thunderMB

Sorry for the weird typestyle and size. Something strange going on that I could not seem to be able to fix.

Well, I am sorry to say, that after waiting an interminable amount of time (I ordered my car before the configurator was up and running, and it has been sitting at port since late April), my initial reaction on finally driving it, was somewhat disappointing – but after about 500 miles, it is growing on me!
Background: currently, I already own a GTS and a C63S, and the E63 replaces a Dodge Charger Hellcat as my daily driver, so I have some tough comps. I also have a GTC Cabrio and GTR on order.Except for having better traction, its rolling acceleration is comparable to the GTS and about 10% stronger than the C63 (as indicated by the on-board G force meter). I expected it to be stronger. Quite different than the Hellcat – the Charger is bad-*** all the time- the E63 only when you are really on it.
My initial reaction was that the C63 feels more natural – the E63 is somewhat more synthetic. (I really like the C63 and was hoping the E63 would be just like it, but with 20% more of everything). The sound on the E63 is good, but it is very loud with the exhaust flaps open and the popping sounds between shifts sounds engineered rather than natural (and in my opinion the quality and quantity of sound is out of character for an E class car). It is also very loud and antisocial unless you are way out in the country, so much so, that I have been forcing myself to drive it with the exhaust flaps closed (still sounds good with the exhaust closed). With the flaps open, I find myself incapable of really stepping on it at lights for fear of attracting unwanted attention from other drivers or worse - law enforcement.
The shifting from the 9 speed is no better than the 7 speed on either of the other 2 cars. In fact, I find this car slurs the shifts more than the GTS or the C63, rather than snapping decisive shifts that give you a nice kick in the ***. Also, first gear is quite low, second and third quite good, fourth and higher probably are a higher ratio than they should be considering it has 9 gears in total. Like most other manufacturers, they add gears, but leave all the additional upper gears for economy purposes rather than performance. So much so that acceleration in 5th gear is actually slower in the E63 than the GTS which has only 7 speeds. (About .36G for the E63 and .4 G for the GTS). I have been playing with all the shift programs from comfort to race to get an “individual” combination I like.
I also prefer the clutch engagement on take-off in the other 2 cars – both of those “snap” the clutch for a nice aggressive start – the E63 tends to slip the clutch for a fairly dull/slurry start, and after the clutch is fully engaged, and rolling above about 2000 rpm, then the solid acceleration can be felt.
I also note that turbo lag is very good in the first 3 gears, but noticeably more (worse) in 4th and higher gears compared to either of the other cars. Probably a function of the higher boost levels.
Having said all the above, I actually am getting to like the car. It does have lots of power, I just need a bit of practice to extract it the way I like it. I have been driving it in Sports + and manual shifts and that seems to suit my expectations fine.
I am extremely impressed with the handling of the car. It feels very secure, buttoned down, corners very flat, could pass for a car weighing 1000 lbs. less. (In fact, from a “feel” perspective, I like the way this car handles better than either of the other cars). Many of you have been asking about the firmness of the ride. I find the car is very fluid and comfortable under most circumstances, except sharp cracks in the pavement or potholes. In those situations it is indeed quite stiff, probably a function of the 20 inch wheels and low sidewalls. Overall, it is quite comfortable and also pretty quiet for long distance cruising purposes. (I’s probably prefer the seats to be a bit wider and less bolstered – which in my opinion would be more consistent with a largish 4500 lb. E Class.)
The 4 wheel drive is excellent. Completely transparent (better than most other 4 wheel drive cars I have had – probably closest comparable is the GT-R in capability – and that is high praise indeed). Puts the power down incredibly well.
The engine, as with all of the “63s” is outstanding. I still can’t believe that AMG can get this much power and torque, and with such good responsiveness from just 4 liters. Very impressive.
I went with a light colored interior, and am quiet pleased with it. It gives the cabin a more “open/airy” feeling. Fit and finish as usual is excellent.
So, overall, although a bit disappointed at first, It is growing on me, and I am confident that in a couple of weeks, I will have found settings and driving techniques that will make this car quite outstanding.

PeterUbers

Nice review

sounds like they still can’t dial in that transmission but I’m reading a lot of positives too

is comfort mode for the suspension fairly supple? It’s a joke on my ‘14 63S

thunderMB

In my opinion the suspension is fine.
The sidewall stiffens of the 20 inch tires is likely the main contributor to a seemingly harsh ride over sharp cracks and potholes.
I find it overall to be fine, and any stiffness is a worthwhile trade-off for the improved handling.

kponti

Sidewall is actually taller in the W213 E63 than the W212

Vic55

Thanks for the write up, I too have a GTS and C63S Coupe (both tuned) and wanted to hear initial thoughts. Ill bet, and hope, that a tune helps with some the of higher gearing lag and launch feel that you described. As for the exhaust, Im happy that you said its loud because all of the videos Ive heard, it was not as loud sounding as the C63 and I want sound!!!!.

E634Me

I do like your choice of the light colored interior. The contrast is really nice.

I went with the dark because of concerns that the white wouldn't stay that way very long because of the kids.

T minus 20 days till pick up in Germany and counting . . .

tony_f8

Vic who do you plan on using for the tune? I need a reliable SoCal shop.

Vic55

I only use Benzworks in Huntington Beach for all my cars (Benz and others).

Ill go with OE Tuning for the tune- benzworks is the retailer and I have my C63BS, GTS, and C63S all tuned by them. But in addition they have tuned the following previous cars:

2004 E55
2005 CL65
2010 E63
2012 CLS63
2012 E63
2013 SL63
3 Porsche Turbos
7 BMW M's
1 Bentley
2 Ferraris
2 RS7's
1 R8
1 Jaguar F Type R

and a few more

tony_f8

Thats quite It’s the vote of confidence in those guys to do all that successfully. Close enough to me so I’ll start there.

24Hours

Sweet... and by the way: thank you for the recommendation on the best dealer for Factory Delivery. I am using him and he is great. But then I saw the story on the home page here and almost pooped myself:
https://mbworld.org/articles/mercede...very/#comments

But dealer said that is "fake news". There is a link on the MB USA page still for Factory delivery.
I look forward to hearing about your experience.
Cheers

Vic55

yeah and thats just tuning, Benzworks has lowered and installed exhausts on almost all of my rides. They do more than just Benzes.

X166

Congrats! Quick interior question--is the center console gloss black? For some reason, the configurator shows it in carbon if the dash is in carbon.

simarddominic

The trim of this car is no carbon, it's metal weave.

bobblehead

OP's car does not have cf trim. It's metal weave which means, the lower center console is either gloss piano black or wood. In this case, it is the former as based on the pic.

X166

Ah, thank you! I'm old to the forum, but new to AMG and def new to the W213. With the open pore black wood OR carbon fiber, the center console and dash would match? I have found the forum to be MUCH more exact / detailed than speaking with my sales rep--looking to place an order for a wagon soon. Thanks again.

rluciano

My understanding is with black or brown open pore wood the trim matches. With carbon fiber the default is matching trim, but you lose wireless charging.

X166

Whoa--you lose the NFC charging feature with Carbon Interior?!

Also--and sorry for hijacking the thread--but someone else mentioned that AMG Performance Seats conflicted with the Drive Pilot features? Is that true?

E634Me

Yes according to the DOG, CF center trim = No NFC. I don't know why this is the case.

None of my phones currently support it, but would have been nice as I'm sure I'll upgrade to one with it eventually. In fact, I suppose one big advantage might have been being able to charge and use the wired earbuds at the same time, which I can't do today with the iPhone 7.

E63guy

DriveAMG

I’ve personally seen an Edition 1 delivered here in Toronto with the Distronic Package installed. It is not possible to configure it that way online or any other way. My SA was very confused. Also it’s not possible on the Mercedes Canada site to configure the car with the performance seats and the Distronic Package. I do note that in the States and Europe this is not the case as I have seen many cars with Distronic and the performance seats...

X166

Hmmm. I'm in the US--so I'm hoping I will be able to order both the Performance Seats and the Premium Package (which has the Distronic options included). I assume that my dealer should be able to confirm whether or not there is a conflict?

Vic55

I just sat in a car that has the performance seats and the p4 package which has the Distronic.

Edit Im in the US.

78degrees

It's impossible to charge your phone by NFC anyways, you have to use QI to charge it..
I don't understand why MB struggles so bad with the understanding of the different technologies.

HydroLogic

When I ordered my car in May, I wanted the Natural Grain Brown Ash Wood. The center counsel was not available in wood and so defaulted to gloss black. My thoughts were when the wood center counsel is available as a part I can install it then. I think this was the case for carbon fiber interior as well

HydroLogic

Yes I just got my car last night. Performace seats with Premium Package with Distronic. It's very clear on the build site