Mercedes-AMG E 63 S Final Edition sends off Affalterbach’s V8 super saloon

The current Mercedes-AMG E 63 will soon be no more. With Affalterbach busy preparing an all-new model, the current car is bowing out with the help of the E 63 S Final Edition. 

It’s an especially poignant run-out special, with the next-generation E 63 set to adopt the same inline-four-based plug-in hybrid powertrain as the upcoming new C 63 that sits beneath it in the brand’s hot saloon line-up. 

This change to hybrid power will end a three and a half-decade span of AMG putting V8 engines in the E-Class and its W124 predecessor, and comes at a time when Merc’s performance arm is phasing out combustion-only V8 models. All future models using the current V8 will feature hybridisation. 

Setting itself apart from other examples of the E 63 S, the Final Edition is only available with one finish - matte graphite grey magno, enhanced with racing stripe decals that stretch between the wheels. It sits on gloss-black 20-inch forged wheels and features special AMG crest badges on the C-pillars. 

A standard-fit AMG Night Package finishes various elements in gloss black, including the front splitter, window surrounds and the wing mirror housings. The exhaust trims meanwhile are in black chrome.

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Opening a door activates a puddle lighting system which projects the AMG logo onto the floor, while also revealing black brushed stainless steel tread plates with yellow illuminated AMG lettering. 

Step inside, and you’ll find the interior has been improved too, thanks partly to the standard electrically-adjustable AMG Performance seats. There’s also AMG Nappa leather in grey pearl and black with yellow contrast stitching, and a steering wheel wrapped in a mix of black Nappa leather and Alcantara-like Dinamica with yet more yellow stitching. 

The finishing touch is a carbon fibre-trimmed centre console with an AMG Final Edition badge denoting which of the 999 units you're in.  

Mechanically, the E 63 S has been left alone, although it hasn’t ever been crying out for
significant changes anyway. As before, propulsion comes from a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 offering 604bhp and 850Nm of torque, driving all wheels to provide a 3.2-second 0-62mph time. As with the system in its main rival, the BMW M5, the system is switchable, with drive to the front wheels deactivated when the ‘Drift Mode’ is engaged. 

Mercedes UK has confirmed that some of the 999 Final Edition cars will make it here, although the number is unknown at present, and prices have not been confirmed.

Now read our review of the Mercedes-AMG E 63 S...