The Mercedes-AMG E 63 wagon stands as a testament to automotive engineering prowess, blending supercar performance with the practicality of a family estate. For those seeking exhilarating speed without sacrificing everyday usability, the Mercedes E 63 Amg Wagon has long been the answer, particularly for a discerning clientele in markets like the United States. This article delves into the history, specifications, and allure of this exceptional vehicle, focusing on what makes it a standout in the world of high-performance automobiles.
The story of the AMG E-Class wagon in the US is one of exclusivity and a dedicated following. While all-wheel drive SUVs are often the first vehicles that come to mind when discussing all-weather capability, the E-Class wagon has carved out a unique niche, synonymous with all-wheel drive performance for a very specific customer. Mercedes-Benz has noted that the standard E-Class wagon already attracts a demographic with a high median household income, with significant customer concentrations in affluent areas like the New York-Boston corridor and California. The AMG variant elevates this exclusivity even further.
Drawing a parallel to the legendary single S124 AMG Hammer wagon built in 1986, each generation of AMG E-Class wagons has been a special-order model in the US, with sales figures consistently remaining in the triple digits at most. This rarity is something Mercedes-Benz proudly acknowledges, celebrating the unique group of owners who appreciate the blend of performance and practicality.
Bernie Glaser, former General Manager of Product Management at Mercedes-Benz USA, emphasized this American tradition: “We’re proud of our American tradition of selling both the E-Class Wagon and its AMG high-performance variant. Our ability to offer an AMG E-Class Wagon with standard 4MATIC all-wheel drive since 2014 has greatly enhanced our unique position, both in terms of performance capability and also for winter weather conditions in northern markets.”
Let’s take a closer look at the 2018 Mercedes-AMG E 63 S Wagon and journey through the lineage of AMG E-Class wagons in the US, tracing the tire treads back to the original AMG Hammer Wagon.
2018 Mercedes-AMG E 63 S Wagon: A Deep Dive
The 2018 mercedes e 63 amg wagon took the already impressive E-Class wagon and injected it with pure AMG DNA. It boasted all the connectivity and intelligent driving aids of the standard E-Class, but amplified every aspect with performance-focused engineering. This wasn’t just a family wagon; it was a performance machine disguised in a practical shell.
Alt Text: Front three-quarter view of a 2018 Mercedes-AMG E63 S Wagon showcasing its aggressive styling and signature AMG grille.
Priced at $106,950 (excluding destination and delivery), the 2018 E 63 S Wagon was capable of hauling not just passengers and cargo but also a second set of tires, tools, and a jack – ideal for track days. Mercedes-Benz boldly claimed it as the “quickest, fastest wagon in the world,” and for good reason. Independent tests estimated a 0-60 mph sprint in a blistering 3.4 seconds, with an electronically limited top track speed of 180 mph. To put this into perspective, a German automotive journalist achieved a Nürburgring Nordschleife lap time of 7:45.19 – a time that rivals many dedicated sports cars.
Handcrafted AMG 4.0L V8 Biturbo Engine: The Heart of the Beast
At the core of the 2018 mercedes e 63 amg wagon lay a handcrafted AMG 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine. This powerplant was a marvel of engineering, featuring twin-scroll turbochargers nestled within the “hot inside V” configuration between the cylinder banks. This design minimized turbo lag and pressure loss, resulting in instantaneous power delivery. The engine produced a staggering 603 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque, sustained across a broad rev range from 2,500 to 4,500 rpm. While the AMG V8’s roar might not be ideally “family-friendly” in certain situations, AMG Cylinder Management technology incorporated cylinder deactivation to enhance fuel efficiency when maximum power wasn’t required.
Alt Text: Close-up view of the handcrafted AMG 4.0-liter V8 Biturbo engine, highlighting its twin-turbocharger setup and AMG engine badge.
AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9-Speed Transmission and 4MATIC+ All-Wheel Drive
The engine’s power was channeled through the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9-speed transmission. Unlike conventional automatic transmissions using a torque converter, this unit employed a wet clutch. This allowed for incredibly rapid gear changes and the ability to execute multiple downshifts in quick succession, crucial for both track performance and spirited road driving.
Exclusively available on the E 63 S Wagon was the innovative AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system. This system intelligently blended the benefits of different drive configurations. It offered fully variable torque distribution between the front and rear axles, optimizing traction in all conditions, from dry tarmac to wet or snow-covered roads. The system seamlessly transitioned between rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, ensuring both agility and stability. An electromechanically controlled coupling managed the torque split, constantly calculating the ideal distribution based on driving conditions and driver input. This technology even enabled controlled drifts thanks to the variable torque distribution and a dedicated “Drift Mode.” Engaging Drift Mode, within the “Race” drive program and with ESP® deactivated, transformed the E 63 S Wagon into a purely rear-wheel drive machine for those seeking tail-out thrills in a safe environment.
Alt Text: Diagram illustrating the AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system, showing the variable torque distribution between front and rear axles.
Air Suspension, Damping, and Brakes: Dynamics and Control
The mercedes e 63 amg wagon was equipped with all-new AMG multi-chamber air suspension featuring continuously variable damping. This sophisticated system ensured a remarkable balance between ride comfort and dynamic handling. The air spring stiffness could be adjusted over a wide range, and the system automatically stiffened the spring rate in response to sudden changes in load, aggressive cornering, hard acceleration, or braking. The adaptive damping offered three selectable modes – Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ – allowing drivers to tailor the ride to their preferences. Dynamic engine mounts further enhanced the driving experience, adjusting stiffness based on driving conditions, becoming softer for comfort and stiffer for enhanced agility.
An electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential further optimized traction and cornering performance by reducing wheel slip on the inside wheel during turns. This system worked in harmony with the three-stage ESP® and the all-wheel drive system to elevate performance thresholds.
Drivers could also fine-tune the vehicle’s character using the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT system, offering five programs: Comfort, Sport, Sport+, RACE, and Individual. These modes adjusted parameters like engine response, transmission behavior, suspension settings, steering feel, ESP, and all-wheel-drive characteristics. An “M” button allowed instant switching to manual shift mode, and individual suspension and steering settings could be independently selected. The “RACE” mode configured all systems for maximum performance on closed circuits.
Braking was handled by internally ventilated and perforated 15.4-inch compound front brake discs with six-piston fixed calipers, and 14.2-inch discs with single-piston floating calipers at the rear. For even greater braking performance, the AMG Carbon Ceramic Composite Braking System was available as an option.
AMG Interior: Performance and Luxury Combined
The interior of the mercedes e 63 amg wagon received the full AMG treatment. It featured a unique version of the E-Class’s dual 12.3-inch screen digital instrument cluster, offering selectable display styles like “Classic,” “Sport,” and “Progressive.” AMG-specific gauges with a carbon-fiber look and sporty typography enhanced the cabin’s performance ambiance. An AMG Performance Steering Wheel in black nappa leather came standard, and optional AMG Performance Seats with integrated head restraints provided maximum lateral support during spirited driving. Nappa leather trim extended to the dashboard and door beltlines, further elevating the sense of luxury.
Alt Text: Interior view of the Mercedes-AMG E63 S Wagon showcasing the dual-screen digital instrument cluster, AMG performance steering wheel, and luxurious nappa leather upholstery.
A Lineage of Performance Wagons: AMG E-Class Wagon History in the US
The 2018 E 63 S Wagon wasn’t born in a vacuum; it was the culmination of generations of AMG performance wagons in the US market. Let’s explore the predecessors that paved the way.
2005-2006 Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG Wagon: The Supercharged Sleeper
While AMG had produced E-Class wagons for other markets prior, the 2005 E55 AMG Wagon (S211 generation) marked the first official import of an AMG wagon to the US. Despite its potent performance, the E55 wagon maintained a “sleeper” aesthetic. It featured a discreet AMG body kit, bolder fascias, a black mesh grille, and 18-inch wheels, with subtle “E55 AMG” and “V8 Kompressor” badges. Some owners even opted to delete the badging entirely for an even more understated look.
The “Kompressor” designation signified a belt-driven supercharger, AMG’s preferred method of boosting power at the time. The hand-built 5.5-liter V8 produced an impressive 469 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, a significant leap over the standard E500. A five-speed torque-converter automatic transmission with manual shift mode managed the power delivery. Independent testing by Car & Driver revealed a 0-60 mph time of just 4.1 seconds and a quarter-mile sprint in 12.5 seconds at 114 mph. Top speed was electronically limited to 155 mph. Despite being heavier than the sedan, the E55 wagon surprisingly outperformed it in acceleration and skidpad tests, attributed to a more rearward weight distribution. Only 126 units were imported to the US for the 2005-2006 model years, making it a rare and special-order vehicle.
2007-2009 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG Wagon: Naturally Aspirated Power
The 2007 model year brought a major shift with the introduction of the E63 AMG Wagon. The “E63” badge indicated an all-new, naturally aspirated 6,208cc V8 engine – the first engine developed entirely in-house by AMG. Horsepower increased to 507, though torque slightly decreased compared to the E55. The new engine was paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. Performance was marginally improved, with Car and Driver recording a 0-60 mph time of 4.0 seconds and a quarter-mile in 12.5 seconds at 115 mph. The E63 Wagon remained a special-order rarity, with only 153 imported during its production run.
2012-2016 Mercedes-Benz E63 S AMG 4MATIC Wagon: The All-Wheel Drive Era Begins
After a brief hiatus, the E63 Wagon returned for the 2012 model year in the new 212-series body style, bringing significant mechanical changes. A new 5.5-liter biturbo V8 replaced the naturally aspirated 6.2-liter, initially remaining rear-wheel drive. It offered 518 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, with an optional AMG Performance Package boosting output to 550 hp and 590 lb-ft. Motor Trend testing achieved a 0-60 mph time of 3.9 seconds. Production remained exclusive, with 209 units sold for the 2012-2013 model years.
The game changed again in 2014 with a comprehensive design update. The AMG E-Class Wagon became the E63 S 4MATIC, featuring standard all-wheel drive. Power jumped to 577 hp and a massive 590 lb-ft of torque. The 0-60 mph estimate dropped to 3.6 seconds, and the top speed increased to 186 mph (electronically limited). The 7-speed MCT transmission was now paired with a 33:67 fixed-ratio 4MATIC system and a limited-slip rear differential. Driver-selectable modes and adjustable suspension further enhanced the driving experience. The E63 S 4MATIC Wagon remained a special-order model, but sales saw a significant increase due to the appeal of standard all-wheel drive, particularly in northern US markets. A total of 783 units were sold in the US during the 2014-2016 model years.
Conclusion: The Enduring Appeal of the Mercedes-AMG E 63 Wagon
The mercedes e 63 amg wagon represents a unique blend of high performance, luxury, and practicality. From its hand-built engines and advanced drivetrain technology to its spacious interior and versatile cargo area, it offers a driving experience unlike any other. Its exclusivity in the US market further enhances its desirability, making it a sought-after vehicle for enthusiasts and discerning buyers alike. For owners who appreciate the finer details, maintaining the pristine condition of an AMG E 63 Wagon is paramount. Regular and meticulous car detailing, using premium products and expert techniques, will not only preserve its aesthetic appeal but also protect its value for years to come. The mercedes e 63 amg wagon is more than just a car; it’s a statement – a statement of performance, practicality, and refined taste.
