New E63S AMG review - RBR First Drive

[RPiM5]

I've been waiting for some quality video on the new E63S AMG to come out. Are they on sale yet here in the United States? I don't know.

This guy made a very decent video. I think it really captures what the E63S is. I can't wait to see one in person. Despite the whole Wet Clutch thing, the only thing that turns me off about this car is it's infotainment system, it's just not nearly as good as the BMW iDrive, but the rest of the E63S is just lovely. I wouldn't mind owning one at all.

Beautiful color too!

So now the only question is, when is Vic55 getting one? Lol!

[mister2d]

Since I've had both I prefer the Merc's latest infotainment over iDrive. Much more options. Especially with navigation.

[Vic55]

Originally Posted by RPiM5

So now the only question is, when is Vic55 getting one? Lol!

I find the electronics to be better than the beloved I Drive (if its like the S). And the car sounds incredible; Ill get one but probably in a bit as I have my eyes on a readily available car right now.

[RPiM5]

I also forgot to talk about the comparison between the next M5 and this car. Based on what we know so far, what will the true differences be, besides styling?

M5 will get a Carbon Fiber Roof, E63S does not.

M5 will get a torque converter vs Mercs Wet Clutch.

iDrive vs Mercs Infotainment

Maybe the M5 will feature some Autonomous driving tech the E63S does not or vice versa.

What else? Not much I think.

Both will be the same exact setup. Twin Turbo V8 with AWD and Auto transmission. Both will get a drift mode. Both will probably end up weighing the same. Both will probably get around 600hp. Such a shame that M is putting little effort to differentiate from its competition.

[Lowflight]

Do Want

[brad850csi]

Originally Posted by RPiM5

I also forgot to talk about the comparison between the next M5 and this car. Based on what we know so far, what will the true differences be, besides styling?

M5 will get a Carbon Fiber Roof, E63S does not.

M5 will get a torque converter vs Mercs Wet Clutch.

iDrive vs Mercs Infotainment

Maybe the M5 will feature some Autonomous driving tech the E63S does not or vice versa.

What else? Not much I think.

Both will be the same exact setup. Twin Turbo V8 with AWD and Auto transmission. Both will get a drift mode. Both will probably end up weighing the same. Both will probably get around 600hp. Such a shame that M is putting little effort to differentiate from its competition.

And this explains the want for the F13 M6 for me, RWD with a DCT is quite different from anything else out there. I feel like the Alpina B5 and B6 might as well be the next gen M5/6 cars, or M8 or whatever it ends up being. For the motortrend M6 GC vs B6 I know that everything about the M6 appealed to me, not so much the B6.

I do think that I'd take an E63s wagon over an 8 speed auto 4wd M5 just because it is a wagon!

[Phatcat]

Originally Posted by RPiM5

I also forgot to talk about the comparison between the next M5 and this car. Based on what we know so far, what will the true differences be, besides styling?

M5 will get a Carbon Fiber Roof, E63S does not.

M5 will get a torque converter vs Mercs Wet Clutch.

iDrive vs Mercs Infotainment

Maybe the M5 will feature some Autonomous driving tech the E63S does not or vice versa.

What else? Not much I think.

Both will be the same exact setup. Twin Turbo V8 with AWD and Auto transmission. Both will get a drift mode. Both will probably end up weighing the same. Both will probably get around 600hp. Such a shame that M is putting little effort to differentiate from its competition.

RS 7 performance is basically the same, already has 600HP and AWD (except no drift mode or RWD like the E63S and M5, but Audi was never into that kind of things anyway).

Gone are the days where those three manufacturer each has a different take on the super saloon, and they have different characteristics.

I still think BMW's version will be the most sporty, but yes, they are more alike than ever before.

[RPiM5]

Originally Posted by Vic55

I find the electronics to be better than the beloved I Drive (if its like the S). And the car sounds incredible; Ill get one but probably in a bit as I have my eyes on a readily available car right now.

No way Vic, have you even tried iDrive 6.0 yet? It's so fluid and fast. And gesture control is silly but useful at times. Touch screen works nice too. What I like is the greater functionality of the touch pad on the iDrive knob itself.

[TrevorM3]

black wheels, slightly lower... great looking car.

[M6-Coupe]

Originally Posted by RPiM5

I also forgot to talk about the comparison between the next M5 and this car. Based on what we know so far, what will the true differences be, besides styling?

M5 will get a Carbon Fiber Roof, E63S does not.

M5 will get a torque converter vs Mercs Wet Clutch.

iDrive vs Mercs Infotainment

Maybe the M5 will feature some Autonomous driving tech the E63S does not or vice versa.

What else? Not much I think.

Both will be the same exact setup. Twin Turbo V8 with AWD and Auto transmission. Both will get a drift mode. Both will probably end up weighing the same. Both will probably get around 600hp. Such a shame that M is putting little effort to differentiate from its competition.

You feel over 60 years old behind the wheel of E63 (specially when you look at that old style clock and flat TV ) and feel young behind the wheel of M5... true difference

[13M5F10]

Can't wait to drive this in July. I reserved it for my trip to Germany for three weeks.

[Greer]

This looks real good, BMW better watch out or the this car could take all the high end market share. Best, Gene.

[Bimmer6]

This car seems very capable to sit in my garage. I have never owned a Benz, and it may be time. I told my local BMW guy the M5 needs to be hands over heals better than the last, and I think BMW lacks the interior specialness that I have seen in Mercedes lately. The engine sounds is just insanly beautiful ......I'm in a good position as I will dump the M4 next year and looking for a good midsize 4 door I'm past my convertible coup phase. Porsche Panamera took themselves out of the race with just insane prices that are not justified in my opinion ............Vic you're merc guy comments on the new sled.

[Vic55]

Originally Posted by Bimmer6

This car seems very capable to sit in my garage. I have never owned a Benz, and it may be time. I told my local BMW guy the M5 needs to be hands over heals better than the last, and I think BMW lacks the interior specialness that I have seen in Mercedes lately. The engine sounds is just insanly beautiful ......I'm in a good position as I will dump the M4 next year and looking for a good midsize 4 door I'm past my convertible coup phase. Porsche Panamera took themselves out of the race with just insane prices that are not justified in my opinion ............Vic you're merc guy comments on the new sled.

Im a Merc guy and an M guy (slowly creeping on Audi LOL) but Ill say this (my thoughts)... Benz used to be more luxury with a blend of sport (AMG lines) and have definitely closed the gap and flip flopped the ratio. The new 4.0 hot V engine is amazing in response and sound. Owning as many DCT's as I have, I find the new cars to run very well with the MCT. Its still not a perfect match but its damn close. I do need to drive this car first though to make any tangible comments. I wont tree hug Benz or M without first really understanding the car and making sure my perspective is wide.

Based on the video, the sound alone is amazing and Ill be my own judge of electronics. There are alot of non owner keyboard warriors who will pass emotional judgement; I will wait.


Edit: I hear the US deliveries are coming in Q3 of 2017

[stealth.pilot]

Originally Posted by Vic55

Im a Merc guy and an M guy (slowly creeping on Audi LOL) but Ill say this (my thoughts)... Benz used to be more luxury with a blend of sport (AMG lines) and have definitely closed the gap and flip flopped the ratio. The new 4.0 hot V engine is amazing in response and sound. Owning as many DCT's as I have, I find the new cars to run very well with the MCT. Its still not a perfect match but its damn close. I do need to drive this car first though to make any tangible comments. I wont tree hug Benz or M without first really understanding the car and making sure my perspective is wide.

Based on the video, the sound alone is amazing and Ill be my own judge of electronics. There are alot of non owner keyboard warriors who will pass emotional judgement; I will wait.


Edit: I hear the US deliveries are coming in Q3 of 2017

I second this. I have driven the recent AMG cars - AMG GTS and C63S, and in my opinion Mercedes is now the performance leader not M. What's interesting is that these cars beat BMW in several dimensions: engine, handling and overall emotional experience. And it isn't just the top AMG models. The C450 (now called C43) also beats it's counterpart the BMW 340i in all these dimensions.

I say this as a someone for whom BMW accounts for 80% of the cars I have ever bought. In fact this is the first time in my life I have no BMW in my garage.

[F83]

Originally Posted by RPiM5

I also forgot to talk about the comparison between the next M5 and this car. Based on what we know so far, what will the true differences be, besides styling?

M5 will get a Carbon Fiber Roof, E63S does not.

M5 will get a torque converter vs Mercs Wet Clutch.

iDrive vs Mercs Infotainment

Maybe the M5 will feature some Autonomous driving tech the E63S does not or vice versa.

What else? Not much I think.

Both will be the same exact setup. Twin Turbo V8 with AWD and Auto transmission. Both will get a drift mode. Both will probably end up weighing the same. Both will probably get around 600hp. Such a shame that M is putting little effort to differentiate from its competition.

Once you start getting into 3.3 0-60 territory for a full sized gas driven l4 door - differentiation gets tougher and tougher. Not impossible of course my point is just that all German car makers are basically at the pinnacle of gasoline technology. The next shift forward will be with electric.

[F83]

Originally Posted by Bimmer6

This car seems very capable to sit in my garage. I have never owned a Benz, and it may be time. I told my local BMW guy the M5 needs to be hands over heals better than the last, and I think BMW lacks the interior specialness that I have seen in Mercedes lately. The engine sounds is just insanly beautiful ......I'm in a good position as I will dump the M4 next year and looking for a good midsize 4 door I'm past my convertible coup phase. Porsche Panamera took themselves out of the race with just insane prices that are not justified in my opinion ............Vic you're merc guy comments on the new sled.

Similar place for me except I will keep my F83 as a weekender.

Considered Panamera but beyond price it fails the "douche at the gas station" test. Panamera says something about the driver that I don't want said about me. YMMV.

I'm probably more a new M5 hopeful though - and have a refundable deposit down to secure my place in line. I like what I see with the Merc but I'm not quite there.

[Bimmer6]

Originally Posted by F83

Similar place for me except I will keep my F83 as a weekender.

Considered Panamera but beyond price it fails the "douche at the gas station" test. Panamera says something about the driver that I don't want said about me. YMMV.

I'm probably more a new M5 hopeful though - and have a refundable deposit down to secure my place in line. I like what I see with the Merc but I'm not quite there.

Yup hear ya ........I'm just done with buying any car I can't drive first. Never cared what the guy at the gas station things ........remember I'm a guy who pulls up in a purple RS, and have to answer what is that? Have a spot for a M5 but told the dealer I will not give you a deposit becasue they can give you a spot minus cash that's a lie they tell. The Panni Turbo is a kick as car, and a better buy used to let the first person take the depreciation. My Spyder will be the weekend car to replace the M4. I just can't get into the turbo sounds and lag it's not fun to me.

Porsche is catching flack on the 911's being Turbo, it has to happen and I will old on to my NA cars and not trade. I will wait to I can drive and touch a new M5 before I cut another check on one.

[David 12]

As a former 911 owner, I had nothing but positive experiences and responses. It was a beautiful car and I was proud to own and drive it. The Panamera is a great car but I never warmed up to the exterior style. Maybe that's what f83 is alluding to?

But in Omaha, I do like the Macan turbo or gts as a companion to a sports sedan.

Dave

[Dionysus]

Originally Posted by RPiM5

No way Vic, have you even tried iDrive 6.0 yet? It's so fluid and fast. And gesture control is silly but useful at times. Touch screen works nice too. What I like is the greater functionality of the touch pad on the iDrive knob itself.

G30 idrive is better than W213 COMAND both ergonomically and how intuitive the menus are to navigate.

The two screens in the W213 have partially obscured info dependent on seating position; no such issues in the G30. BMW is still ahead and improving with each generation.

G30 HUD, which is improved in comparison to the F10 HUD, is also ahead of the W213 offering, although Merc HUD could be excused for being 1st gen.

Merc interior quality and aesthetics do finally seem to be overtaking the same gen BMW, although I believe the next-gen Audi RS6 may be better than both if it's anything close to the new A8.

It will be interesting to see how close the E63 driving dynamics are to the non-LCI/non-CP F90. My guess is that BMW will still be ahead overall, even if 'race car in a saloon car body' is a distant memory.

[Dionysus]

Originally Posted by David 12

But in Omaha, I do like the Macan turbo or gts as a companion to a sports sedan.

Macan in GTS or Turbo PP form is the better driver's car in comparison the new Panamera. The new Panamera doesn't really do anything for me in terms of driving dynamics. Both the E63 and the new M5 would be above the Panni T on my want list, regardless of price.

[WCH]

An E63S Wagon is an interesting proposition.