You know that times have changed when the last bastions of high-octane performance start talking about fuel economy and "day-to-day suitability" in the same breath as engine outputs and performance figures. But this is how it is over at AMG, the arm of Mercedes-Benz that produces spikier standard models as well as proper supercars, dizzying speed isn't enough, it has to be (sort of) green and friendly too.
And so it is that the super-slick E-Class gets a full dose of the AMG treatment, to serve the needs of those who really do need an executive car with over 500bhp. The E, launched earlier this year, has a more edgy look than the old car without straying into alienating its customers, and useful improvements in comfort, handling and cabin design. So the prospect of an AMG version, available in the Middle East from September, is enough to make your mouth water.
It looks good right from the start. The visual toughening that comes as standard with every AMG is especially successful here. This is probably how the E-Class looked when it was just a doodle on a sketchpad: big wheels, deep spoilers and a tough stance. It doesn't shout about it though, is unlikely to attract much attention from anyone wearing a baseball cap at a ridiculous angle and won't send a signal to the police that you'll be ignoring speed limits. Discreet but purposeful sums it up, which is probably what Mercedes-Benz likes to think of its owners.
Despite the hints of green around the grilles, AMG models still have raw power at their heart. These days you can't buy an AMG Mercedes that has fewer than eight cylinders, which enthusiasts will tell you is a bare minimum, and the E63 gets the 6.3-litre V8 unit that also appears in the C, S, SL and ML AMG models. But that's good news, because this powerplant, despite being up against some pretty strong competition, is one of the finest performance units to come from AMG.
This installation has more tweaks. Power is up over the old car to a more than healthy 525bhp and 465 lb/ft of torque, but arguably attention has been spent on increasing efficiency. The seven-speed Speedshift transmission is there but with a new clutch arrangement, while tweaks such as automatic alternator management (disengaging it when not needed) and low-friction cylinder liners means the E63 shaves 12 per cent off its fuel consumption: 12.6 litres per 100km won't please everyone but it is better, as is the sub-300g/km C02 output.
There are other tweaks that highlight the E63's dual personality. The front suspension has been revised with a wider track and clever electronic dampers, while the rear retains the air suspension system, albeit with some detail adjustments. On the inside, you still get the space and the comfort, but there are huggy sports seats and a plethora of buttons on the transmission tunnel to control the suspension, gearbox and ESP settings.
Just as Mercedes-Benz would wish, on first acquaintance the E63 gives very little away as to its performance potential. The ride is a shade firmer at low speeds and should you creep past an eighth of throttle there's a distinct V8 rumble in the distance. But there are no tricky features to negotiate (unless you want to), just slot it into D and waft away. The E-Class is a favourite of taxi drivers in Germany, and you could use an E63 as one and 99 per cent of your passengers would never notice. Unless you hit the autobahn of course.
It only takes a dumped throttle to see what all the fuss is about. Fully unleashed, it will blast to 100kph from rest in 4.5 seconds, although such is the effortless way it goes about it, the vehicle almost feels slower than that. The transmission flicks through the gears by itself if you wish, or a button push gives you full control.
Then there's the ESP, which like more recent AMG models, has three modes, the last of which giving you full control. You also have three choices of suspension mode and three gearbox modes too. You could argue that you have too much choice, but as the kilometres pass you begin to appreciate that the E63 can be tailored to suit the road and your mood.
If anything, the E63 is almost too well-rounded. Unlike its smaller sibling the C63, which is a bit of a hooligan in a smart shirt, the E63 is more like the class swot – very good at everything. Even with everything turned off it's not as raw as other AMG models, but it has a capacity to thrill and also to comfort that few rivals can match.
Rivals
Jaguar XF R
This 5.0-litre model generates 500bhp to rival the AMG powerplant. With Jag's refined looks it is a car worthy of its status.
Audi RS6
Another 5.0-litre engine, the RS6 might not look the most sporty (bar the alloys) but it can reach 100kph in just 4.6 seconds.
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