When the Mercedes-AMG E 63 S was introduced, it was the most powerful model in the German manufacturer's lineup. Yes, the T-Modell wagon, together with its sedan sibling, were the AMGs with the highest number of ponies under their hoods.
The 612 hp developed by the wonderful 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine was enough to give the sportiest version of the E-Class that crown, and bear in mind the AMG lineup included the GT as well. It was only when the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S 4-Door Coupe - the car with the most ridiculous name ever - came along that the E 63 S had to settle for second place.
Not that second place in the AMG stable is anything to make fun of, as these two electric vehicles might be about to find out. If we're to use the full name of the Mercedes-AMG E 63 S, we'd also have to add the 4MATIC+ moniker, which tells us the 612 horsepower-strong output is split toward all four wheels. A nine-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission also gets involved at some time during the process.
That means the E 63 S T-Modell might stand more of a chance against the AWD EVs with their instant torque and clever traction control systems than if it were rear-wheel-drive only. Still, even with its impressive setup, it comes up against some stiff competition.
Luckily, the Porsche isn't the S version, but the "standard" Turbo. Had it been the S, it could have just as well sat out of all the races since the outcome would have been clear as day. As it is, with "only" 625 hp, the AMG does at least stand a chance, especially when you consider the EV's weight (not that the T-Modell is particularly light).
The Model 3 Performance, on the other hand, is an even more accessible opponent. It gets 450 hp out of its dual-motor configuration, but even though it's well below the output of its two rivals here, it's still enough to reach 60 mph (97 km/h) in just 3.1 seconds. On paper, that's quicker than both the E 63 S and the Taycan Turbo.
So, which way will this go? Will the EVs be able to pull a double win over the ICE wagon, or can this dinosaur still bite? Place your bets and hit play on the video below. Oh, we forgot to mention the video is in German, so you might want to skip the first minute or so if German is Chinese to you.
"Boy meets car, boy loves car, boy gets journalism degree and starts job writing and editing at a car magazine" - 5/5. (Vlad Mitrache if he was a movie) Full profile
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