Redesigned 2014 Mercedes-Benz E63

We loved the 2012 Mercedes E63 wagon. It was a matte gray, five-passenger rocket ship, and we’d be hard pressed to find a better grocery getter or tire smoker. Our tester made 550 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque with the optional AMG performance package. It also made it to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds

The 2014 Mercedes-Benz E63 eclipses that mark by 0.6 second, an eternity when dealing with 0-to-60-mph sprint times. Output is up 27 hp on the AMG S-Wagon, while torque remains the same. The increase is made possible by modifications to the engine-management system, an increase in the peak injection pressure and a hike in maximum boost pressure from 13.0 to 14.5 psi.

Like the last model, the E63 has four driving modes: manual, comfort, sport and sport plus. In comfort mode, the vehicles stop/start function kicks in, saving precious fuel. Also in comfort mode, the car takes off in second gear. The E63 also features race-start mode, where the computer controls traction on launch. Three modes of ESP are offered: on, off and sport handling. In the sport setting, the torque-vectoring brake applies stopping power to selected wheels, helping drivers through corners. All AMGs come with high-performance brakes; the standard AMGs get white calipers, the S-Model gets red calipers

The new E63 gets a significant facelift for 2014. It now sports a new “twin blade” radiator grille and a silver or body-colored “A wing” that controls airflow. The headlights are redesigned into a semi-teardrop shape, with LED lights separating the high beams from the low. In back, the taillights also get new LEDs, and a modified shape.

The interior is typical Mercedes and AMG. High-quality materials are all around, along with accenting stitching and near-infinitely adjustable seats. Bang & Olufsen provides the 1,200-watt sound system with surround sound. The COMAND system controls all navigation, audio and drive-characteristic changes