Wagon Wars: Mercedes-AMG E63 S Takes on BMW M3 Touring in a Battle of Speed and Style
When it's not just about running errands or dropping the kids off, but rather about delivering an adrenaline rush while doing so, the wagon segment offers some tantalizing options. And nothing exemplifies this better than a head-to-head clash between two of the most sophisticated and powerful wagons on the market: the 2019 Mercedes-AMG E63 S and the BMW M3 Touring.
A Tale of Two Wagons
The stage was set for an epic showdown that could easily be mistaken for a scene out of a high-octane movie, rather than reality. On one side, the menacing Mercedes-AMG E63 S Wagon, a vehicle that blurs the lines between luxury family transporter and a beastly, track-hungry monster. On the other, the BMW M3 Touring, a machine that speaks in the language of speed, draped in an eye-catching matte purple that screams 'look at me'.
M3 Touring: The Underdog?
Represented by Mat Watson from the renowned 'carwow' YouTube channel, the M3 Touring brings to the fight its 3.0-liter twin-turbo straight-six heart, pumping out a formidable 503 hp or 510 ps and 479 lb-ft (650 Nm) of torque. With its all-wheel-drive system and 8-speed automatic transmission, it is a formidable competitor. Priced at nearly $111,000, the M3 Touring, though unlikely to grace the US market soon, demonstrates BMW's commitment to pushing the boundaries of what a sports wagon can achieve.
The Mercedes-AMG Challenger
Then there's the Mercedes-AMG E63 S Wagon, with its sinister hearse-like appearance that hides a monstrous 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine beneath its hood. Capable of 603 hp (612 ps) and 627 lb-ft or 850 Nm of torque, this leviathan can launch from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds. Its 9-speed automatic transmission and AWD system make it a worthy adversary to the BMW, even with a slightly higher starting price of $102,076 for the 2019 model.
The Competition Heats Up
The tension was palpable as the two wagons lined up for the ultimate test of speed. In the initial races, the BMW M3 Touring edged out the Mercedes, surprising many. Accusations of mechanical delay were made, but were they just excuses? As the rematch ensued, the Mercedes-AMG E63 S Wagon demonstrated its true capability, leaving the BMW in its dust in both the 1/4-mile and 1/2-mile roll races. The final verdict: the Mercedes not only redeemed itself but also claimed the title of the ultimate wagon, solidifying its position as the king of the tarmac.
What This Means for Wagon Enthusiasts
This battle is more than just a race; it's a declaration. The era of boring, practical wagons is long gone. In its place, a new breed of high-performance, luxurious models that can haul your family, your dog, and still give sports cars a run for their money on the weekends. The Mercedes-AMG E63 S Wagon versus BMW M3 Touring face-off is a testament to the evolving landscape of the automotive world, where practicality meets sheer exhilaration.
Wagon wars may not dominate the headlines like supercar showdowns, but for those in the know, they represent the pinnacle of automotive engineering and passion. The question is no longer about choosing between speed and practicality — it's about how fast you want to go while living your life in the fast lane.