DRIVEN + VIDEO: Chris Harris Wheels And Deals In The All-new Mercedes-AMG E63 S — But Is It Any Good?

For folks who bow down to the Three Point Star, read no further.



Mercedes has a long and illustrious history of being the car to get when you want to make the statement, "I have arrived." Their motto is "The Best, Or Nothing." Their marketing material suggests their department has a the most capable superlative text generator known to mankind. However, the numbers tell a different story. MB's defects number are very similar to Ford's. They're in hot water in Australia for systematically violating consumer protection laws by not honoring lemon laws and legally mandated warranty work (e.g., fitness for purpose). While this might not seem like an issue in the US, that's only because MB USA does a better job at honoring lemon laws and addressing defects while they're covered under warranty. It's *NOT* because MB USA has fewer lemons, or fewer defects than MB Australia.

Aside from defects and such, the MB A180 is widely known as disappointing, overrated, and unworthy of the MB name, regardless of where it's sold. And that's not the only example of reality not living up to MB's illustrious reputation.

MB is sort of like Tesla, in that MB fans really love their brand, and that's likely more of a factor of what having a Benz *represents* to them, rather than what the vehicle actually, objectively is.

I'm not suggesting that MBs of the past decade are crap and you should avoid them. I am saying that I used to aspire to own several MBs that I loved (on paper), but after researching the realities, I'm not inspired to become an MB owner. That disappoints me.

If you must have an MB, then get one, and I truly hope you enjoy it! Caveat emptor.

An exactly what relevance does your post have to do with this thread? if you want to start a "WARNING: DON'T BUY AN A-CLASS BENZ" thread, then feel free. Then cite actual facts and data to support it.

But this article is about Chris Harris and his drive of the E63 S.

Cidflekken wrote “…exactly what relevance does your post have to do with this thread?…”

In case you missed it, the thread’s subject ends with “…But Is It Any Good?” I addressed that question on the brand level, much like if some asked if the Alfa Stelvio is any good, I’d highlight the fact that Alfa has a meagre North American support network, and that’s a consideration.

Thank you for expressing your confusion about my post. In the future, I’ll make it more clear that I’m addressing a question that was asked in the subject line.

As a former MB customer when the C230 loaner cars were considered crap, I cheered the improvements on the subsequent C-Class releases, but lamented the move further down to A-Class and poor quality associated with this move.

But to use the lowest rung A180's flaws to fault (one of) the top-spec E63 S is beyond absurd. You deserve the ridicule Steve.

What's there to miss? The "It" in "Is it any good" was referring to the car that was driven and reviewed, not the brand. But just like normal for you, you try to hijack a thread and make it about what *you* want to talk about, which, in many cases, has little to do with the thread topics.

TheSteve has always been a Mer/Lexus hater in disguise. Typical of an Audi fan. Nevertheless, I give him credit for his writing skills.

I'm beginning to think TheSteve is TomM's son. Steve has really gotten the knack of rambling on and on.

I second that, and more often with invalid data to support their yesteryear thinking.

I'd really like to sample/own an E63, but I have no room for a gasoline car now or in the future. With that said, I'm still very fond of the old E55 and the Hammer. I'm sure the new E63 will be a blast.

@HenryN Did you ever have the thrill of driving an AMG Hammer or a 450SEL6.9? Both are amazing.

Not the 450SEL 6.9 and probably never will since I don't have access to vintage cars. My first experience with an AMG was the 190E AMG 3.2 in late 80's, and the original Hammer 300E shortly after that (other people's cars as I was in college and driving a Mustang at the time). My most favorite AMG model is the E55 - I came close to buying a 2-yr old 2005 model from a friend, but it was deemed too aggressive for a family hauler with child seats.

@HenryN I got to drive a 450SEL6.9 for the first time when I was 17. In every way it's an "S Class" Mercedes except it accelerates and accelerates some more with a power delivery that is smooth and linear. I get to drive it every not an then because the owner doesn't drive as he used to. He also has a Hammer and that car is aptly named.

Chris Harris, just might be THE automotive journalist. I would love to see him and Carlos Lago team up and do reviews together, in NA and Europe.

The E63 S is truly proving to be quite the beast. It just lapped C&D's Lightning Lap in the fastest time for any 4-door sedan, bettering last year's CTS-V (but minus about 40 hp). And it was even chosen above the Panamera Turbo in another test (sorry, can't remember the publication). As much as this E63 S is drool-worthy, I really can't wait for the CLS63 (if they make it) and the AMG GT4.

Next time I buy a city car in Australia, I'm going to call the TheSteve first and have him write me a treatise.

I especially love the footnote thing he does.

Lol!