Fang911

Currently have a 2020 Macan GTS as a daily / winter driver. First time i’ve owned an SUV, and its been difficult adjusting to the driving dynamics, high COG, weight, etc. Engine gets a bit breathless as well. All in all, its a super SUV but definitely not a sports sedan....which brings me to alternatives. Have been reading about the facelifted E63S which sounds like an absolute animal from all perspectives and sounds the part with AWD to boot. Have driven the Panamera but it feels relatively sedate- looking for something more aggressive. What do y’all think?

jkob5

I had. 2019, I loved it. My only complaint is that it was a bit stiff in comfort mode for a daily driver, but. maybe they've softened it up in the facelift. The engine is very torquey and quite a different sensation to a 3RS. If you're used to porsche depreciation than the AMG will be quite a shock to your system.

JC Lacayo

A friend has one; loves it. In my experience, the MBz are some of the best road cars...for the first 4-5 years. (then afterwards the car will continue to **** it's parts out
one by one [air shocks, cats, head unit, window regulators, etc] except for the engine--AMGs are great).
So if you are going to move to another car 4 years or less, go for it. You won't regret it.
My DD now is a Macan Turbo; it's a little sedate, and not as "you can't roll this b!tch" as the ML and G(L) from our past.

porsche518

Drove them at the AMG driving academy and a very capable car. But I am waiting for my m8gc to arrive to switch my m6gc out.

br911

Looked into that and opted for BMW M5C as a sedan to have at home. Just a matter of personal preference on looks, color and style. Nothing wrong with AMG, I had an SUV before and loved it. I would drive all before buying. Warning - a bit numb, regardless if E63S or M5C - torquey is the key word. I might try an Alfa Giulia Quadrifoglio Verde next, since I believe it might offer a more connected driving experience, even though it has 2 cylinders less and not the same finish.

ipse dixit

How about the RS6 Avant Wagon?

pitt911

you will love it . I had a 212 E63S and I enjoyed every day . currently have M5C which also a great car . I just wanted to switch things around , this is why I skipped the 213 E63S
As far as RS6 , I just drove an RS7 which is the same drive train. It is a good car but was not impressed overall . Left dealership and did not have that feeling that I want that car
in that segment of beastly 4 doors sedan I think
1. M5 and E63 are very close .. It is a matter of personal preference
2. Panamera turbo is second
3. RS7/RS6 is third

SterlingatBOM

I don’t think there’s been a bad E-class AMG. Great daily and still fun on twisty roads or making many exotics looks silly on the highway.

Rick GT3

is a better choice!

Fang911

Agreed, owning an E63S / M5C / Alfa QF / RS6 out of warranty would seem to be a risky proposition...I would keep it for no more than 3-3.5 yrs, which frankly would be stretch if you asked my wife. The Alfa is sensational but without AWD which is useful in our unpredictable Chicago winters. Although I have not driven the new RS6/7, the RS5 feels a bit inert, as is the previous gen RS7. I prefer the M5C looks over the E63 by a hair and have not had the opportunity to experience either car, but test drove a new MB GT53 this weekend and found it a very nice all around package, albeit a bit odd-looking. The AMG interior feels fresher and more avant garde than the BMW, whose cockpit designs have stagnated recently and I'm not sold on their new digital gauges. The Taycan Turbo is another consideration but I'm still fan of higher-displacement ICE's for as long as they are available and the Taycan is priced too high for what it is.

Haven't owned a MB in 20 yrs... not since a 2001 W208 CLK55 which was a gorgeous body wrapped around a ballsy NA V8 but not much else. Looking forward to AMG ownership again (potentially)

R35driver

I'd vote RS6. Just because of the looks. All the cars being mentioned are 4000+ pounds, awd, auto, tt v8. So the main differences are interior and exterior styling and what you prefer. Sound can be changed easily with an exhaust.

I personally prefer lighter cars. And in reality the current M3 is the same size as a 2001 M5, is 500 pounds lighter than the current M5, pretty reliable, values are going up surprisingly (due to how terrible the new awd m3 looks), you have the option of DCT or manual (no crappy ZF 8 speed auto here), you can make 500hp and 500tq at the wheels with just a tune. A set of snow tires will get through chicago winters. Downside: less curb appeal, stiffer ride, and the exhaust noise isn't good.

I only bring this up because you mentioned the Guilia Quad.

snowbooch

E63 seems like a great car. (But I don't have any seat time.)

For me, I love (and aim for) intentionally different/optimized cars for specific use cases. Have a C7 S6 as my DD and wife drives a GLS450. Between the three, all bases are covered -- haul kid stuff/Home Depot, haul myself to work (or golf clubs) and, with the GT, just enjoy the drive.

All that said, of all the car classes I've owned, I'm a little underwhelmed with the larger-sports-sedan (i.e., AMG, M, RS/S) -- with all that weight, it's impressive on paper/stats-wise but feels incremental (from the mainstream versions) in real life at times.

wannabe_stig

haha dude you have the worst car ADD i've seen. I think you need a C4S to complement the GT3 as daily

I will echo R35Driver tho, the F80 M3 is a great daily driver. Back seats for kids, a bit of a handful if you are not careful so you get a bit of excitement, and totally fine on winter tires in Chicago (at least the couple years I had it). and much cheaper than a new E63

rhk118

F80 is totally fine in New England Winters as well on winters...on studded tires its as good as any AWD car I've ever owned. When it comes down to it in winter stopping is the only real challenge, AWD doesn't help you there, 4WD will if you truly have manual control of gears and are a good engine breaker...

Fang911

Hahaha...everone on this board has automotive ADD. Expensive habit, but much less costly than say, spousal ADD. Agree with the F80 M3...which then naturally segues into the new G80 M3 which is AWD but without DCT. Conflicted about the looks but should be a helluva performer.