Overview
The 2021 Mercedes-AMG E63 S sedan is the materialization of pure affluence crossed with rapturous performance. It's based on the regular Mercedes-Benz E-class, but the E63 S is actually a more powerful version of the AMG E53. However, this significantly more expensive sibling features a fire-breathing 603-hp twin-turbo V-8 that helps it accelerate with breathtaking speed. Plus, the E63 S's talented all-wheel-drive system has a Drift mode that routes all of the engine's power to the rear wheels for entertaining sideways action. Of course, this mightiest E is hardly meant for adolescent indulgences. Its rowdy soundtrack and incredible handling make it a machine that can intimidate and challenge even the most exotic cars. And once those opponents are left stunned, the 2021 E63 S sedan pampers its passengers like a five-star resort, which is why it's an Editors' Choice pick.

What's New for 2021?
For 2021, Mercedes refreshes the E63 S's appearance and gives the sedan some new features. The most notable visual change is the reshaped grille design, which now features 12 vertical slats and a larger Mercedes emblem. It also adds revised headlights and taillights, new 20-inch wheels with a more aerodynamic design, and a restyled rear diffuser. Inside, the E63 S adds a new steering wheel with larger paddle shifters. The infotainment system also adopts the latest MBUX interface. Finally, AMG retunes the sedan's suspension to supposedly make the ride more comfortable.

Our preferred version would be equipped with options that further enhance its luxurious persona. These include the Exterior Lighting package that brings automatic high-beams and headlights that work to maximize illumination, even around corners. We also like the Warmth and Comfort and Acoustic Comfort packages. Together they add a heated steering wheel, heated front armrests, rapid-heating elements to the front seats, and additional sound-deadening materials that help keep the cabin as quiet as a library. Our favorite individual options include the three-zone automatic climate control, heated rear seats, head-up display, massaging front seats, and the soft-close doors.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The E63 S's powerful twin-turbo 603-hp V-8 engine is a mild-mannered partner and a maniacal monster all wrapped up into one. Left in Comfort mode, the engine and nine-speed automatic transmission react with stoicism and smoothness. Select any of the sportier drive modes and the powertrain unleashes relentless fury. Gearchanges are lightning fast, and the engine's 627 lb-ft of torque tears the tires with rampant rage. In our testing, the E63 S charged to 60 mph in a mere 2.8 seconds and ripped up the quarter-mile in 10.9 seconds at 128 mph. Despite being saddled with a pair of turbochargers, the 4.0-liter V-8 sounds almost as wonderful as AMG's naturally aspirated V-8 engines of yore. While not as supple as the regular E-class, the E63's ride is soft enough in its default setting that daily driving is certainly a possibility. Toggle the springs to the Sport or Sport+ setting, however, and the E63 is liable to shake out the fillings in your teeth. However, we haven't driven one with the retuned suspension yet. Push the E63 to its handling limits, and you'll be greatly rewarded. There's more cornering grip here than any of the E63's impressive competitors can muster—even the BMW M5. Adding to the thrill is the AMG's steering, which is well weighted and highly communicative.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
Given the mind-expanding performance of the E63 S, the mighty Mercedes-AMG is impressively fuel efficient. But that doesn't mean it's an abstemious consumer of fuel. The EPA estimates that this super sedan will deliver 16 mpg city and 23 mpg highway. The last version we tested returned 22 mpg on our 200-mile highway route, which helps us evaluate real-world efficiency. Not bad for a rocket ship.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
As in other E-class models, the E63's interior is made of high-quality materials that are pieced together with the care and craftsmanship of a handbag by Hermès. Largely devoid of buttons, the E63's dashboard is anchored by a row of knurled-aluminum switches for adjusting the standard dual-zone automatic climate-control system. A chunky three-spoke steering wheel features a flat bottom and a pair of big paddle shifters. Although the E63's trunk room is less than that of rivals such as the Porsche Panamera Turbo, we still managed to fit five of our carry-on suitcases inside. That number is only one less than the Porsche, which is technically a hatchback and sports a visibly larger cargo area.

Infotainment and Connectivity
A pair of 12.3-inch screens dominate the upper dashboard—one for the digital gauge cluster and another for the infotainment system. The interface is controlled by the brand's ubiquitous console-mounted control knob, with a touchpad on top that allows users to input commands by swiping a finger and offers a degree of added functionality. Alas, we found the touchpad fussy to use and easy to brush accidentally. The driver can also interact with the two screens by using a pair of touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel. Standard features include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, a Burmester audio system, and wireless phone charging.

Features
4.0L V-8 Engine
9-spd w/OD Transmission
469 @ 5,500 rpm Horsepower
479 @ 1,750 rpm Torque
Rear-wheel Drive type
ABS and driveline Traction control
1st row exterior express open/close sliding and tilting glass Sunroof
18" silver w/painted accents AMG aluminum Wheels
Front air conditioning, dual zone automatic
Driver and front passenger heated-cushion, heated-seatback Heated front seats
SiriusXM AM/FM/HD/Satellite, seek-scan Radio
2 - 1st row LCD monitor
Keyfob (all doors) Remote keyless entry
Rear Fog/driving lights
Heated mirrors
Windshield wipers - rain sensing
DINAMICA/MB-Tex simulated suede/leatherette Seat trim
Driver and passenger Lumbar support

Overview
Engine Type Gas
Transmission 9-speed shiftable automatic
Drive Type Rear wheel drive
Cylinders V8
Total Seating 5
Basic Warranty 4 yr./ 50,000 mi.
Fuel & MPG
Fuel & MPG
Fuel type Premium unleaded (required)
EPA city/highway MPG 17/26 MPG
EPA combined MPG 21 MPG
Range in miles (city/hwy) 295.8/452.4 mi.
Fuel tank capacity 17.4 gal.
Engine
Engine
Base engine size 4.0 L
Cylinders V8
Base engine type Gas
Horsepower 469 hp @ 5,500 rpm
Torque 479 lb-ft @ 1,750 rpm
Valves 32
Cam type Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Valve timing Variable
Direct injection Standard
Drivetrain
Drivetrain
Transmission 9-speed shiftable automatic
Drive type Rear wheel drive
Rear limited slip differential Standard
Suspension
Suspension
Four-wheel independent suspension Standard
Front and rear stabilizer bar Standard
Dimensions
Dimensions
Length 187.2 in.
Overall width with mirrors 79.5 in.
Overall width without mirrors 72.4 in.
Height 56.1 in.
Wheelbase 111.8 in.
Cargo capacity, all seats in place 12.6 cu.ft.
Manufacturer 0-60 mph acceleration time 3.9 seconds
Turning circle 38.7 ft.
Ground clearance 3.6 in.
Curb weight 3,874 lbs.
Country of final assembly Germany
Colors
Colors
Exterior Colors
Brilliant Blue MetallicLunar Blue MetallicIridium Silver MetallicMojave Silver MetallicObsidian Black MetallicSelenite Grey MetallicBlackPolar White
Interior Colors
Black, premium leatherPlatinum White Pearl/Black, premium leatherRed Pepper/Black, premium leatherMagma Grey/Black w/Yellow Stitching, premium leatherBlack, leatherette/suededesigno Platinum White Pearl/Black, premium leather
Front Seat Dimensions
Front Seat Dimensions
Front head room 37.1 in.
Front leg room 41.7 in.
Front shoulder room 55.3 in.
Leatherette/suede Standard
Sport front seats Standard
10-way power driver seat Standard
Height adjustable driver seat Standard
Driver seat with power adjustable lumbar support Standard
Driver seat thigh extension Standard
3 memorized driver seat settings Standard
10-way power passenger seat Standard
Height adjustable passenger seat Standard
Passenger seat with power adjustable lumbar support Standard
Passenger seat thigh extension Standard
3 memorized passenger seat settings Standard
Multi-level heating driver seat Standard
Multi-level heating passenger seat Standard

Rear Seat Dimensions
Rear Seat Dimensions
Rear head room 37.1 in.
Rear leg room 35.2 in.
Rear shoulder room 55.0 in.
Split-folding rear seatback Standard
Folding center armrest Standard
Safety
Safety
Blind spot warning accident avoidance system Standard
Driver attention alert Standard
Pre-collision safety system Standard
Post-collision safety system Standard
Dual front and dual rear side-mounted airbags Standard
Front and rear head airbags Standard
Passenger airbag occupant sensing deactivation Standard
Stability control Standard
Traction control Standard
Child seat anchors Standard
Rear door child safety locks Standard
4-wheel ABS Standard
Brake drying Standard
Front and rear ventilated disc brakes Standard
Emergency braking preparation Standard
Emergency braking assist Standard
Tire pressure monitoring Standard
Dusk sensing headlamps Standard
Auto delay off headlamps Standard
LED headlamp Standard
Daytime running lights Standard
Turn signal mirrors Standard
2 front headrests Standard
Front power adjustable headrests Standard
3 rear headrests Standard
Rear height adjustable headrests Standard
Rear center 3-point belt Standard
Remote anti-theft alarm system Standard
Engine immobilizer Standard
In-Car Entertainment
In-Car Entertainment
AM/FM stereo Standard
Burmester premium brand stereo system Standard
Burmester premium brand speakers Standard
590 watts stereo output Standard
5 total speakers Standard
13 total speakers Standard
1 subwoofer(s) Standard
Surround audio surround audio (discrete) Standard
Android Auto/Apple CarPlay Standard
USB connection Standard
Auxiliary audio input and USB with external media control Standard
Memory card slot Standard
Satellite radio satellite radio Standard
6 months of provided satellite radio service Standard
Power Feature
Power Feature
4 one-touch power windows Standard
1st row power glass extended moonroof Standard
2nd row fixed glass moonroof Standard
Hands-free entry Standard
Heated mirrors Standard
Comfort & Convenience
Comfort & Convenience
Keyless ignition Standard
Tilt and telescopic steering wheel Standard
Transmission, cruise and audio controls on steering wheel Standard
Electric power steering Standard
Rear view camera Standard
Cruise control Standard
Universal remote transmitter (for garage door, security system, etc.) Standard
Front and rear cupholders Standard
Front and rear door pockets Standard
Front seatback storage Standard
Leather steering wheel Standard
Dual zone front climate control Standard
Rear ventilation ducts Standard
Interior air filtration Standard
Dual illuminating vanity mirrors Standard
Electrochromatic inside rearview mirror Standard
Turn signal in mirrors Standard
Instrumentation
Instrumentation
Trip computer Standard
External temperature display Standard
Tachometer Standard
Clock Standard
Tires & Wheels
Tires & Wheels
Painted/polished alloy wheels Standard
18 x 9.5 in. wheels Standard
Performance tires Standard
265/40R18 tires Standard
Telematics
Telematics
Emergency Service Standard
Airbag Deployment Notification Standard
Vehicle Alarm notification Standard
Stolen Vehicle Tracking/Assistance Standard
Roadside Assistance Standard
Concierge Service Standard
Destination guidance (also Turn-by-Turn Navigation) Standard
Destination Download Standard