Should you buy one?

If you’re after the ultimate feel-good super-saloon, look no further. Yes, a BMW M5 CS is faster and is even sharper to drive, but the E63 S makes a better noise, is arguably more liveable day to day (at least post-facelift) and is still huge fun to drive.

Besides, AMG gives you the choice of saloon or estate bodies unlike Audi who force you to have an RS6 Avant and BMW who only do the M5 as a saloon these days. Whichever E63 you pick, it’s an intoxicating blend of sensible body and psycho engine that we’ll miss when everything goes electric.

What we like

The 4.0-litre V8 is powerful and sounds terrific, giving the E63 performance that could shame supercars from a few years ago. Traction is good with the four-wheel drive on high alert, but the electronics can be stepped back for more sideways fun. Even without playing the hooligan, the handling impresses especially given how big and heavy the E63 is.

Even so, the comfort of post-facelift cars is greatly improved over earlier versions, with far greater compliance that makes them easier to live with. Space inside is generous and you get plenty of equipment, too.

What we don’t like

The interior feels a little flimsy in places given the price of the car, failing to live up to the quality you get in an Audi or BMW. However, cost is our biggest grumble; the E63 is expensive to buy and very thirsty especially if you use all of the power.

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