Mercedes-Benz E63 S AMG | PH Auction Block
One of the last rear-drive E-Class AMG wagons made - need you know more?
Given how many PH boxes this E63 is ticking - rear-wheel drive mega estate attainable for a lot less than it cost new - you may well have seen this listing already. But just in case you haven’t, this is one very special Mercedes-AMG estate, for a whole host of reasons. Not least the fact that it goes to auction tomorrow.
This is a 2015 example of the S212 generation of E-Class, meaning it’s one of the very last made - the W213 successor came the year after. It also means this 5.5-litre, twin-turbo V8 estate is just 10 years old, and what a difference a decade makes when it comes to AMG wagons. These days, this car’s equivalent is an E53, which achieves a great deal with its hugely clever PHEV powertrain - but never really tugs at the heartstrings like a great AMG might. It’s a very different prospect to this one despite appearing ostensibly similar, glitzier and more glamorous than what’s now a slightly dour Mercedes family car. These days the AMG status is never in doubt; back in the days of the ‘212, the Affalterbach overhaul was much more subdued. With truly absurd engines under the bonnet, to make a generation of icons. The latest E53 is a really good car, for sure, though it never seems likely to be as loved as this era.
It was pretty clear at the time, to be honest. Just as most manufacturers were winding down supersaloons and estates with 550hp or so and rear-wheel drive, AMG doubled down on its preference for one driven axle and surfeit of horsepower. As a fresh-faced PH newbie, I remember a 585hp, RWD Mercedes being announced very soon after the then-new C7 RS6, which boasted less power but Quattro as well. Even the standfirst of the PH first drive suggested it was madness to go without four-wheel drive, but what glorious madness it seems now.
Because AMG made it all work. The really powerful rear-drive cars weren’t undriveable monsters, with limited-slip diff and assists all nicely calibrated to take full advantage of a considered right foot and all that turbo torque. Where the next E63 made you give up all help to go rear-drive only, this obviously kept the assistance, plus some lovely Mercedes steering. And the unrepeatable thrill of your right foot controlling just the rear wheels.
The S was always a rare beast, introduced towards the end of the W212’s run and adding 35hp for £10,000. Most would probably have been content with just the 550hp, and made their peace living without a factory LSD. Those that do come up for sale tend to be saloons, so this late S wagon must be really rare. And there’s plenty to recommend it beyond just scarcity: there’s a full Mercedes history for its 10 years and 70k, a set of winter tyres is fitted, and the MOT runs until next October. No excuse not to continue exactly as intended, basically.
Nobody needs this much power in an estate car, of course. Those that do may well be tempted by the additional tech and features of the 4.0-litre, 4Matic replacement, or the affordability of an earlier, non-S E63 from this generation. But the 585hp flagship was never for those aiming to fulfil their needs; it was an AMG for the connoisseurs, those that wanted the ultimate representation of rear-drive V8 hedonism with a nod to practicality. It’s for that reason that the E63 S will always be a very special Mercedes, even if just to the few that really know. Don’t be surprised if a few of those place a bid when the auction kicks off tomorrow...
My slightly more subdued version with 385bhp and AWD is enough for me!
I never understand the opposition to tinted rear glass, they're family cars and parents don't want their kids blinded or be able to nap! I'd be wary of a car without tints, as it's not been used by a family.
I didn’t do that with the Stinger as I was fed up with useless tyre fitters damaging the diamond cut wheels - perhaps should have just bought a set of 18s for the winter. The Stinger definitely squirmed around on the Mendips when it was cold, especially when the tyres got a little lower….maybe at the 3mm mark.
C43 solid as a rock so far, but all-seasons or winters would be even better for sure.
I never understand the opposition to tinted rear glass, they're family cars and parents don't want their kids blinded or be able to nap! I'd be wary of a car without tints, as it's not been used by a family.
Cars like these tho - all desireability had been wiped out by EV, has for me anyway. I always saw these cars for people who had the money, but not the time/space/inclination to have something small and fast alongside their family car, so - get something like this as a compromise. But it's always a compromise - too heavy and big to be a sports car; too thirsty and expensive to run for a 15k miles a year family car (your results above notwithstanding!).
But now i can have my sensible family car, but it can also go Really Really Fast without those practicality compromises, albeit still with too many comprimises to be as enjoyable as a fast, light, smaller ICE car - of course. Is why i plan to keep my boring car + fun car combos going forever..... just that now my practical boring car can now also frighten passengers at traffic lights.
It's genuinely a great all-rounder. Has the sound, the comfort, the power and excellent interior quality with the extended leather everywhere.
Even in this day and age, not many cars will trouble it. A gentle remap would give you well over 600 BHP.
My one of these was on the weighbridge at 2 tons, so about 287bhp/ton. My A110 has 290bhp/ton, on far more aggressive tyres and I don't struggle in the wet and the cold. I know that's not at all a perfect comparion, but it's really not a big deal, unless you're someone who refuses to drive to the conditions.
I'd love another one of these, they're absolutely magnificent cars. It's getting a little pricy for a good one, and the RWD S are usually poor value given the rarity of them. I don't think they're rare enough or special enough to continue to command a premium as time goes on, but I may well be wrong.
Cars like these tho - all desireability had been wiped out by EV, has for me anyway. I always saw these cars for people who had the money, but not the time/space/inclination to have something small and fast alongside their family car, so - get something like this as a compromise. But it's always a compromise - too heavy and big to be a sports car; too thirsty and expensive to run for a 15k miles a year family car (your results above notwithstanding!).
But now i can have my sensible family car, but it can also go Really Really Fast without those practicality compromises, albeit still with too many comprimises to be as enjoyable as a fast, light, smaller ICE car - of course. Is why i plan to keep my boring car + fun car combos going forever..... just that now my practical boring car can now also frighten passengers at traffic lights.
If you need an estate (for dog, bike, whatever) why not have the best you can get?
Surely this is way less compromised than a silent, overweight snooze fest EV.
Fast estates come into their own when you travel but end up on great roads, that you wouldn't have the time to go back to with a sports car.
I'm more so in the budget for a W204 (facelift estate) but do love the look of the W212. RWD wouldn't terrify me with this kind of power, if you're sensible and (as said) have the right tyres, you'll be fine.
On a related note, keep seeing later model C43s going around and the sound those V6s make always surprises me. If I don't go V8, I'd be tempted to look at them instead of a B58'd 340i based on noise alone
Cars like these tho - all desireability had been wiped out by EV, has for me anyway. I always saw these cars for people who had the money, but not the time/space/inclination to have something small and fast alongside their family car, so - get something like this as a compromise. But it's always a compromise - too heavy and big to be a sports car; too thirsty and expensive to run for a 15k miles a year family car (your results above notwithstanding!).
But now i can have my sensible family car, but it can also go Really Really Fast without those practicality compromises, albeit still with too many comprimises to be as enjoyable as a fast, light, smaller ICE car - of course. Is why i plan to keep my boring car + fun car combos going forever..... just that now my practical boring car can now also frighten passengers at traffic lights.
If you need an estate (for dog, bike, whatever) why not have the best you can get?
Surely this is way less compromised than a silent, overweight snooze fest EV.
My version of the best estate I could get was a fully loaded E class, or V90, with an under powered diesel engine so it wouldn't annoy me with regular fuel stops and daft running costs for the 99% boring commuting and tip run miles a daily driver does. Why bother compromising it with a massive engine if it's only good for drag racing ..... spend that premium on something else to go alongside it. If you're spending the best you can afford in an estate car, that's making a compromise elsewhere...
but - just how I always saw the world, your mileage may vary....
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