The weekend is finally here. We at AutoAdvisor think it’s time to kick back and enjoy something that never gets old - a good ol' fashioned drag race. And this race - courtesy of Autocar - features three Teutonic beasts - the Mercedes-AMG E63 S, the Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid, and the King of the super saloons - the BMW M5.
While extremely evenly matched on paper, these three German saloons couldn’t be more different. Each going about their business in a very different way. The one German missing from this line-up though, is the upcoming Audi RS7, that’s expected to use the same powertrain as the Panamera.
Speaking of the Panamera, the Turbo S E-Hybrid is the most powerful of this trio. And priced from R2 931 000, it is comfortably the most expensive too. What you do get though, is a biturbocharged-hybridized 4.0-litre V8 that produces a staggering 500kw and 850nm. Power is then sent to all-four corners via Porsche’s famed PDK transmission, which all plays its part in rocketing the 2.3 ton super saloon from 0-100kph in a claimed 3.4 seconds.
Next up is Affalterbach’s offering. Blessed with a higher output version of the motor that powers the supreme AMG GT R, the Mercedes-AMG E63 S is easily one of the quickest cars on the planet. Thanks to its AMG-tuned 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system and a bi-turbo 4.0-litre V8 that produces 450kw and 850nm, it’s capable of 0-100kph in a claimed 3.4 seconds as well. While overseas markets get two variants – the E63 and E63 S – South Africa gets the more powerful, with it priced from R1 895 795.
And lastly, we have what is widely acknowledged as the King of sport sedans – the BMW M5. At present, the most powerful BMW you can buy is the monstrous V12-engined M760Li xDrive, with 448kw under the driver's right foot. However, even with 800nm and all-wheel drive, it isn't the quickest. That honour is held by the F90 BMW M5, which uses a twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 coupled with a BMW M-tuned xDrive system to harness 441kw and 750nm. And if the R1 762 807 M5 isn't enough for you, there is the 460kw M5 Competition that is scheduled for launch in the new few months.
With all three so evenly matched its race time! Place your bets, as these super saloons line up for a half mile sprint race.
Also worth a look: the Mercedes-AMG A Class and the Mercedes-AMG G Class.
FAQ
Q: Which car won the drag race between the M5, E63 S and Panamera Turbo S?
While the article doesn't specify the exact winner, all three German performance saloons are incredibly close on paper, with both the Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid and Mercedes-AMG E63 S claiming identical 0-100kph times of 3.4 seconds, making this one of the closest drag races you'll ever see.
Q: What does the Mercedes-AMG E63 S cost in South Africa?
The Mercedes-AMG E63 S is priced from R1,895,795 in South Africa, making it the most affordable option of the three German super saloons in this comparison.
Q: How much power does the Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid produce?
The Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid produces a massive 500kW and 850Nm from its bi-turbocharged hybrid 4.0-litre V8 engine, making it the most powerful car in this trio.
Q: Which is faster, the BMW M5 or Mercedes E63 S?
Both the BMW M5 and Mercedes-AMG E63 S are incredibly close performers, but the E63 S has a slight paper advantage with its 450kW output and claimed 3.4-second 0-100kph time, though real-world performance differences are marginal.
Q: What makes the BMW M5 special compared to other BMW models?
The BMW M5 is widely acknowledged as the king of sport sedans and holds the title as BMW's quickest accelerating car, even outpacing the more powerful 448kW M760Li xDrive thanks to its superior power-to-weight ratio and advanced all-wheel drive system.
Should You Buy It?
If you're shopping for a German super saloon under R2 million, the Mercedes-AMG E63 S at R1,895,795 offers the best bang for your buck with 450kW, brutal acceleration and that intoxicating AMG exhaust note. The Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid at R2,931,000 is the most powerful and technically advanced, but you'll pay nearly a million rand more for the privilege. The BMW M5 remains the purist's choice and the most balanced driver's car of the trio. Honestly, you can't go wrong with any of these German missiles, but if forced to choose, we'd take the E63 S for its combination of performance, price and pure drama.
