Mercedes-Benz E-Class 63 AMG 4dr Pre-Model Car Review - March 2012

The 6.2 litre engine produces a hefty 518bhp and 464 lb-ft of torque. The E-Class 63 AMG will hit 62 mph in 4.5 seconds and reach an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph. The engine sounds great as well and is just as competent trundling around town as it is on the open road.

In terms of handling, the car copes just as well with straight roads as it does with corners and bends and this makes it incredibly versatile. Despite all the power, the steering is great and offers precision and delicacy alongside high levels of response. However, the E63's main rival - the BMW M5 - offers a more consistently involving driving experience.

Mercedes has also fitted the E63 AMG with a three stage Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) which gives the driver the option of less electronic control. The E63 also comes with great suspension, steering components and dampers which adjust in three modes to allow the car to adapt to any environment or driving condition.

The AMG tweaks to the car have raised the looks of the E63 far higher than the standard E-Class models but awkward angular lines and an unattractive rear end spoil the look.

The AMG styling sees much more aggressive bumpers and skirts and wider wings to house the 19-inch alloy wheels. There are also other subtle changes, such as tinted headlamps and AMG-specific LED daytime running lights.

The interior of the car is of a high quality and standard kit includes bespoke electrically-adjustable leather AMG sports seats and a four-spoke AMG steering wheel complete with gear shift paddles. The instrument cluster has a classic AMG look and looks classy with brushed stainless steel accents completing the look.

Kit wise you get: 19-inch alloy wheels, leather trim, a full bodykit with four exhausts, visual and audible park sensors, heated and electric door mirrors and xenon headlights all as standard features. Climate control and a built-in sat nav with a seven-inch screen and MP3 connectivity for the stereo are also fitted to enhance the comfort of the interior.

There is a good amount of space in the car with more than enough room to accommodate five passengers. Although, due to the large transmission tunnel, the middle rear seat is more suited to children than adults and larger passengers may find this seat a little uncomfortable on long journeys.

There is also a good amount of storage space available in both the boot and cabin. The boot holds 540 litres which is better than its rivals the BMW M5 and the Porsche Panamera. However, the Porsche's boot opening makes it easier to load than the Mercedes.

The Mercedes E-Class should be reliable as the Stuttgart firm has an impeccable reputation for building trustworthy cars.

The E63 should also be safe, having scored a full five star rating in the NCAP crash tests for overall safety. Standard safety kit in the E63 includes seven airbags, blind spot monitoring and systems to improve night-time visibility, drowsiness detection system, PRE-SAFE - which predicts imminent collisions and prepares the safety equipment accordingly - and an automatic braking function to stop the car in an emergency.

This car is expensive to buy, costing a staggering £74,695. On top of that, running costs will also be very high indeed.

Carbon emissions of 295g/km put the model into the most expensive road tax band (M) and insurance premiums are likely to be expensive as the E63 is in group 46. Fuel efficiency is also fairly poor and the car only achieves 22.4 mpg on the combined cycle - around 6mpg less than the BMW M5.

However, you're unlikely to be considering the E-Class 63 AMG if you're hovering around the bread line and, if you have £74k to spend, there are few faster and more luxurious ways of getting around than in the E63.