seating position, while a rear passenger of the same height enjoys two fists of legroom and four fingers of headroom. Even with five passengers on board, the cabin doesn’t feel cramped. The trunk has a capacity of 540L, which can be expanded by folding down the rear seats, making it spacious enough to accommodate two 28-inch suitcases along with a backpack. The interior also features ample storage compartments, including sizeable door pockets, center armrest storage, and a glove box, which provide convenient options for storing everyday items.

The powertrain is the core highlight of the AMG E 63 S. It is equipped with a 4.0T V8 twin-turbocharged engine that delivers a maximum output of 612PS and a peak torque of 850N·m. It is mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission and the 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive system. The official 0-100km/h acceleration time is just 3.3 seconds. During the test drive, switching to the Sport+ mode and pressing the accelerator provides a strong push-back sensation, with the gearbox responding extremely quickly and virtually no delay during overtaking. Even in Comfort mode, the power delivery remains smooth and is well-suited for daily commuting.

The handling performance is equally impressive. The steering wheel is precise with minimal play, light at low speeds, and stable at high speeds. The chassis uses a front four-link + rear multi-link independent suspension system with strong support. Body roll is well controlled during cornering, and the vehicle remains stable during high-speed lane changes. When encountering bumpy roads, the suspension in Comfort mode can filter out most of the fine vibrations, maintaining comfort; in Sport mode, the suspension becomes firmer, offering more road feedback. The 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive system performs stably on slippery road surfaces, effectively preventing skidding.

In terms of fuel consumption, the official combined fuel consumption is 9.1L/100km. During actual test driving, the fuel consumption was about 13L/100km in urban traffic and approximately 7.5L/100km during highway cruising. Considering its performance, this fuel consumption level is within the normal range for vehicles in the same class. The braking performance is excellent, with a linear pedal feel, and the car maintains a stable posture during emergency braking without significant nose-diving.

As for driving comfort, the AMG E 63 S has achieved great balance. NVH performance is outstanding; wind noise and tire noise are barely noticeable during highway cruising at 120 km/h. The Burmester sound system delivers excellent audio quality, effectively masking external noise. The seats provide a good balance of wrap-around support and comfort, making long-distance travel less tiring. Kinetic energy recovery (if in electric mode, although this one is a fuel car) is not available, but gear shifting with the transmission is smooth, without any sense of jolting.

To sum up, the core advantages of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG E 63 S 4MATIC+ are clear: strong performance, precise handling, luxurious interior features, and practical space. Compared to competitors like the BMW M5 or the Audi RS6 Avant, it offers better comfort and configurations, making its value for money quite decent.

In terms of overall performance, this AMG E 63 S fulfills both the comfort needs for daily commuting and the performance demands when needed, making it suitable for consumers who value "balanced performance"—for example, middle-aged users who need both a family car and driving fun, or young people who appreciate luxury and performance.

All in all, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG E 63 S 4MATIC+ is a "versatile" Grand Tourer, perfectly combining AMG's performance with Mercedes' luxury. It is a high-quality choice in this niche market.