Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG Estate

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What is it?

The E 63 AMG Estate is the quickest way Mercedes offers to get driver, passengers and luggage from here to there in complete luxury. There are subtle changes to the way the E 63 looks compared to a standard E-Class Estate thanks to its large alloy wheels, sporty body kit and the four exhausts poking out from under the rear bumper, but the real news is under the bonnet. In there lurks a 6.2-litre V8 engine churning out 518bhp. It's good for 0-62mph in just 4.6 seconds - a mere 0.1 second slower than the E 63 saloon - and top speed is pegged at an electronically limited 155mph.

Is it any good?

With so much power on tap and with performance figures to match, the E 63 AMG has the speed thing tapped. What's more impressive is that AMG, Mercedes' in-house tuning division, has worked its magic on the handling and steering. Without compromising comfort or refinement particularly, AMG has come up with a suspension set-up that gives the E 63 top drawer handling. The front wheels sit further apart than a standard E-Class Estate's for greater stability in corners and at high speeds, and the wheels nestle in front wings that have been gently massaged to be 17mm wider than standard. The changes to the front suspension work wonders and the E 63 is easily a match for an Audi RS6 Avant for cornering traction and poise, though a BMW M5 Touring just has the edge for steering feel.

When not exploiting the huge power, performance and handling abilities of the E 63, it still works as a luxury estate car. It has the same huge boot capacity as the rest of the range and folding the rear seats is just as quick and easy thanks to Merc's Easy-Pack system - with release levers in the rear pillars just inside of the boot door. The tailgate opens and closes electrically at the touch of a button, while the front cabin is decked out in leather and sports seats.

AMG's Speedshift gear lever is different from other E-Class Estates' and the stubby lever looks great. There are three buttons and a dial to help the driver choose the right settings for the car's ESP traction control, gearbox and suspension settings. Everything is on offer from full comfort and auto 'box to hardcore suspension, no ESP and manual gear shifts via steering wheel-mounted paddles. On top of this, it's all much simpler to set up than a BMW M5's various optional settings.

Should I call the bank manager?

The E 63 AMG Estate is set to cost £3,000 more than the saloon version, so you'll need a bank manager who appreciates the finer things in life. If yours is just such a person, congratulations and welcome to possibly the most rounded super estate car on offer. To help justify the purchase, you can mention to the bank manager than the E 63 wagon comes with a host of safety equipment, including nine airbags and Mercedes Pre-Safe system to help minimise the effects of an accident. There are also leather seats, climate control, LED daytime running lights and, of course, all of that hugely useful boot space.

Summary

The Mercedes E 63 AMG Estate doesn't boast the V10 power plants of its two key rivals - the BMW M5 Touring and Audi RS6 Avant - but its 6.2-litre V8 engine offers more instantaneous grunt and a deep-chested bellow that are oh-so satisfying to performance car fans. It's also just as swift in a straight line and through the corners, plus it provides more practicality. The E 63 is the more complete choice.

Alisdair Suttie