By Kimatni D. Rawlins
There’s nothing more palpable than basking in the automotive glory of a hand-crafted 4-liter V8 Biturbo engine from Mercedes-AMG. In this case, the immaculate conception came in the form of a designo Cardinal Red Metallic wagon aka the 2021 AMG E 63 S Wagon to be specific. The grandiose Assault Machine from Germany (AMG) is engineered and enhanced with 603-horsepower, 627 lb-ft of torque, AMG’s SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9-speed transmission, AMG Performance 4MATIC+, AMG DYNAMIC SELECT, AMG Performance Exhaust System, and an AMG Sport Suspension. With all this power at my disposal, it was most definitely a task keeping the groceries intact after each drive.
Interestingly enough, you may wonder why the need for an AMG wagon that will smoke the color off of your favorite sports sedans and coupes; I say, why not? Europeans, whether Volvo, BMW, or Mercedes, know how to build the perfect wagon. They always have and always will. Fortunately, Mercedes-Benz stayed in the game and applied the AMG touch to this universal ride that allowed me to throw my mountain bike in the back, make Home Depot runs, and hit the food market more than required in a week, all while doing so with the bravado of F1 drivers.
My test vehicle was outfitted with basically every option Mercedes-AMG offers for a stellar appearance and performance experience. Keep in mind that today’s AMGs are not as audacious as the originals, but remain perfectly balanced with aggressive and beautiful attributes. Features include a robust front fascia with a bulged AMG-specific radiator grille and redesigned robotic LEDs, two-piece LED tail lamps, AMG 19” forged 10-spoke rims wrapped in 265/40/R19 Michelin Pilot Alpine rubber that I spared from burnouts, carbon fiber chin spoiler and rear splitter, and grabby AMG Carbon Ceramic Brakes ($8,950) that stop the vehicle on a dime. The gold calipers add an alluring touch to the red body and put a stamp of approval that you’re rocking an AMG. BMW uses a Royal blue for its M car calipers for distinction. Hey, it’s a German thing. Black contrast elements are highlighted by the grille, mirror caps, window surround, glass panorama roof, roof rails, and quad exhaust tips that exemplify the AMG Performance Exhaust System’s thundering nature. However, the carbon fiber strip on the front side panels can go.
Now, this is a cockpit! Open the driver door and enter F1’s world encompassing stealthy AMG paddle shifters that enhance the new racing AMG Performance steering wheel for visceral handling capabilities. Once seated in the AMG seats with adjustable side bolsters and in-depth massaging, the suede and leather flat-bottom wheel will have you feeling like motorsports GOAT Lewis Hamilton. It hosts two-round AMG Drive Unit buttons and seamlessly integrated controls for the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT modes such as Sport, Sport+, Comfort, Race, Individual or Slippery. Though, this setup reminds me of BMW M’s steering wheel-operated M1 and M2 buttons. You can also turn off the Electronic Stability Program from here. Moreover, AMG DYNAMIC SELECT can be customized from the AMG Track Pace MBUX App. When I set the wagon in Sport and used the paddles for shifting, the vehicle took off like a Dobermann on a chase. Immaculate gripping stems from the performance 4MATIC+, which is initiated as a RWD-biased all-wheel-drive system until traction is required at either wheel. Who needs Launch Control?
Mercedes vehicles are spearheaded by artificial intelligence from MBUX, operated by an advanced touch controller, and displayed on dual 12.3″ widescreen displays. LINGUATRONIC voice control and augmented video for navigation are two critical attributes of MBUX. I am not a fan of touchpads, especially those featured in Lexus, Acura, and Audi, but M-B has perfected theirs. Scrolling through the right-side screen, I was impressed by the active multi-contour seat app with bolster adjustments and various massages such as the waving massage or active workout massage. Trust me, the Black Nappa Leather seats w/ Grey Stitching alone earned the admiration of occupants. Gray seatbelts were a hit too, and the carbon fiber surfaces were ideal for an AMG. Also, keep in mind that MBUX is learning your habits, such as who you called at a specific time on a particular day, and may appropriately suggest the same the following week. Are you ready for such? I’m not and wondering if that element can be deactivated. Lastly, the Burmester Surround Sound System with classy speaker grilles fills the cabin with pervasive audio whenever you are done with the auditory thrills of the 4.0.
For ultimate protection, the AMG incorporates ATTENTION ASSIST, Active Parking Assist, PRE-SAFE Predictive Occupant-Protection System, Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, Active Steering Assist, Active Lane Change Assist, Active Speed Limit Assist, Evasive Steering Assist, and PRE-SAFE PLUS (Rear-End Collision Protection).
The $140,460 ($112,450 MSRP) utility is technologically endowed with the latest innovations, aerodynamics, engine power, and advanced safety systems that make you wonder who is in control, you or your AMG. It’s Another Magnificent German (AMG) performance wagon that is functionally subservient to none!
