Even in a world full of very fast SUVs surely everyone still loves a very fast estate, and from today there’s a new champion of that breed. And it’s as quick as a Ferrari GTC4 – despite having a boot more than twice the size.
It’s the Mercedes-AMG E63 4Matic wagon, the entirely expected addition to the new E-class line-up and complete with all the credentials needed to take top spot as the ultimate example of a family car with added Race mode.
One moment it’s a spacious five-seater with secure all-seasons all-wheel-drive and room in the back for a couple of hefty labradors; the next it’s blasting from standstill to 62mph in just 3.5 seconds and topping out at 180mph (with the optional driver’s package).
In either situation, chances are it will not go unnoticed because AMG’s E63 styling makeover is possibly more striking when applied to the estate body. The look is definitely long, low and lean, and like the sedan, it gets a much more dynamic appearance around the bonnet and nose. Inside it’s capacious: fold down the 40:20:40 split rear seats and there’s 1,820 litres of luggage room.
Other aspects are familiar from the E63 sedan, including the bi-turbo 4.0-litre V8 with 612bhp for the S model, or 41bhp less for the entry car (which is only one-tenth of a second slower from 0-62). There’s the same nine-speed Speedshift transmission and smart all-wheel-drive system with fully variable torque split between front and rear axles. The suspension is by way of air springs and continuously variable damping.
AMG’s Dynamic Select programme is included with its familiar driver choices including, in the S version, a Race mode tailored to track driving. Carbon ceramic brakes are an option.
So is it the world’s fastest estate? 3.5 seconds is brisk enough for the 612bhp AMG to drive past the 605bhp Audi RS6 (3.7 seconds) and match on acceleration the shooting-brake three-door Ferrari GTC4, at least in V8 Turbo form. The Ferrari might have the higher top speed – plus a much smaller boot and a larger price tag of course – but on getaways from the lights, they are neck and neck. In the true “load lugger” stakes there’s nothing quicker, which is what you’d expect of a company that has been championing the performance-estate formula for 40 years.
Or should we say nothing quicker…so far? The AMG E63 estate makes its public debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March when it will be trying to divert the spotlights away from another estate car debutant: the all-new BMW 5-series Touring. There will be an M5 version of that at some point – complete with a rumoured 600bhp-plus and, for the first time, all-wheel drive – but will there be a Touring version of it? Watch this space.
The new Mercedes-AMG is launching with a fully-loaded Edition 1 version, just as the E63 sedan has done. That costs £103,440 so expect a hike over that for the estate when prices are confirmed within the next weeks. You will be able to order one from April for August delivery.
AMG
E63
mercedes-amg
Mercedes-Benz
Book tickets
For our big events, to the small ones too
Book event hospitality
Enjoy with loved ones, colleagues or clients
Buy an experience
For yourself, a loved one, or both!
Book a table
Choose from three of our restaurants
Book your stay
Stay at our hotel, cottages or Hound Lodge
Become a member
Join the family and get exclusive rewards
Book tickets Change
Choose event
Spectate from the chicane at the Revival to see plenty of classic cars going sideways as they exit this infamous point of our Motor Circuit.
From elite motorsport to historic horse racing, you’ll have an unforgettable experience.
Book event hospitality Change
Choose event
Festival of Speed is our longest-standing Motorsport event, starting in 1993 when it opened to 25,00 people. We were expecting 2000!
Experience ultimate access to our exceptional events with our all inclusive hospitality packages.
Buy an experience Change
Choose experience
We have been host to many incredible film crews using Goodwood as a backdrop for shows like Downton Abbey, Hollywood Blockbusters like Venom: let there be Carnage and the Man from U.N.C.L.E.
From driving and flying to golf and dining, experiences at Goodwood are simply unforgettable.
Book a table Change
Choose restaurant
Choose from three of our restaurants, all serving our award-winning organic produce.
Book your stay Change
Find availability
Henry Cavill, Hugh Grant, Armie Hammer and Guy Ritchie filmed scenes at our very own Motor Circuit
We’re already looking forward to seeing you.
Become a member Change
Choose a membership
Whatever your passion, there is a Goodwood membership to make you feel at home.
Sign in below to access your account and benefits
Don't have an account?Create your account by entering your details below...
Already have an account