The Mercedes-Benz E-Class T-modell (S212) AMG E 63 V8 BITURBO, produced from April 2011 to January 2013, represents the high-performance estate variant of the S212 E-Class. Positioned as the flagship of the E-Class wagon lineup, it combined the practicality of a station wagon with the exhilarating performance of Mercedes-AMG’s 5.5-liter V8 engine. This model occupied the premium segment, offering a substantial performance upgrade over the standard E-Class wagons and competing with other high-performance estates like the Audi RS6 Avant and BMW M5 Touring (though the latter was not officially sold in the US during this generation). It was built on the W212 platform.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | E-class |
| Generation | E-class T-modell (S212) |
| Type | AMG E 63 V8 BITURBO (525 Hp) AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT |
| Start of production | April, 2011 |
| End of production | January, 2013 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban (NEDC) | 13.9 l/100 km (16.9 US mpg, 20.3 UK mpg, 7.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban (NEDC) | 7.8 l/100 km (30.2 US mpg, 36.2 UK mpg, 12.8 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined (NEDC) | 10 l/100 km (23.5 US mpg, 28.2 UK mpg, 10 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions (NEDC) | 234 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 4.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 4.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 4.2 sec |
| Maximum speed | 250 km/h (155.34 mph), Electronically limited |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 3.6 kg/Hp, 280.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 2.7 kg/Nm, 374.3 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 525 Hp @ 5250-5750 rpm |
| Power per litre | 96.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 700 Nm @ 1750-5000 rpm (516.29 lb.-ft. @ 1750-5000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | M 157.981 |
| Engine displacement | 5461 cm3 (333.25 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 8 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 98 mm (3.86 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 90.5 mm (3.56 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | BiTurbo, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 8.5 l (8.98 US qt | 7.48 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1870 kg (4122.64 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2540 kg (5599.74 lbs.) |
| Max load | 670 kg (1477.1 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 695 l (24.54 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1950 l (68.86 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 66 l (17.44 US gal | 14.52 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 100 kg (220.46 lbs.) |
| Length | 4895 mm (192.72 in.) |
| Width | 1854 mm (72.99 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2071 mm (81.54 in.) |
| Height | 1515 mm (59.65 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2874 mm (113.15 in.) |
| Front track | 1583 mm (62.32 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1604 mm (63.15 in.) |
| Front overhang | 841 mm (33.11 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 1180 mm (46.46 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.29 |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.3 m (37.07 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 7 gears, automatic transmission AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT |
| Front suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension, Air suspension |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 360×36 mm |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs, 360×26 mm |
| Front tires | 255/40 R18 |
| Rear tires | 285/35 R18 |
| Front wheel rims | 9J x 18 |
| Rear wheel rims | 9.5J x 18 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the AMG E 63 T-modell is the M157.981 5.5-liter V8 engine. This engine features direct fuel injection, twin turbochargers, and an intercooler, producing 525 horsepower and 700 Nm (516 lb-ft) of torque. The engine utilizes a DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshaft) valvetrain and a compression ratio of 10:1. The ‘BITURBO’ designation signifies the use of two turbochargers, one for each bank of cylinders, enhancing both power and responsiveness. The AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed automatic transmission, a modified version of the 7G-TRONIC, features a wet clutch pack instead of a traditional torque converter, providing quicker shifts and a more direct connection to the engine. This transmission also includes paddle shifters for manual control.
Driving Characteristics
The AMG E 63 T-modell delivers a significantly different driving experience compared to the standard E-Class wagons. The powerful V8 engine provides effortless acceleration, with a 0-60 mph time of around 4.2 seconds. The AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT transmission offers rapid gear changes, contributing to the car’s sporty feel. While the wagon body style adds some weight, the engine’s substantial torque mitigates this, providing strong performance even when fully loaded. The suspension, tuned by AMG, offers a balance between comfort and handling, providing a more engaging driving experience than the standard E-Class. The rear-wheel drive configuration contributes to a sporty feel, but can require careful throttle control in adverse weather conditions.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The AMG E 63 T-modell came generously equipped as standard. Interior features included sport seats upholstered in premium leather, AMG-specific instrumentation, and a multi-function steering wheel. Standard exterior features included AMG body styling, including unique front and rear bumpers, side skirts, and quad exhaust outlets. Optional extras included a panoramic sunroof, upgraded audio system, driver assistance packages (such as lane keeping assist and blind spot monitoring), and various interior trim options. The interior typically featured aluminum trim accents and AMG badging throughout.
Chassis & Braking
The chassis of the AMG E 63 T-modell featured an upgraded suspension system compared to the standard E-Class wagon. It utilized an independent multi-link suspension at both the front and rear, with AMG-tuned dampers and springs. The rear suspension also incorporated air suspension, providing adjustable ride height and improved comfort. The braking system consisted of ventilated discs at all four corners, with larger rotors and calipers compared to the standard E-Class. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was standard. The car also featured a hydraulic power steering system.
Market Reception & Comparison
The AMG E 63 T-modell was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its powerful engine, responsive transmission, and surprisingly agile handling for a wagon of its size. Critics noted that while the fuel economy was poor (around 23.5 mpg combined), it was expected for a vehicle with this level of performance. Compared to other trims in the E-Class lineup, the AMG E 63 offered a significant performance upgrade, but at a considerably higher price point. It competed directly with the Audi RS6 Avant, offering a similar blend of performance and practicality.
Legacy
The M157 engine, while powerful, has demonstrated some susceptibility to head bolt issues in certain production years, requiring preventative maintenance or repair. The AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT transmission is generally reliable, but requires regular fluid changes. Today, the AMG E 63 T-modell (S212) is a sought-after vehicle in the used car market, appealing to enthusiasts who desire a high-performance wagon. Its combination of practicality, luxury, and exhilarating performance continues to make it a desirable option for those seeking a unique and capable vehicle. Well-maintained examples command a premium price, reflecting their rarity and performance capabilities.
