The Ford Mustang GT is one of the last cars on sale in the US with a naturally aspirated V8 engine sitting out front that channels its grunt to the rear wheels, as well as offering a traditional six-speed manual transmission. It offers good old-fashioned fun, allowing you to drift through bends to your heart’s content. It’s also reasonably priced when compared to many high-performance cars on the market, with a starting price of just over $46,000 with the V8.
But, what if we told you that a used alternative that is classier, faster, more practical, and offers a more varied driving experience could be had for around the same money? Well, if this offer sounds tempting, then perhaps you should consider adding a 2016 Mercedes-AMG E63 S to your collection.
This piece explores the background and used value of the 2016 Mercedes-AMG E63 S, as well as its technical makeup. We also check out the cheaper and bolder 2007-2009 E63.
Base Trim Engine
5.5L Twin-Turbo V8 Gas
Base Trim Transmission
7-Speed Automatic
Base Trim Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower
577 hp
Base Trim Torque
590 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
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The E63 Was Mercedes’ Flagship Mid-Size Performance Sedan
Silver 2016 Mercedes-AMG E63 topMercedes-AMG
The final E63 model debuted in 2018, shortly after the release of the W213-generation E-Class executive sedan for the 2017 model year. The E63 nameplate originally launched in 2007 as an upgraded version of the E55 AMG, reflecting a change to the larger 6.2-liter M156 V8 as the successor to the 5.5-liter M273 V8. The four-door was the range-topping version of the E-Class, with the automaker extracting more power and performance from it over the years.
The name remained in use despite the German marque switching back to a 5.5-liter V8 in 2013, though this time it was boosted by a pair of turbochargers. Mercedes later continued this approach when it introduced a new model based on the W213 E-Class for the 2018 model year, downsizing the V8 to a 4.0-liter unit while retaining a pair of turbos. When the latest-generation W214 E-Class launched for the 2024 model year, Mercedes discontinued the E63 name in favor of the current Mercedes-AMG E 53 Hybrid sedan.
Smaller Engine, More Speed
The Facelifted W212 E63 AMG Was Faster Than Its Predecessor
2016 Mercedes-AMG E63 V8 engine topMercedes-AMG
Such was the magic of turbocharging because the W212 E63 S boasted considerably more power than its naturally aspirated predecessor, despite displacing 5.5 liters rather than 6.2 liters in the earlier version. The twin-turbocharged V8 made 550 hp and 531 lb-ft of torque in standard form. Opting for the better-performing S model increased the figures to 577 hp and 590 lb-ft.
To help put all this grunt onto the road, the S model was also equipped with an AMG-designed limited-slip differential. The S was also graced with a special AMG steering wheel featuring Alcantara on the rim. With a slick seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission mated to the commanding V8, the hottest version of the E-Class was able to sprint to 60 mph in a supercar-challenging 3.5 seconds.
2016 Mercedes-AMG E63 S
Engine
5.5L twin-turbo V8
Transmission
7-Speed Auto
Power
577 hp
Torque
590 lb-ft
0-60 mph
~3.5 seconds
Average Used Value
$48,640
Discussion
Mercedes now sells over 30 AMG-badged models in America – which one is the most pointless?
It’s tempting to go for one of the smaller four-cylinder AMG models like the GLA 35, but I’ve never understood the presence of an AMG-badged S-Class like the S 63 E Performance. The S-Class epitomizes luxury, tranquility, and sophistication, and a sporty AMG model clashes with that idea in every sense. That’s probably why BMW doesn’t have an M7 and Audi didn’t bother with an RS8. Do I still want an S63? Yes. But is it still pointless? Yes.
Mercedes’ Practical Supercar Offers Grip And Agility
Silver 2016 Mercedes-AMG E63 rear endMercedes-AMG
Logic dictates that a four-door sedan that weighs around 900 pounds more than a 2025 Mustang GT would get nowhere near the American challenger in terms of fun, but don’t be so sure. For starters, the E63 S comes with Mercedes’s adaptive suspension system, which can get the car perfectly set up for whatever road you’re tackling. Plus, while its dual-clutch gearbox isn’t quite as engaging as the Mustang’s manual, you can at least wrestle manual control by using the steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
The E63 S has a real secret weapon, though, in its drivetrain. The sedan has Mercedes’s excellent 4Matic all-wheel-drive setup, which makes the E63 S a bit of a Jekyll and Hyde. When the road is slippery and hazardous, the system’s multi-plate clutch helps keep the car nicely under control.
When the time comes to get crazy, the rear-biased system comes into its own. A total of 67% of the E63’s grunt is channeled to the rear axle, which affords it a little bit of understeer if you get too greedy with the throttle. The car utilizes the tech to tuck the nose into the apex, while the power going to the front improves traction. The 4Matic setup has torque vectoring, too, which helps the sedan hug the inside line of whatever bend you’ve decided to dominate.
The Mustang GT simply can’t match this level of versatility, especially given that the E63 comes with a plusher cabin and more luxury amenities.
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Used E63s Can Also Be Had For Around The Same Money
Silver 2016 Mercedes-AMG E63 side viewMercedes-AMG
The good news doesn’t end there, either. Depreciation has slashed the E63’s value, making the once-$101,700 machine much more affordable. The used examples are now on the market for around half that price. According to the used car market, the average used value of the machine currently stands at $48,640. For comparison, a 2026 Mustang GT starts at $46,560, plus a $1,995 destination charge. The scope of the E63’s depreciation is also clearly evidenced, with its average worth dropping by around $10,000 over the past five years.
For the price of a new Mustang GT, a buyer should be able to find a tidy E63 S with around 50,000 miles on the odometer. Take a silver 2016 example from May 2025 as a good example that sold for $44,995. It came with just 53,087 miles, making it pretty fresh for a roughly 10-year-old car. It may not be quite as pristine as a brand-new Mustang, but you get a lot more luxury, practicality, and performance for your money.
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The First E63 Is A Bargain For Those Wanting The Thrill Of An NA V8
2007-2009 Mercedes-AMG E63 Front Angle ViewMercedes-AMG
Of course, one area you do lose out with the 2016 E63 S versus the Mustang GT is when it comes to engine noise. The twin-turbo unit in the Mercedes sounds pretty lifeless for the most part and, admittedly, takes away from the drama somewhat. If the lack of acoustic drama is a dealbreaker, then maybe opting for the earlier W211 E63 model might be a better choice. It’s still not exactly toothless either, given the 6.2-liter unit sends 507 hp to the rear wheels through a seven-speed automatic transmission.
2007-2009 Mercedes-AMG E63
Engine
6.2L NA V8
Transmission
7-Speed Auto
Power
507 hp
Torque
465 lb-ft
0-60 mph
4.3 seconds
Average Used Value
$19,121
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The First E63 Sings A Much Purer Song
2007-2009 Mercedes-AMG E63 EngineMercedes-AMG
The W211 E63, with its naturally aspirated V8, still gives drivers a big punch in the middle of the back when getting on the gas. A louder, angrier roar accompanies the experience over the later turbocharged version.
The intoxicating soundtrack can be yours for less, too, since the model’s average used value is currently $19,121. The amount is under half the price of the 2016 E63, making it an excellent value given the performance it delivers.
Sources: Mercedes-Benz.