Though the 2013 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG only comes in a single trim level, it does carry several packages that add to this already outstanding sedan. The Driver Assistance package adds in DISTRONIC PLUS and PRE-SAFE braking to keep you out of an accident, active blind-spot assist to warn you of cars where you may not see them and active lane-keeping assist to keep you from drifting into the wrong lane. The Lane Tracking package adds in just the latter two features from the Driver Assistance package to keep you safe at a lesser price. Finally, the AMG Performance package bumps the engine up to 550 horsepower and 590 foot-pounds of torque, increases the top-speed limiter to 186 mph, adds in AMG sport suspension and performance steering wheel, and for extra styling, it adds in red brake calipers and a carbon-fiber engine cover.
Competition isn’t necessarily plentiful for the E63 AMG, but it is rather fierce. Starting things off is the Benz’s arch nemesis, the 2013 BMW M5, which comes standard with a 4.4-liter turbocharged V-8 engine with 560 horsepower, a 4.2-second 0-to-60 time and the a dual-clutch automated manual transmission. Next up is the 2013 Audi S6, which carries a 4.0-liter turbocharged V-8 engine with 420 horsepower, a 4.8-second 0-to-60 mpg time and a dual-clutch seven-speed transmission. The final competitor is the 2013 Hyundai Genesis 5.0 R-Spec Sedan, which comes standard with a 5.0-liter V-8 engine with 429 horsepower, a 5.3-second 0-to-60 sprint and an eight speed automatic transmission with manual-shift mode.