A sublime interior, cutting-edge technology, and well-rounded performance help the 2019 Mercedes-Benz E-Class secure a place in the top half of the luxury midsize car rankings — and with the AMG E63 S Sedan, you can expect a ton of options.
From its quality materials to its state-of-the-art technology, this Mercedes-Benz has one of the finest cabins in the luxury midsize car class. The seats are splendidly comfortable, though this isn’t one of the roomiest cars around. Its driving dynamics create a nice balance between laid-back cruising and enthusiastic maneuvering, complemented by a seriously impressive powertrain.
So what is new for 2019? For its second year on the market, the 2019 E63 sees few changes. The 12.3-inch digital gauge display is now standard, as is the Burmester Surround Sound premium audio system, which was previously optional.
Its powerful twin-turbo V-8 engine is a mild-mannered partner and a maniacal monster in one. Left in Comfort mode, the engine and transmission react with stoicism and smoothness. Select Sport, Sport+, or Race modes, and the powertrain unleashes relentless fury.
Gear changes are lightning fast, and the engine’s 627 pound-feet of torque tears the tires with rampant rage. Steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters offer manual control. Despite being saddled with a pair of turbochargers, the 4.0-liter V-8 sounds almost as wonderful as AMG’s naturally aspirated V-8 engines of yore. My test vehicle ripped to 60 mph in just 3.0 seconds; that is break-neck speed for sure.
Yes, push the E63 to its handling limits, and you will be greatly rewarded. There is more cornering grip here than any of the E63’s impressive competitors can muster. Adding to the thrill is the E63’s electrically assisted rack-and-pinion steering system, which is both well weighted and highly communicative.
Inside you will find a finely crafted cabin with contemporary design. As in other E-class models, the E63’s interior is made of high-quality materials that are pieced together with the care and craftsmanship of a Hermès handbag.
A pair of 12.3-inch screens dominate the upper dashboard — one for the digital gauge cluster, another for the infotainment system. Both provide crisp, clear, beautifully rendered graphics and offer a multitude of customizable functions, including multiple gauge-cluster configurations. A chunky three-spoke steering wheel features a flat bottom and a pair of big paddle shifters.
Largely devoid of buttons, the E63’s dashboard is anchored by a row of knurled-aluminum rocker switches for adjusting the standard dual-zone automatic climate-control system. Mercedes’ COMAND infotainment system continues to forgo touchscreen functionality. Instead, the system is controlled by the brand’s ubiquitous console-mounted control knob.
With fuel economy of 15 miles per gallon city and 23 MPG highway, that’s not bad for a rocket ship.
Suggested retail price of $106,350, but with optional equipment, value-added packages, and destination and delivery it came in at just under $138,000. Topping the list of those extras was the AMG high-performance ceramic composite braking system, forged cross-spoke wheels in black, exterior carbon fiber package, and high-performace seats with the driver assist package tacked on.
You should put a new E-Class Sedan on your list if you are looking for a vehicle that has top-notch luxury, elegance, and technology.
Grant Miller is the publisher of Miami’s Community Newspapers. He may be contacted by calling 305-662-2277 or via email at Grant@CommunityNewspapers.com.
