2012 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG Wagon

(continued from above)

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG Wagon's five-seat configuration can easily expand to seven seats by unfolding a standard third-row rear facing seat from the luggage compartment floor. Utilizing coil spring suspension up front and electronically controlled air springs at the rear, its load-leveling air suspension keeps the car level regardless of the cargo weight.

Smart-looking aluminum roof rails are standard, and inside, a 60-40 fold-down rear seat makes for cavernous cargo capacity that's highly flexible. For example, the E-Class wagon can carry a grandfather clock and still accommodate three occupants, or a load of lumber can be carried with four people aboard.

An elegant luggage cover and cargo net are attached at the beltline so they don't interfere with the fold-down rear seat. At the same time, the cover can be attached to the folded seatbacks if needed, and it can be raised conveniently whenever the standard power liftgate is opened.

New 518-Horsepower V8 for the E63 AMG

The new Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG Wagon is fitted with a 5.5-liter version of the new Mercedes- Benz biturbo V8 that produces more power while also delivering better fuel economy. Replacing AMG's normally aspirated 6.3-liter V8, the smaller engine features twin turbochargers, direct fuel injection, and multi-spark ignition. Compared to the new 4.6-liter biturbo, the E63 AMG powerplant makes use of more displacement (a larger cylinder bore and longer crankshaft stroke), higher turbocharger boost, and slightly lower compression.

In comparison to the previous AMG engine, reduced displacement is more than offset by the power boost of its twin turbochargers - one for each bank of cylinders. Identified inside the company as the M157, the new AMG twin-turbo V8 produces 518 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. With the optional AMG Performance Package, these figures increase to 550 hp and 590 lb-ft.

Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG Wagon: Review (2/2)