Purchase of 2018 S213 E63S in February 2025
Posted: Tue Mar 11, 2025 7:48 pm
Initial Reflections on S213 E63S
Having spent several years (since early 2021) away from the more contemporary models of Mercs from 2016 onwards, I have overlooked the "modern" conveniences such as an electronic parking brake, digital displays, effective parking sensors, manual mode in any drive mode, performance exhaust buttons, transmission temperature displays, heads-up displays, integrated Android Auto, Mercedes Me app functionality, speed limit detection, and so forth.
Disregarding the possible drawbacks of such pervasive technology, whose durability remains uncertain, and the anticipated repair costs should malfunctions occur, there are, at least temporarily, significant advantages. This is my first 213 E class, while I have participated in many prior classes, I have never had my name inscribed on the V5C. Previously, I had a W211 E63 with extensive features, a 2015 W212 S variant E63 with little options, and a W212 E63 6.2L with an extensive options list. I have not yet had the opportunity to sample the E55 and E53. Both vehicles seem to be exceptional in their own respects; the iconic M113k and the contemporary 53 facelift present as impressive automobiles altogether.
Concentrating on select preferences:
The 640-liter trunk is substantial; that is the reason I relinquished my exceptional 6.2L. Although I am unable to locate suitable locations to hang my shopping bags, I will seek to get a box of some kind. This is a class-leading estate real estate; the RS6 is just not comparable.
Manual mode can be activated in any engine mode by pressing a button, in contrast to the 212.
The loud exhaust tone is accessible in all driving modes, which is a significant advantage.
The Distronic Plus is amazing; it performs superiorly compared to my 2018 C63S and the W212 pre-facelift, which is not unexpected. I use it consistently on the freeway and A roads.
The digital displays are exceptional, but Android Auto occupies only around two-thirds of the screen space. The aggressive, throaty exhaust sound is a significant advantage. The note significantly differs from the C63s I have, particularly in comparison to the W211 and the 6.2 and 5.5 W212 versions. The principal adjective is growl. It has significant individuality, and if the depth of sound from the 6.2 (stock) is not fully realised, it is nevertheless impressive. I am still mastering the nuances of driving, but I am rapidly discovering that lowering the boot load lip—resulting in a notable increase in cabin sound—while in comfort mode, with the exhaust flaps open, and gradually revving between 2,500 to 3,000 RPM is delightful to me. Distinct vibrations may be perceived from the engine; the steering wheel and chassis relay comprehensive road information, with bumps manifested via sound, and the steering wheel transmitting many road irregularities.
The ride quality is satisfactory with sports seats, which are required for the Distronic feature; bucket seats are not compatible with Distronic. I prefer Distronic over bucket seats. Mine lacks dynamic seats, which is quite disappointing. The heads-up display is fantastic, however I am no longer used to it and continue to reference the instrument cluster.
I like the ability to manage Android Auto audio from the instrument cluster.
I must remark on the performance and intend to place the vehicle on a dynamometer. Having conducted a few drag races without launch control in wet and chilly weather on subpar Pirelli tires, it achieves 60 mph in under 4 seconds. Utterly preposterous. Online dyno tests indicate individuals are achieving over 560 wheel horsepower. I thought my 535 horsepower 5.5-liter E63 was swift and powerful, but this current model belongs to a whole other category. It left me feeling rather exhilarated from the intense G-force during the first experiences. Indeed, it was exhilarating, which is commendable.
The cabin is impressive, and the seats include an abundance of alcantara, enhancing its appeal. The controls on the steering wheel are extensive. In the absence of light, each button is exquisitely lighted.
It easily veers off course in sports handling.
The driver's seat area is expansive, providing enough room inside the cabin.
Children are captivated by the absurd array of LED strip colour possibilities, allowing me to divert their attention by having them choose a hue.
I am not very like of some aspects: I cannot discern the manual mode, sport handling, and other buttons on the left side of the touchpad/jog wheel, an issue I did not have with the C class. It must be my sitting arrangement.
The touch button on the left side of the steering wheel is somewhat perplexing. I continue to use it when attempting to navigate the left screen on the instrument cluster display, if that is clear.
Excessive speed; the vehicle is just too rapid.
Those Pirelli tires are perilous hazards. I cannot fathom the extent of the inadequacy of those tires. I have persistent and perhaps hazardous traction loss and am eager to replace them. They are quite poor.
The wired Android Auto charging power is inadequate, since the USB power supply fails to adequately charge the phone when Android Auto is operational.
I may be considered antiquated for lamenting the absence of a CD player.
The tire skipping diminishes the enjoyment of arriving. Previously, crossroads were my primary source of amusement during routine trips.
The cumbersome steering. It is more substantial than the naturally aspirated vehicles I have had. I understand that it powers the wheels and they will tend to straighten under acceleration; it is really a matter of acclimatisation and not a significant issue.
The view obstructed by the substantial pillars. To remove my near side rear blind spot, I must bend fully forward to see the diagonal from my window. I will attempt to alter my sitting arrangement. The positive aspect is that the vehicle is equipped with advanced sensors that provide warnings mostly on motorways and dual carriageways, particularly at some acute-angled intersections in my vicinity. Additionally, my M3 indulges me with its pillarless side windows.
The significant tradeoff I faced was desiring several options for the vehicle while prioritising exhaust volume, Distronic, and HUD, which necessitated settling for a pre-facelift 2018 model. I had been observing the market for an extended period, and it is unfortunate that the facelifts generally appear to be better equipped with features such as Distronic. However, they also include an OPF, which means I lack dynamic seats and other valuable options. Nonetheless, the low mileage (25,000 miles) and the four-year warranty ultimately influenced my decision to purchase a vehicle I likely would not have considered otherwise.
Having spent several years (since early 2021) away from the more contemporary models of Mercs from 2016 onwards, I have overlooked the "modern" conveniences such as an electronic parking brake, digital displays, effective parking sensors, manual mode in any drive mode, performance exhaust buttons, transmission temperature displays, heads-up displays, integrated Android Auto, Mercedes Me app functionality, speed limit detection, and so forth.
Disregarding the possible drawbacks of such pervasive technology, whose durability remains uncertain, and the anticipated repair costs should malfunctions occur, there are, at least temporarily, significant advantages. This is my first 213 E class, while I have participated in many prior classes, I have never had my name inscribed on the V5C. Previously, I had a W211 E63 with extensive features, a 2015 W212 S variant E63 with little options, and a W212 E63 6.2L with an extensive options list. I have not yet had the opportunity to sample the E55 and E53. Both vehicles seem to be exceptional in their own respects; the iconic M113k and the contemporary 53 facelift present as impressive automobiles altogether.
Concentrating on select preferences:
The 640-liter trunk is substantial; that is the reason I relinquished my exceptional 6.2L. Although I am unable to locate suitable locations to hang my shopping bags, I will seek to get a box of some kind. This is a class-leading estate real estate; the RS6 is just not comparable.
Manual mode can be activated in any engine mode by pressing a button, in contrast to the 212.
The loud exhaust tone is accessible in all driving modes, which is a significant advantage.
The Distronic Plus is amazing; it performs superiorly compared to my 2018 C63S and the W212 pre-facelift, which is not unexpected. I use it consistently on the freeway and A roads.
The digital displays are exceptional, but Android Auto occupies only around two-thirds of the screen space. The aggressive, throaty exhaust sound is a significant advantage. The note significantly differs from the C63s I have, particularly in comparison to the W211 and the 6.2 and 5.5 W212 versions. The principal adjective is growl. It has significant individuality, and if the depth of sound from the 6.2 (stock) is not fully realised, it is nevertheless impressive. I am still mastering the nuances of driving, but I am rapidly discovering that lowering the boot load lip—resulting in a notable increase in cabin sound—while in comfort mode, with the exhaust flaps open, and gradually revving between 2,500 to 3,000 RPM is delightful to me. Distinct vibrations may be perceived from the engine; the steering wheel and chassis relay comprehensive road information, with bumps manifested via sound, and the steering wheel transmitting many road irregularities.
The ride quality is satisfactory with sports seats, which are required for the Distronic feature; bucket seats are not compatible with Distronic. I prefer Distronic over bucket seats. Mine lacks dynamic seats, which is quite disappointing. The heads-up display is fantastic, however I am no longer used to it and continue to reference the instrument cluster.
I like the ability to manage Android Auto audio from the instrument cluster.
I must remark on the performance and intend to place the vehicle on a dynamometer. Having conducted a few drag races without launch control in wet and chilly weather on subpar Pirelli tires, it achieves 60 mph in under 4 seconds. Utterly preposterous. Online dyno tests indicate individuals are achieving over 560 wheel horsepower. I thought my 535 horsepower 5.5-liter E63 was swift and powerful, but this current model belongs to a whole other category. It left me feeling rather exhilarated from the intense G-force during the first experiences. Indeed, it was exhilarating, which is commendable.
The cabin is impressive, and the seats include an abundance of alcantara, enhancing its appeal. The controls on the steering wheel are extensive. In the absence of light, each button is exquisitely lighted.
It easily veers off course in sports handling.
The driver's seat area is expansive, providing enough room inside the cabin.
Children are captivated by the absurd array of LED strip colour possibilities, allowing me to divert their attention by having them choose a hue.
I am not very like of some aspects: I cannot discern the manual mode, sport handling, and other buttons on the left side of the touchpad/jog wheel, an issue I did not have with the C class. It must be my sitting arrangement.
The touch button on the left side of the steering wheel is somewhat perplexing. I continue to use it when attempting to navigate the left screen on the instrument cluster display, if that is clear.
Excessive speed; the vehicle is just too rapid.
Those Pirelli tires are perilous hazards. I cannot fathom the extent of the inadequacy of those tires. I have persistent and perhaps hazardous traction loss and am eager to replace them. They are quite poor.
The wired Android Auto charging power is inadequate, since the USB power supply fails to adequately charge the phone when Android Auto is operational.
I may be considered antiquated for lamenting the absence of a CD player.
The tire skipping diminishes the enjoyment of arriving. Previously, crossroads were my primary source of amusement during routine trips.
The cumbersome steering. It is more substantial than the naturally aspirated vehicles I have had. I understand that it powers the wheels and they will tend to straighten under acceleration; it is really a matter of acclimatisation and not a significant issue.
The view obstructed by the substantial pillars. To remove my near side rear blind spot, I must bend fully forward to see the diagonal from my window. I will attempt to alter my sitting arrangement. The positive aspect is that the vehicle is equipped with advanced sensors that provide warnings mostly on motorways and dual carriageways, particularly at some acute-angled intersections in my vicinity. Additionally, my M3 indulges me with its pillarless side windows.
The significant tradeoff I faced was desiring several options for the vehicle while prioritising exhaust volume, Distronic, and HUD, which necessitated settling for a pre-facelift 2018 model. I had been observing the market for an extended period, and it is unfortunate that the facelifts generally appear to be better equipped with features such as Distronic. However, they also include an OPF, which means I lack dynamic seats and other valuable options. Nonetheless, the low mileage (25,000 miles) and the four-year warranty ultimately influenced my decision to purchase a vehicle I likely would not have considered otherwise.
