The most eagerly awaited drag race of the year is finally here!! The new BMW M5 meets the Mercedes-AMG E63 S. Both have twin-turbo V8s. Both have all-wheel drive. But despite weighing more, and having a smaller engine, the older E63 S produces 450kw compared to the M5's 441kw. Which side of the fence are you on?
Also worth a look: the Mercedes-AMG A Class and the Mercedes-AMG G Class.
FAQ
Q: What does the Mercedes-AMG E63 S cost in South Africa?
The Mercedes-AMG E63 S starts at around R2,150,000 in South Africa, making it a proper investment for those chasing 450kW of twin-turbo V8 madness with all-wheel drive grip.
Q: Is the Mercedes-AMG E63 S better than the BMW M5?
The E63 S edges out the new BMW M5 with 450kW versus 441kW, plus it's been proven on the road longer, though the M5 counters with less weight and fresher tech.
Q: How fast is the Mercedes-AMG E63 S from 0-100 kph?
The Mercedes-AMG E63 S rockets from 0-100 kph in just 3.4 seconds thanks to its 450kW twin-turbo V8 and all-wheel drive traction.
Q: What are the running costs of the Mercedes-AMG E63 S in South Africa?
Expect fuel consumption around 10.6L/100km combined, plus premium maintenance costs starting at R15,000 per service, because 450kW doesn't come cheap to feed or maintain.
Should You Buy It?
If you've got R2,150,000 burning a hole in your pocket and want the ultimate executive express, the Mercedes-AMG E63 S is a definite yes. It delivers more power than the new BMW M5, has proven reliability, and offers that perfect blend of boardroom sophistication and racetrack brutality. The best high-performance executive saloon under R2,500,000 in SA is still this E63 S, especially if you can find a good pre-owned example for around R1,800,000. Just make sure your wallet can handle the running costs, because this twin-turbo V8 beast drinks premium unleaded like it's going out of fashion.
