2020 has certainly been full of surprises, but one that we’re not mad about is the return of the station wagon. Once thought of as bland and outdated, luxury automakers like Mercedes-Benz are doing their best to change that image. Considering how much of a success the Mercedes-AMG E63 S wagon has been, we’d say the company’s efforts have paid off.

Of course, you’ll have to pay a premium price tag if you want an E63 wagon. This model costs a minimum of over $110,000. Still, the Mercedes-AMG E63 S wagon is well worth the price if you’ve got some extra cash to burn.

The Mercedes-AMG E63 S model’s high-end interior

The inside of the Mercedes-AMG E63 S wagon is just as plush as you’d expect from this automaker. The cabin is only furnished with the finest materials, including Nappa leather for each seat. CNET reported that all the seats are very roomy and comfortable, even for taller passengers. Heating, ventilation, and massaging controls for the front seats come standard.

The cabin remains mostly unchanged from last year’s model, with the exception of a brand-new steering wheel. In addition to being incredibly luxurious, you can expect to fit a lot of suitcases inside this wagon. Up to 64 cubic feet of space is available with both rows folded down.

Outstanding performance

One of the biggest draws of the Mercedes-AMG E63 S wagon is its powerful engine. It comes with a twin-turbo V8 that can make up to 603 hp, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. It’s probably faster than any wagon you’ve ever seen, with a 0-60 mph time of 3.4 seconds.

Driving the E63 S wagon is a blast thanks to its sleek body and excellent handling. It also comes equipped with an air suspension, big 20-inch tires, and a few different drive modes. If you’re a big fan of that guttural engine growl, you’ll definitely appreciate the Emotion Start feature. 

Plenty of fun features

At the front of the Mercedes-AMG E63 S wagon, you’ll see a 12.3-inch touchscreen that controls all the infotainment functions. Some reviewers like at MotorTrend have expressed their distaste over the system’s learning curve and redundant menus. However, CNET reported no problems with the infotainment system, which also includes standard smartphone integration. The E63 S wagon also has some innovative safety tech, including inflatable seatbelts, rear-seat airbags, and a Road Surface Scan feature.

CNET was also impressed with the number of customization options for the Mercedes-AMG E63 S wagon. The staff’s test model came in an exclusive blue color that was previously reserved for certain Mercedes-Benz vans. The car can also be painted in any color you’d like, though you’ll have to pay extra for a custom order.

The Mercedes-AMG E63 S wagon’s few flaws

Despite what some would have you believe, even the marvelous E63 S wagon isn’t perfect. CNET’s reviewer wasn’t impressed with the wagon’s fuel economy. It only gets 19 mpg combined city/highway, with up to 23 mpg for highway driving.

Unfortunately, these numbers are slightly low for a four-wheel-drive wagon. However, as CNET points out, the E63 S wagon’s performance far outweighs the need to be conservative on fuel. Once they see how fast this car can go, most drivers will probably be willing to tolerate its gas-guzzling tendencies.

CNET also noted that the ride quality inside the E63 S wagon is harsh no matter which drive mode you select. The Road Surface Scan does a good job of adjusting the suspension, but it doesn’t make the ride any smoother. Still, CNET’s tester reported that the Mercedes-AMG E63 S wagon is a master at cornering, and the Drift mode functions well.