Mercedes-Benz AMG E-Class Review

The market for luxury high-performance four-door sedans has always been a battleground for the collision between brand technology and comfortable experiences. Consumers long for track-level power bursts without compromising on the practicality of daily commuting. The 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG E-Class E63S 4Matic+, as the benchmark in this segment, continues to command attention with its 612 PS V8 twin-turbo engine and fully loaded configurations. This time, we got our hands on a test car, aiming to verify whether it truly balances the dual demands of "brutal performance" and "luxury family use"—after all, for most owners, it's not just a toy but also a partner for everyday mobility.

From a distance, the silhouette of the 2021 E63S 4Matic+ retains the elegance of the E-Class sedan, but the details exude the aggressiveness of AMG. The front face adopts the AMG family-style vertical-bar chrome grille, paired with raised muscle lines on the hood, maxing out the visual tension; the front lip incorporates aerodynamic designs, while large air intakes on both sides not only improve cooling efficiency but also make the front end appear lower. On the side, 20-inch multi-spoke wheels paired with wide tires—265/35 R20 in the front and 295/30 R20 at the rear—and the waistline running from the fenders to the taillights give it a sportier presence compared to a standard E-Class; the door handles are designed in the same color as the body to maintain a cohesive look on the side profile. At the rear, the quad circular exhaust layout is a signature element of AMG. The small spoiler on the trunk and the diffuser below further enhance its performance characteristics. The taillights use LED sources, offering striking recognition when illuminated at night, complementing the daytime running lights at the front.

Sitting inside, the first thing you notice is the unique sporty-luxury atmosphere of AMG. The interior is dominantly black leather, with metallic trims accenting the door panels and the center console. Most touchpoints are wrapped in soft materials, in line with the positioning of a million-class vehicle. The center console follows Mercedes-Benz's dual 12.3-inch linked-screen design, with the left side being a fully digital instrument cluster and the right being the touch-control center screen. The system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, offering smooth operation and responsive speeds. The steering wheel features AMG's signature flat-bottom design, wrapped in leather for a solid grip. It integrates multi-function buttons on both sides, and the large shift paddles at the back are made of metal, giving a refined tactile feel. In terms of configuration, a HUD head-up display, 360-degree panoramic cameras, and a Burmester 13-speaker sound system come as standard. The front seats are electrically adjustable with memory features, offering strong backrest and cushion support to ensure comfort even on long drives. Rear-seat amenities include air vents and a 220V power outlet, and the 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats allow for expanded trunk space, making it practical for daily cargo needs.

In terms of space, the car measures 4,988mm × 1,907mm × 1,463mm, with a wheelbase of 2,939mm, consistent with the 2018 model. When adjusting the front seats for a 175cm passenger, there is a headroom of one fist and two fingers, with ample legroom. For a rear passenger of the same height, legroom is approximately two fists, and headroom is about one fist. The central tunnel slightly protrudes but doesn’t significantly impact temporary seating. The trunk has a capacity of 540 liters, which can easily accommodate three 20-inch suitcases. Folding down the rear seats allows for carrying longer items, making the practicality of this high-performance sedan exceptional.

The powertrain is the core highlight of the E63S 4Matic+, equipped with a 4.0T V8 twin-turbocharged engine that delivers a maximum horsepower of 612PS and a peak torque of 850N·m (official data not explicitly stated, but the actual experience is consistent with the previous model). It is paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission and the 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system. During daily driving in Comfort mode, the power delivery is relatively smooth, the transmission shifts actively, and the RPM generally remains below 2000, making it feel no different from an ordinary luxury sedan. When switched to Sport mode, the throttle response becomes noticeably quicker, and the RPM stays around 3000. When pressing the accelerator deeply, the sense of thrust is instantly overwhelming. The official 0-100 km/h acceleration time is 3.4 seconds, and the actual experience feels even more impressive — especially during high-speed overtaking. Accelerating from 80 km/h to 120 km/h happens almost instantly, with more than enough power in reserve.

In terms of handling, the steering wheel offers precise control with minimal play. It feels light at low speeds and becomes heavier at high speeds, providing a great sense of confidence to the driver. The chassis adopts a front four-link and rear multi-link independent suspension. In Comfort mode, it filters out most road bumps, and there is no harsh impact when driving over speed bumps. When switched to Sport+ mode, the suspension becomes stiffer, minimizing body roll and providing solid support through corners. Combined with the all-wheel-drive system, the rear rarely slides, and the overall handling is comparable to a pure performance car. As for fuel consumption, the official combined fuel consumption is 9.1L/100km. During our actual testing, urban congested sections recorded a fuel consumption of about 13-15L/100km, while highway cruising could reduce it to around 8L/100km. Considering the 4.0T V8 engine's displacement, this performance is quite reasonable.

In terms of driving comfort, the E63S 4Matic+ exceeds expectations. During high-speed driving, tire and wind noise are well-controlled, and only during rapid acceleration does the V8 engine's roar enter the cabin. However, this sound is not harsh; instead, it enhances the driving excitement. The seat padding is moderately firm, balancing both support and comfort, ensuring that long drives are not tiring for the back or waist. Standard safety features like automatic parking assistance, lane-change assist, and lane departure warning help reduce driving stress during daily commuting.

In summary, the 2021 AMG E63S 4Matic+ has distinct core advantages: First, its powerful performance — the 4.0T V8 engine's explosive power is almost unmatched in the same class. Second, comprehensive features — with standard equipment such as dual 12.3-inch screens, Burmester sound system, HUD, and more, it significantly outperforms the 2019 E53 (priced at RM 740,888) in terms of configuration. Even compared to the 2018 E63S (priced at RM 1,068,888), the 2021 version offers better attention to detail and system smoothness. Third, balanced practicality — the rear space and trunk volume can meet family needs, unlike pure sports cars, which are usually only used occasionally.

However, there are also some aspects to note: fuel consumption is relatively high, and the daily operating costs are greater than small-displacement models. The 20-inch wheels paired with low-profile tires require careful driving over bumpy roads to avoid potential tire bulges. In summary, this car is suitable for two types of consumers: one group is those seeking performance but also needing to consider family use, providing weekend driving pleasure while accommodating family outings on weekdays. The other group is young consumers who admire luxury brands, value the AMG brand image, and appreciate powerful performance.

Overall, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG E63S 4Matic+ is an "all-rounder" high-performance sedan. It does not sacrifice too much practicality for performance, nor does it lose the soul of AMG for comfort. If you have a sufficient budget and want a car that can both handle the track and go grocery shopping, it is definitely an option you can't overlook.