Used Mercedes-AMG E63 2017-2022 review

Weight is the enemy of agility – if you disagree, try running an obstacle course while carrying a backpack full of bricks. That being said, the folks who created the Mercedes-AMG E63 have greatly engineered away this problem, because this nearly two-tonne performance car is sharper than it has any right to be.

The E63's four-wheel-drive system certainly helps. In the AMG S model, it allows for 0-60mph in just 3.3sec, not to mention it helps the car corner ferociously. You can disengage the four-wheel drive and make the E63 real-wheel drive, but even if you keep the four-wheel drive on (and switch the stability control to Sport) you'll still feel a good chunk of the power being sent to the rear wheels.

That makes the E63 feel so much more playful than the rather point-and-squirt Audi RS6. It's not snappy, though, and if you drive it smoothly it feels agile and balanced in bends, although it’s not quite as precise as the BMW M5 or Porsche Panamera.

Even so, we prefer the E63's steering. It's relatively heavy compared with the standard Mercedes E-Class, but that heft and the little sensations you get buzzing the wheel rim add a bit more involvement. It breeds real confidence, too.

Your engine is a 563bhp 4.0-litre V8 in the regular E63 AMG and a 603bhp one in the E63 AMG S. No matter which variant you choose, it makes a hell of a noise. It barks and burbles like a muscle car and it really sets the tone for the rest of the driving experience being mad and fun.

So, perhaps needless to say, this isn't the most relaxing car of its type. The ride isn't hard, but it is quite a bit firmer than an RS6's, even in its softest setting, so it thumps a bit more across patched-up town roads in much the same way that the M5 will. The difference is that the E63's suspension is noisier than the M5's, twanging over sharp edges. As you move to faster roads, the ride settles down appreciably.

As with all AMG saloons and hatchbacks, the E63 stays largely true to its Mercedes roots on the inside. The AMG-inspired elements are mostly decorative – a few carbon-fibre touches here and contrast seat stitching there. The trim upgrades, including the leather-wrapped dashboard, look high-end, and subjectively the E63 has more wow factor inside than the RS6. It's not quite as substantial when you go prodding around as the RS6 and M5, though.

Soft Nappa leather also extends to the seats, and in the front, those are heavily bolstered sports seats. They come with full electric adjustment, including lumbar adjustment and a basic massaging facility. The driver’s seat is comfortable over long distances but not as figure-hugging through corners as the ones you get in the M5 and RS6.

There's slightly more leg room in the back than in its two main rivals – the M5 and RS6. It's worth noting that the E63 estate has a bit more head room than the saloon, but even the latter is fine unless you're very tall.

The size of the boot rather depends on whether you're looking at the saloon or estate. The former has roughly the same space as the M5 saloon and will fit up to eight carry-on cases. The estate can manage a serious load of up to 10 cases below the tonneau cover, which is one more than the RS6 (also an estate) can swallow.

The E63 was facelifted for 2021 and, at the same time, the non-S model was dropped from sale in the UK. Along with some styling changes and tech updates, lots of small tweaks were made to make under the skin the E63 a little more comfortable.

If you're interested in finding a used Mercedes-AMG E63 or any of the other cars mentioned here, head over to our Used Cars For Sale pages to find lots of cars listed at great prices.

The regular E63 wasn't bought by many and, as a result, it and the AMG S aren't very different on price. Around £40,000 to £50,000 will show you mix of both variants.

If you'd prefer a facelifted S, have around £80,000 to spend. Models built just before the facelift look like much better deals, mind you – 2020 cars come in at around £65,000.

A 2023 AMG S will set you back north of £100,000.

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MPG

This isn't a car you buy for its fuel efficiency. Both the regular E63 and its AMG S stablemate officially average 31.0mpg, but you're more likely to see around 25mpg in the real world.

Road tax

The E63's yearly fee in road tax is £180 and that's the same for all petrol and diesel cars registered after April 2017. It'll incur a luxury car tax for cars costing over £40,000 new. This is currently £390 a year from years two to six.

Insurance and servicing

The E63 falls into insurance group 47 (out of 50), meaning you should expect a large bill.

For two services of a three-year-old-plus E63 S, we were quoted £1992 via Mercedes.

Go for the E63 AMG S. It's an easy decision, seeing as there are more available (than the standard car) and you don't really have to pay a premium for its extra power and performance.

Most E63s have the Premium package attached to them, meaning they get keyless-go, a glass roof, uprated sound system and ‘intelligent’ LED lights, among other goodies.

Our favourite Mercedes-AMG E63: AMG S (Premium)

As we've mentioned, the E63's chief rivals are the Audi RS6 and BMW M5. Regarding the latest versions of each, the M5 goes for similar money to the E63, but you'll need around £70,000 to buy an RS6 – its current guise arrived in 2020. As for which performance car is our top choice, we believe the E63 is the best one of the three. It's simply the most exciting.

One could argue that the size and power of the E63 strays into the excess. If you'd like a similar experience but in a slightly smaller and cheaper (by around £10,000) package, then consider a Mercedes-AMG C63.

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If you're interested in finding a used Mercedes-AMG E63 or any of the other cars mentioned here, head over to our Used Cars For Sale pages to find lots of cars listed at great prices.