An estate car with super sports car genes and loads of potential for fun behind the wheel – is this not a contradiction? No, let’s forget prejudices like that. And just a few seconds are necessary to make this point. 3.5 electronically measured seconds, to be precise. This is the time that the Mercedes-AMG E 63 S 4MATIC+ Estate needs to accelerate from 0 to 100.
As if it were being catapulted forward by a taut rubber band. This record speed means that the four-wheel drive estate weighing almost two tons is niftier than many super sports cars.
Not fully loaded, of course. But fully equipped with leading-edge technology: with an AMG 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine with direct injection, 612 PS and 850 Nm torque for the traction.
The basic model AMG E 63 4MATIC+, which accelerates from 0 to 100 in 3.6 seconds, is propelled by an impressive 571 PS and 750 Nm, and able to achieve an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h.
Particularly ambitious drivers even make it to 290 km/h with the AMG Driver’s Package. The key role is played here by the standard AMG Performance 4MATIC+ drive. It variably distributes the colossal power of the sports estate between the axles by means of an electromechanical clutch.
To ensure the greatest possible traction and safety, the torque distribution is continually recalculated. The shift times of the AMG Speedshift MCT 9 gear sports transmission are now almost as short as in a racing car.
The Mercedes-AMG E 63 4MATIC+ Estate, irrespective of whether it is the basic version or the S-Model, is therefore not just an estate. It is a luxurious peak performance athlete that, when taking a breather, will sometimes switch off four cylinders.
Of course, it also boasts oodles of space: with a boot capacity of 640 litres, 670 litres (when the back seats are placed upright) or 1,820 litres (when the back seats are folded down), it outdoes all of its competitors in terms of interior space. So who still thinks that an estate car can be nothing more than comfortable? Certainly not anyone who has experienced this Affalterbach-built car with the accelerator pedal down.