2023 Mercedes-AMG E63 S Wagon
Overview
We adore wagons. We love high-performance wagons even more—give us the sweet sounds that accompany the firing of eight boisterous cylinders and the sensation of turbos building boost. Mix all that together–plus a dose of top-shelf luxury–and you’ve got the dreamy, steamy Mercedes-AMG E63 S Wagon. The way this five-door delivers thrills and performance, comfort, curb appeal, and pragmatic functionality in a wholistic package is borderline phantasmal. There aren’t many vehicles that can live up to the practical demands of daily life while offering almost limitless thrills for those who love to drive for the sake of driving. The E63 S Wagon does. Superwagon’s 603-hp twin-turbo V-8 and 4Matic all-wheel drive system enable rocket-propelled launches that take you to 60 mph in 3.0 seconds. Go ahead, challenge that Corvette to a drag race. The Wagon pulls 1.00 g of cornering grip on the skid pad, as if it thinks it’s a Porsche. And it’ll haul a load of mulch as effortlessly as it hauls ass. The only thing bringing down our collective high about the E63 S Wagon is that 2023 is set to be its final year of production. Mercedes has not yet revealed details about the nameplate’s future, but we anticipate it may return with a hybridized powertrain similar to that of the 2024 AMG C63 or—better still—the 831-hp GT63 S E-Performance. Maybe we won’t miss it so much after all.
What’s New for 2023?
The AMG E63 S Wagon goes mostly unchanged for the 2023 model year. The only revision is the roll-out of the Final Edition model, of which only 999 will be produced. Every Final Edition model will don a cloak of Matt Graphite Grey Magno paired with high-gloss black accents and tinted glass from the B-pillar back courtesy of the AMG Night Package. For extra exclusivity, customers can add Carbon Packages I and II, which spruce up the exterior with carbon fiber components. On the inside, highly adjustable heated performance seats are standard for the limited-production package as is carbon fiber interior trim. Matched to the exterior finish, the titanium grey pearl-and-black nappa leather upholstery extends to the instrument panel and features yellow contrast stitching. A Final Edition badge is affixed to the center console and an AMG indoor car cover branded with “AMG E 63 S FINAL EDITION” is also included for good measure.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The 2023 E63 S wagon is a pricier than the E63 S sedan, but its added practicality, exclusivity, and sheer outrageousness make it worth the upcharge. Our preferred AMG wagon would be equipped with a handful of options that inflate the bottom line even more, but they’d solidify its luxury status and maximize our appreciation. These include the Exterior Lighting package (automatic high-beams and adaptive headlight illumination), the Warmth and Comfort package (heated front armrests, a heated steering wheel, and rapid-heating for the front cushions), and the Acoustic Comfort package that brings sound-deadening materials to keep the cabin extra quiet. Our favorite individual options include the head-up display, massaging front seats, three-zone climate control, and soft-close doors. Ideally it would be one of 999 Final Edition models, but the probability of securing one of those is too low even for our fantasies.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The E63 S wagon cages a sinister-sounding 603-hp twin-turbo V-8 mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Matic+ all-wheel drive. This setup helped the 4683-pound megawagon we tested explode to 60 mph in 3.0 seconds and obliterate the quarter-mile in 11.1 seconds at 122 mph. Check the performance stats for our long-term C8 Corvette Stingray to put that in perspective. Other AMG upgrades on the E63 S wagon versus the regular Mercedes-Benz E-class wagon include a suspension-tuning makeover, bigger brakes, and a rear-drive-only “Drift” mode that enables ass-out antics. The AMG E63’s standard air suspension can be adjusted by the driver for a preferred ride quality, and was re-tuned for the 2021 model year as part of the refresh with improved comfort being the primary objective. While the suspension is almost supple in Comfort mode, we prefer to leave the wagon in Sport mode. We felt the E63’s more clipped ride motions in this setting matched its communicative steering and impressive braking ability—70 mph to zero in only 153 feet.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
While the EPA hasn’t announced fuel-economy ratings for the 2023 model, we don’t expect its figures to change much—if at all—from the 2021 model year. The EPA estimates that the E63 S wagon will earn 16 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway. The AMG wagon’s only true competitor is the Audi RS6 Avant, which is rated for 15 mpg city and 22 mpg highway. While we haven’t tested the E63 S wagon on our 200-mile fuel-economy route, we tested the sedan version, which achieved 22 mpg.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Despite the E63 S wagon’s exhaust-popping and tire-squealing demeanor, its sumptuous interior preserves serene noise levels and the company’s luxury predisposition. Its dashboard is dominated by a continuous panel that boasts two high-res displays—one for the gauge cluster and one for the infotainment system. The cabin is also covered in premium materials that help make it feel like a truly special place to spend time. Likewise, the list of standard features includes heating, ventilation, and massage functions for the front seats as well as customizable ambient interior lighting—and much, much more. With a spacious back seat and up to 64 cubic feet of cargo space (35 cubes with all seats up), the E63 S wagon is almost as useful as it is quick.
The Car and Driver Difference
Infotainment and Connectivity
Every E63 S is outfitted with an attractive and intuitive infotainment system. Its massive 12.3-inch display is controlled by a hub on the center console, which features a rotary knob and touchpad that make operating the system feel like second nature. It comes standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, built-in navigation, a Burmester audio system, and wireless charging. Those who desire even more features can elect to add a head-up display and Wi-Fi hotspot.
How to Buy and Maintain a Car
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The 2023 Mercedes-AMG E63 S wagon hasn’t been crash tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). While it offers an array of driver-assistance technology, Mercedes unfortunately charges customers extra for most of these conveniences. Key safety features include:
Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking Available lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist Available adaptive cruise control
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Mercedes-AMG provides competitive limited powertrain warranties that align with luxury alternatives such as Audi and Jaguar. However, both of those brands offer complimentary maintenance–with the latter supplying an impressive four years or 50,000 miles of it–while AMG does not.
Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles No complimentary scheduled maintenance
Specifications
Specifications
2021 Mercedes-AMG E63 S 4Matic+ Wagon
VEHICLE TYPE
front-engine, rear/all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE AS TESTED
$139,205 (base price: $113,445)
ENGINE TYPE
twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 32-valve V-8, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection
Displacement
243 in3, 3982 cm3
Power
603 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque
627 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm
TRANSMISSION
9-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension (F/R): multilink/multilink
Brakes (F/R): 15.4-in vented, cross-drilled ceramic disc/14.2-in vented, cross-drilled ceramic disc
Tires: Michelin Pilot Sport 4S, F: 265/35R-20 (99Y) MO1 R: 295/30R-20 (101Y) MO1
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 115.7 in
Length: 197.1 in
Width: 75.1 in
Height: 58.0 in
Passenger volume: 99 ft3
Cargo volume: 35 ft3
Curb weight: 4683 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 3.0 sec
100 mph: 7.4 sec
130 mph: 12.7 sec
150 mph: 17.8 sec
170 mph: 25.4 sec
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 4.2 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 2.6 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 2.7 sec
1/4 mile: 11.1 sec @ 122 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 180 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 150 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 1.00 g
Standing-start accel times omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
EPA FUEL ECONOMY (C/D EST)
Combined/city/highway: 19/16/23 mpg
C/D TESTING EXPLAINED
More Features and Specs
