C/D Tests: 2014 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG S-Model 4MATIC Wagon

Source: Car and Driver

“Prepare to be reduced to a blubbering idiot – a very fast blubbering idiot.”

Honestly, I love this car. It’s unapologetic in every sense of the word. It’s a proper family hauler with a curb weight of 4733-pounds, 5-doors, and enough cubic storage space to take yourself and the kids to little league practice (while holding all their gear), then round the trip home with a quick stop by Costco for the month’s groceries.

And on that innocuous little trip, you can tap into the qualities of an absurd performance vehicle. Some stats for reference:

• Twin-turbocharged DOHC 32-valve V-8
• 577 hp @ 5500 rpm <– a little bonus that comes with the S-Model moniker.
• 590 lb-ft torque @ 2000 rpm
• 0-60 mph: 3.4 sec

And with launch controlled four wheel drive and brakes almost as large as its massively aggressive black powder coated wheels, the absurd theme continues along with ultra sticky skidpad results (0.97 g) and a face ripping 70-0 mph: 153 ft braking distance.

Again, it’s unapologetic in every sense of the word: perfectly suited for its target customer – As Car and Driver puts it: someone who’s a little bit “unhinged”. To be honest, I have no idea who would ever need this particular car since I’ve yet to meet one in person. But whomever they are, I applaud and thank them for providing the market that enables Mercedes Benz to produce and sell this monstrous vehicle.

Full Specifications

VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, 4-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 5-door wagon

PRICE AS TESTED: $114,165 (base price: $103,295)

ENGINE TYPE: twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 32-valve V-8, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection

Displacement: 333 cu in, 5461 cc
Power: 577 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque: 590 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm

TRANSMISSION: 7-speed automatic with manual shifting mode

DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 113.2 in
Length: 193.4 in
Width: 76.4 in Height: 59.9 in
Curb weight: 4733 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS:
Zero to 60 mph: 3.4 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 8.0 sec
Zero to 130 mph: 13.4 sec
Rolling start, 5-60 mph: 4.1 sec
Top gear, 30-50 mph: 2.5 sec
Top gear, 50-70 mph: 2.7 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 11.7 sec @ 122 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 174 mph
Braking, 70-0 mph: 153 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.97 g

FUEL ECONOMY:
EPA city/highway driving: 15/21 mpg
C/D observed: 16 mpg