REVIEW

For too long Audi has owned the fast AWD saloon/estate market with their RS6, but now we hear the new BMW M5 will be AWD and Mercedes has announced this absolute beast – the new AWD E63-S AMG. The powerplant is a 4.0 litre twin turbo V8 much like in the C63, but in this application it produces a monster 603bhp and a crazy 850Nm of torque. This means you can hit 62mph in a supercar-rivalling 3.5 seconds on the way to a 186mph Vmax (if you pay for the AMG Driver’s Pack – 155mph if not), insane numbers for a four door family car. Mercedes has also managed to apply their trademark aggression to the styling too with a front bumper that is more intake than not. There are four exhaust pipes at the back which of course emit the most incredibly V8 bark, snarl and shout just as all AMGs do. And of course this is the gargantuan estate version, for those wanting enough room to move a wardrobe at lightspeed. The RS6 is getting a bit long in the tooth now, so surely this is now the best all-round car on sale?

** Cash alternative: 80% of the ex-VAT UK RRP **