Mercedes-AMG E63 S vs CLS53 vs GT63 S

Mercedes-AMG has an expansive model lineup, ranging from the CLA45 to the GT R. One would expect some overlap in the range of cars that AMG creates. Take the E63 S, CLS53 and GT63 S for example. They are all similar in size, but they each have a unique place at AMG.

The CLS and GT are both based from the E-Class platform. The 2018 E63 replaces the last generation’s M157 5.5 Liter biturbo V8 with the 603 hp and 627 lb-ft M178 4.0 Liter biturbo V8. The new nine-speed AMG Speedshift MCT, a wet clutch setup, comes standard on the E63. The E63 has AWD, but it also has a drift mode that decouples the front differential and sends all the torque to the rear wheels.

The new CLS-Class will forgo a V8 in order to not eat sales from the E63 or GT63. The CLS53 is the highest output of its range currently. It comes with Mercedes’ new 3.0 liter inline six, code-named M256 and in this guise has 429 hp and 384 lb-ft. The M256 has both a twinscroll turbo and an electric supercharger that builds boost to alleviate lag. The CLS53 is a mild hybrid meaning it comes with a 48 volt battery system that combines the starter and generator into one. The 1.0-kW-hr lithium ion battery contributes up to 21 hp and 184 lb-ft for a combined system output of 450 hp and 568 lb-ft. The CLS53 also has the 9 speed MCT and the 4Matic+ as standard.

The GT63 S shows what AMG can do when they let loose. The GT63 S takes the E63 S to the next level, it brings its MCT transmission, 4Matic+, drift mode and the same 4.0 liter V8. But horsepower is bumped up by 27 for a total of 630 and torque remains the same. The GT63 S borrows both the GT R’s active aero and four wheel steering systems and Carbon Ceramics are optional.

So what’s your pick? The CLS53 with its inline six, mild hybrid system and 4 door coupe styling, the E63 S that plays business casual and can attack the back road or track at the same time, or the best of both worlds, GT63 S 4 door coupe?