2020 Mercedes-AMG E63 Wagon Review: The Hottest Wagon You Can Buy
The 'super wagon' segment doesn't officially exist, but if it did, the Mercedes-AMG E63 Wagon would be one of its stars. As the sweet spot between a traditional sedan and the increasingly popular SUV, we believe that a wagon is still a practical choice. Although, in the case of the 603-horsepower AMG E63 S, mere practicalities won't be the first thing you notice. What's likely to catch your attention is the sight of a fairly conservatively styled wagon blasting to 60 mph in only 3.4 seconds with a wild V8 bellow emanating from its giant tailpipes. It's a comical mix of breathtaking acceleration and a colossal cargo compartment that will have no problem swallowing the family's paraphernalia. Along with the upcoming (and more aggressively styled) Audi RS6 Avant, this AMG is a thoroughly unique choice. The usual E-Class attributes of an immaculate cabin and plenty of features still apply here, but you'll have to contend with the AMG's far harsher ride. The 4Matic all-wheel-drive system gets the job done in the corners, though, and for its ability to surprise many serious sports cars off the line, the oddball E63 is hard not to hanker after.
AMG E63 Wagon Exterior
More understated than the upcoming Audi RS6 Avant, the AMG E63 Wagon is a true sleeper. The front-end is shared with the E-Class sedan and features a large Mercedes badge flanked by LED headlamps. There are various AMG touches to beef up the looks, but the Panamericana grille with its vertical bars and the 20-inch five-spoke wheels are probably the biggest giveaways to this being the sportiest E-Class wagon. The car also ships standard with a panorama roof and, although the rear-end design isn't quite as striking as the front, the standard quad exhaust outlets are typical of AMG models.
Dimensions
Even longer than the E-Class sedan, the E63 wagon measures 197.1 inches in length with a 115.7-inch wheelbase. Including the side mirrors, overall width is 81.3 inches, while height is 58 inches including the roof rails. The biggest penalty to pay for the wagon's greater cargo room is a significant curb weight of 4,725 pounds.
Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
197.1 in | 115.7 in | 58.0 in | 75.1 in | 64.9 in | 62.8 in | 4,669.0 lbs |
AMG E63 Wagon Performance
Engine and Transmission
The AMG V8 under the hood may be familiar, but firing it up is always a thrilling experience. With twin-turbochargers and 4.0 liters of capacity, it generates 603 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque. An AMG nine-speed automatic transmission is standard, as is the 4Matic+ system that sends power to all wheels.
Despite the wagon's heavier weight, it's only a tenth of a second slower to 60 mph than the sedan, completing the sprint in an incredible 3.4 seconds. Engine noise is prevalent even at lower revs, but it's a sound that any enthusiast will savor. On the highway, passing slower traffic is child's play for the mighty E63 thanks to its towering mid-range power, and you'll need to keep a close eye on the speedometer to remain within legal limits. The nine-speed transmission shifts gears imperceptibly in Comfort mode but is up to the challenge when engaging Manual mode and using the shift paddles, where it races through each gear change with the alacrity you'd expect of an AMG model.
Handling and Driving Impressions
Although the E63 gets a bonkers Drift mode setting to send all of the power to the rear wheels, the fast wagon is much more effective when the 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system is fully engaged, providing just enough slip to have fun while maintaining sufficient grip for you to really push the limits. The high-performance tires certainly help the cause here, and it's clear that even though this is a family car, it has been developed as a performance machine. Body roll is well contained and turn-in is sharp and precise, especially in Sport or Race driving modes. There's not a lot of feedback through the helm, but the steering is well-weighted. An electronic limited-slip differential is standard and further improves agility based on cornering, acceleration, and braking parameters, while a new Slippery mode has also been added to increase capability in icy or wet conditions.
There's no getting away from the firm ride, though. The continuously variable air suspension makes adjustments based on the road surface, but even in Comfort mode, it doesn't take the edge off bumps as a standard E-Class would. Of course, if greater comfort is on your agenda, you can always go for the comparatively docile E450. But the E63 remains a brilliant performance machine and its underpinnings are even more impressive considering it's wrapped in a large wagon body style.
AMG E63 Wagon Gas Mileage
That 603-hp V8 likes to drink. Its EPA-rated economy figures work out to 16/23/19 mpg on the city/highway/combined cycles, although we're not sure that these numbers take into account the hardcore driving style that the E63 encourages at every opportunity. If you use the power, expect to see the economy plummet. With a 21.1-gallon gas tank, a combined cruising range of about 400 miles should be possible. Premium unleaded gasoline is required, though, making topping up an even more expensive affair.
AMG E63 Wagon Interior
Seating and Interior Space
The E63 inherits the E-Class's wonderful cabin and adds the typical AMG touches like a tactile AMG Nappa/Dinamica performance steering wheel. There's loads of room for five; head- and legroom are ample and the combination of high-set seating and wide-opening doors make ingress and egress effortless. The standard seats are comfortable and feature power-adjustment in front, including four-way power lumbar support. Along with memory settings for the driver, it's easy to find and maintain an optimum driving position. For even more support, AMG performance front seats are available as an option, but most will find the standard cushions to be perfectly good, particularly those with larger frames.
AMG E63 Wagon Trunk and Cargo Space
The stretched body style immediately shows its superiority over the sedan in terms of trunk capacity. The wagon's 35 cubic feet of space completely dwarfs the E-Class sedan's 13.1 cubes. Two large suitcases will fit without a problem, with plenty of additional space to spare. The rear seats feature a 40/20/40-split folding design and once folded flat, there's a giant 64 cubes of space to play with. For extra convenience, a power liftgate is standard and the retractable luggage cover automatically raises and lowers with the liftgate. A final touch is standard hands-free access - a simple swipe of your foot below the rear bumper will automatically open the liftgate when your arms are full.
The cabin has also been thoughtfully designed for generous small-item storage. The center armrest/console is large, there are door pockets in every door that are big enough for larger water bottles, plus you get a well-sized glovebox and a smaller cubby with twin cupholders.
Features
Sitting atop the E-Class range, it's little surprise that the E63 gets a full house of standard gear. The power-adjustable front seats are both heated and ventilated, while a massaging function is available. Complementing the stunning cabin design is a 64-color LED ambient lighting system, along with AMG-illuminated front door sills. For the driver's convenience, there is hands-free access, a power liftgate, rearview camera, power-folding side mirrors, memory system for the driver's seat and keyless-go. A dual-zone automatic climate control system is fitted but a three-zone unit is an optional extra. The extensive options list encompasses an air balance cabin fragrance system, heated front armrests, heated rear seats and an acoustic comfort package. If money is no object, the E63 can easily be equipped to opulent S-Class levels.
Infotainment
Mercedes' dual digital screens cover about as much dashboard real estate as you'll find in any car. Ahead of the driver is a configurable 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that displays speed and other critical driver information. It's joined by another 12.3-inch screen in the center of the dash for infotainment functions, forming part of the COMAND system. Controllable via a touchpad, rotary knob, and one-touch keys, the system works well although there is a learning curve to master. Most will be pleased with the features which have been integrated, though. As standard, you get Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation with free map updates for three years, inductive wireless charging with NFC pairing, an SD card reader, a hands-free Bluetooth interface along with Bluetooth audio streaming, three USB audio ports, an HD radio receiver and SiriusXM with a six-month all-access trial. As on other top-spec Mercedes models, the E63 enjoys a 13-speaker Burmester surround-sound system with 590 watts of punch and some of the swankiest speaker covers you'll find anywhere. In-car Wi-Fi is an optional extra.
AMG E63 Wagon Problems and Reliability
While J.D. Power hasn't yet rated the 2020 model, the 2019 E63 wagon received an overall quality and dependability score of 80/100, indicating a favorable ownership experience that should continue with this year's model. According to the NHTSA, there aren't any serious problems afflicting the E63, although a recall affecting 2018/2019 models was announced for a rear spoiler which could potentially detach, obviously posing a hazard to other road users.
If your E63 happens to let you down, peace of mind is provided by the brand's standard four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty. The cover includes roadside assistance.
Warranty
Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Roadside Assistance |
---|---|---|---|
4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles |
AMG E63 Wagon Safety
Although the E63 wagon hasn't been individually crash-tested, the E-Class sedan on which it is based performed brilliantly when tested by the IIHS, scoring a spread of Good ratings for crashworthiness and being named a Top Safety Pick+ in 2019.
Like the sedan, the E63 wagon also enjoys the full gamut of safety equipment. Not only are there seven airbags offering nine-way occupant protection, but Mercedes also includes adaptive braking technology, LED lighting, brake assist, and an electronic stability program. The marque's Pre-Safe accident-detection system is fitted, along with driver aids like rear cross-traffic alert, a surround-view camera system, active parking assist, attention assist, crosswind assist, and blind-spot monitoring. There are many more available safety features like active steering assist, adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist and congestion emergency braking. Many of these features are bundled together in the Driver Assistance Package.
Verdict: Is The 2020 Mercedes-AMG E63 Wagon A Good car?
The Mercedes-AMG E63 Wagon is a performance machine, a cargo hauler, and a family car all wrapped into one package. If it sounds like the E63 wagon has an identity crisis, well, it doesn't. It feels just as focused and well-resolved as any other high-performance AMG, but simply with the added benefit of a vast cargo area. Plus, dynamically the wagon gives nothing away to the sedan and, with a lower center of gravity, it is much more agile than the popular AMG SUVs that the market can't seem to get enough of. The 4Matic all-wheel-drive system keeps everything in check and allows well-skilled drivers to have as much fun as they can handle. Throw in a classy cabin, loads of passenger space, and plenty of features, and the E63 does little wrong. Only the firm ride will bother some shoppers who may find it too uncompromising for daily use. Rivals are scarce: the Audi RS6 Avant isn't here yet (but is likely to seriously challenge the E63 when it does arrive) and there's no BMW M5 wagon to speak of. The Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo perhaps gets closest to the Mercedes, but it can't haul nearly as much cargo and you'll have to spend in excess of $150,000 for the Sport Turismo Turbo to match the E63's performance off the mark. All of which means that the AMG E63 Wagon is pretty much the hottest wagon you can get right now.
What's the Price of the 2020 Mercedes-AMG E63 Wagon?
The E63 S 4Matic Wagon is the only model available and it will set you back a considerable $111,750. This price excludes tax, licensing, registration, and a destination charge of $995. In fact, this is officially the priciest Mercedes in the E-Class lineup at $4,400 more than the E63 S Sedan. That said, the wagon is literally more car. Be wary of the options list, however, as it's easy to send the price soaring to beyond the $120k mark. For instance, the AMG Exterior Carbon Fiber Package costs $1,750, while further options include the Exterior Lighting Package ($800), AMG carbon fiber interior trim ($2,850), the Warmth and Comfort Package ($1,050), the Energizing Comfort Package ($550), and high-performance ceramic composite brakes ($8,950).
What Mercedes-AMG E63 Wagon Model Should I Buy?
There's just a single powertrain and trim available, so you'll have to delve into the options list to drive off in a bespoke E63 wagon. How would we spec ours? Well, without value as the main driver at this price point, we'd start with the Obsidian Black Metallic paint at $720 and add the menacing 20-inch AMG forged alloys in matte black at $1,700. The AMG Night Package goes for $750 and, together with the dark wheels and paintwork, transforms this into a seriously mean wagon. Inside, we'd opt for the AMG Performance front seats at $2,500, while the $2,250 Driver Assistance Package adds just about every driver safety aid available. Our final addition would be the convenient AMG head-up display at $1,100, taking the overall MSRP to $120,770.
2020 Mercedes-AMG E63 Wagon Comparisons
2020 Mercedes-AMG E63 Wagon vs Audi RS6 Avant
Is it worth holding out for the upcoming Audi RS6 Avant, or should you make your way straight to your Mercedes-Benz dealer? Audi has an excellent reputation for building performance wagons and the latest RS6 Avant is no different. With a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, the RS6's 592-horsepower output and expected 0-60 mph sprint time around the 3.5-second mark are right up there with the E63. But it's not the Audi's towering performance potential, quattro all-wheel-drive system, or the ultra-advanced interior that will catch your eye at first - just look at it! Audi has somehow designed a wagon that's even sexier than the sedan which it has so much in common with, and it certainly leaves the E63 suddenly looking dated. The E63 is still the cargo king, though, with its 35 cubic feet of space behind the front seats comfortably seeing off the RS6 Avant's 20 cubes. If this isn't a major concern, Mercedes has every reason to be concerned about what is bound to be Audi's hottest super wagon yet.
2020 Mercedes-AMG E63 Wagon vs Porsche Panamera Turbo Sport Turismo
Is it worth holding out for the upcoming Audi RS6 Avant, or should you make your way straight to your Mercedes-Benz dealer? Audi has an excellent reputation for building performance wagons and the latest RS6 Avant is no different. With a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, the RS6's 592-horsepower output and expected 0-60 mph sprint time around the 3.5-second mark are right up there with the E63. But it's not the Audi's towering performance potential, quattro all-wheel-drive system, or the ultra-advanced interior that will catch your eye at first - just look at it! Audi has somehow designed a wagon that's even sexier than the sedan which it has so much in common with, and it certainly leaves the E63 suddenly looking dated. The E63 is still the cargo king, though, with its 35 cubic feet of space behind the front seats comfortably seeing off the RS6 Avant's 20 cubes. If this isn't a major concern, Mercedes has every reason to be concerned about what is bound to be Audi's hottest super wagon yet.