Haute Auto of the Week: 2014 E63 AMG S-Model 4MATIC Wagon

It seems sacrilegious to pump up a wagon with the power and dynamics of a sports car and then throw it on a racetrack to chase down a super car. Doesn’t it? Well, this happened just as you read it recently during an AMG Performance drive with the 2014 E63 AMG S-Model 4MATIC Wagon at Willow Springs International Raceway in Rosamond, California. Yes, we followed the tail of a 2014 SLS AMG around the roller coaster styled racetrack without qualms of keeping up matching speed. Wonderment as an expression was purely an understatement. And since the performance characteristics stretch out as long as the title of this dramatic vehicle, best believe it receives our official seal of approval.

So how do you justify the mid-life crisis purchase of a wagon that starts the bidding at $102,370? Sure, you may be able to afford an E63, but does your spouse think it was an ideal gesture? Possibly, if you give her more than enough reasons why the German powerhouse brings sustenance to the family’s lifestyle. We all have problems, but certainly your new E63 AMG S-Model 4MATIC Wagon isn’t one of them. After all, its attributes are indicative of an Olympian enhanced with aggressive power, sporty agility, luxury refinement and utilitarian opulence. The equation is quite elemental.

We all need an outlet! When it’s time to vent and release frustration who wants a man that goes to the bar and drinks his night away complaining to other frustrated strangers while watching meaningless games on a Tuesday night? And, lest not forget AMG is mostly about torque! This is where the AMG bi-turbo 5.5-liter V8 with 577 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of earth-shaking torque come into play. No need to burn the kid’s soccer registration fees on booze any longer, simply mash the throttle and tear up the pavement during 0-60 mph runs in 3.6 second intervals. Your optional AMG ceramic high-performance composite brake system will come in handy at this point. Six-piston front calipers and four-piston rear calipers certainly will keep you within the limits. Or simply let your emotions build up over the week and hit the track on the weekend to keep from imploding. It’s absolutely astonishing how active this vehicle is. Mercedes-Benz’ 4MATIC AWD delivers intoxicating performance at all speeds, and especially through turns.

Sedan performance, wagon utility! In comparison, the E63 AMG 4MATIC Sedan without the S-Model designation goes for $92,770, and its AMG biturbo 5.5-liter V8 has 550 horsepower and 531 lb-ft of torque with a 0-60 mph time of 3.6 seconds. Now package that in your Benz-AMG wagon and daily chores become remedial. Grocery shopping, yard work, kid’s baseball games, and seating and luggage for five are easy tasks for this vehicle.

Winter is upon us! If you live in areas with changing weather conditions then it’s always handy to have 4MATIC AWD. Reasons are myriad for its usage. Rain, snow, sleet and ice can certainly derail a morning commute while dropping the kids off. With performance oriented AWD the task becomes highly achievable. The E63 AMG S-Model 4Matic Wagon operates mainly as a RWD vehicle with 33% torque distribution to the front and 67% power distribution to the rear wheels. Now the vehicle has all the benefits of AWD (such as the front wheels leading you out of turns) while increasing its usefulness. Mount your favorite winter tires and transform your AMG into a true four-season performance vehicle.

Honey, let’s go out in style! Of course she loves when it’s time to dress up for date night. The AMG Wagon makes this achievable without swapping out vehicles. Your model is laden with carbon fiber, 10-spoke light-alloy rims in titanium grey, red brake calipers, specific black Nappa leather, and a Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG audio system to relish the moment of your first song together in route to the Mandarin Oriental for an Asian Fusion dinner and live Jazz performance. And I failed to mention the AMG Brand’s hallmarks are Performance, Craftsmanship and Exclusivity!

Baby, it’s safe! Mercedes-Benz is an industry leader and innovator when it comes to preventive safety. Their cars do the thinking for you to help prevent or reduce harm in the case of a collision. A few technology packages include full LED headlights, Collision Prevention Assist, Attention Assist 2.0, Adaptive Brake Technology, Brake Assist System and Advanced Airbag Protection System. It’s good to know the family is in good hands.

I’m a responsible, grown adult, not a Rock Star! The AMG prescription for success relies on its “One Man, One Engine” production formula. Each AMG engine is hand-built by one technician from the ground up and inscribed with his signage. In Stuttgart, Germany, these builder’s status and reputation are akin to the entitlement of rock stars.

Hopefully the E63 AMG S-Model 4MATIC Wagon will bring pleasure and security to the home front. It is all things at all times and the perfect recipe for ultimate performance and efficacy!