Mercedes-Benz E63 VS Porsche Panamera
Mercedes-Benz E63
Likes
- Superb dynamics
- Ballistic acceleration
- Safety
Dislikes
- Fiddly steering wheel controllers
- Tight rear door apertures
- Thirsty
Porsche Panamera
Likes
- One of the best-looking in segment
- Power and performance
- Robust safety features
Dislikes
- Cabin not the most practical
- Ongoing ownership costs
- Pricey options
Summary
Mercedes-Benz E63
Feels like lately all the Mercedes-AMG buzz has been at the smaller end of the scale.
Most recently, the screaming GLA 45 S has arrived in Australia, pumping out more kilowatts and newton-metres than any compact SUV has a right to.
But here, we're doubling the cylinder count to eight, arranging them in a vee, and lighting the wick on AMG's powerhouse mid-size sedan, the recently upgraded E 63 S.
While the ferocious twin-turbo V8 and the rest of this beast's powertrain are unchanged, the car has been brought up to speed with some aero-focused styling tweaks, Merc's latest 'Widescreen' digital cockpit, as well as the MBUX multimedia system, and a tricky new multi-function sports steering wheel.
| Safety rating | |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 4.0L turbo |
| Fuel Type | Premium Unleaded Petrol |
| Fuel Efficiency | 12.3L/100km |
| Seating | 5 seats |
Porsche Panamera
Australia hasn't had what you'd call a love affair with the Porsche Panamera. Especially compared to the on-going romance with its iconic sibling, the 911 and even its SUV stablemates.
The Panamera straddles the fence between high-performance sports car and family sedan and it's a position rivals like the BMW 740i, Maserati Quattroporte and Mercedes-Benz S450 have sometimes found difficult to balance.
This new-generation 'base' Panamera model is on test to see if this sedan's 2025 redesign will launch an arrow from Cupid's bow for Australian families?
Read more about
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- The V8 lives on! Porsche to continue developing V8 engine from Cayenne Turbo GT as testing for next-gen BMW iX, Audi Q6 e-tron rival kicks off
- Porsche not fazed by global EV slowdown: Hundreds of buyers line-up for new Macan despite not having seen it yet as BMW X3, Audi Q5 rival goes all electric
| Safety rating | — |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 2.9L turbo |
| Fuel Type | — |
| Fuel Efficiency | 9.2L/100km |
| Seating | 4 seats |
Verdict
Mercedes-Benz E638.4/10
The E 63 S fills its niche in AMG's Australian line-up perfectly. More mature than the brand's four-cylinder hatches and SUVs, but not as overbearing as some of its bigger sedan, GT and SUV stablemates. And its ability to seamlessly switch between serene comfort and dynamic performance has nailed the objective for this 2021 update.
Porsche Panamera8.4/10
The Panamera is the ‘have your Porsche and drive it too’ model.
It encompasses the fun of the 911 while still being a comfortable daily driver that can easily fit a family of four. The cabin is sumptuously styled and not hurting for features, either.
Could the ownership costs and storage be better? Probably, but if you’re looking at this model, those items will probably be lower priorities for you.
For my little family of three, the base model Panamera is a win.
Design
Mercedes-Benz E638/10
The E 63 S has been massaged for 2021 starting with flatter headlights, AMG's now signature 'Panamericana' grille, and a high gloss black flap across the top of the curved 'Jet Wing' section defining the lower part of the nose.
At the same time, the vents on either end of it are larger and feature twin transverse louvers to guide cooling air to wherever it's needed.
It's all about what AMG calls 'optimised aerobalance' but the form is just as appealing as the function. The characteristic 'Power Domes' in the bonnet dial up the muscle, as do the fat wheel arches (+27mm each side), and 20-inch rims with distinctive aero inserts.
This car's optional exterior carbon package consists of a front splitter, side sills, a flash near the fender badges, the exterior mirror covers, the boot lid lip spoiler, as well as the lower apron around the redesigned diffuser and quad tailpipes.
New, intricately styled LED tail-lights are also flatter, but there's even more going on inside.
A new AMG sports steering wheel features three rounded twin-spokes with new switches on the bottom to control the car's dynamic set-up.
It also picks up a new take on the small touch-sensitive controllers used to adjust the instrumentation and manage other functions like phone calls, audio and the cruise control.
Not sure I'm in love with them at this stage. In fact, the words fiddly, imprecise, and frustrating come to mind.
Nappa leather covering the superb AMG sports seats, upper dash, and door beltlines remains standard, but the show-stopper is the 'Widescreen Cockpit' - twin 12.25-inch digital screens for the MBUX multimedia interface on the left and instruments on the right.
The instrument cluster can be set to 'Modern Classic', 'Sport' and 'Supersport' displays, with specific AMG read-outs such as engine data, gear speed indicator, warm-up status, car set-up, as well as a G-meter and 'RaceTimer.'
To borrow an official automotive design term, it looks schmick. Overall, with touches like open-pore black ash wood trim, and brushed metal highlights, the interior looks efficient but classy, with an obvious attention to detail in the layout and its execution.
Porsche Panamera
This is more than just a new Panamera - it’s a new generation Panamera.
The outgoing model was sort of a mix between the 911 and Macan but didn’t really hit the mark with any of its borrowed elements.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder but the redesign sees this model get an outward appearance that looks far more aggressive with a distinct profile that now sets it apart for all of the right reasons.
On the outside, the biggest changes include larger matrix LED headlights and a new front fascia that sits a bit higher with more pronounced curving in the bonnet.
The front gets extra air intakes but there are also larger 'air blade' vents behind the front wheel arches which help smooth the air flow around the wheels and add some extra sculpted sportiness to the car's sides.
The rear has been reshaped to look more like the 911 and isn't as pillowy as the outgoing model. There is a new long LED strip light running the width of the rear and an extra brake light for added dazzlement at night. The rear window now spreads to the width of the liftback lid which makes it appear frameless.
The optioned 21-inch alloy wheels look gorgeous in their painted bronze (or Neodyme) glory and feature the Porsche crest in full colour for added pizzazz. The bronze accent is also carried across to the quad exhausts.
All these factors make the exterior design look more cohesive than the previous model.
The interior has been reworked, too, and the dashboard now sports upgraded tech panels that makes the cabin feel cinematic. The optioned passenger display screen only adds to this effect.
Purists will pout, but like the new 911 the analogue cluster and turn-key operation have died a quiet death. You now get a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and push-button starter. Plus, the gearshift has been repositioned from the centre console to the dash.
The optioned Sports Chrono and Neodyme accent packages of our test model means the dashboard gets a race clock (superfluous for every day driving but fun to look at) and the door handles, steering wheel and dashboard feature the same bronze highlights.
The only elements that don't look the part are the shiny piano black panels mainly found in the centre console. They're too easily scratched/marked for a car at this price point.
The cabin may not be as flashy as its competitors but it's still sumptuous.
Practicality
Mercedes-Benz E638/10
At just under 5.0m end-to-end the E-Class sits in the upper range of the mid-size luxury spectrum. And almost 3.0m of that is accounted for by the distance between the axles, so there's plenty of space inside.
The driver and front passenger are provided with heaps of room to breathe, and there's a surprising amount of space for those in the back as well.
Sitting behind the driver's seat set for my 183cm (6'0”) position I had more than adequate head and legroom. But access to and from the back is a struggle for full-size adults.
The rear doors open out a long way, but the limiting factor is the size of the aperture, necessitating excessive contortion of the head and limbs to fold in and out of the car.
Connectivity runs to two (power-only) USB-C sockets in the front centre storage bin, as well as another USB-C (for power and multimedia) and 12-volt power outlet in the centre console.
Speaking of the front centre storage bin, it's a decent size and has a padded split lid so it can double as an armrest. There are two cupholders in the front console, a generous glove box, as well as long door compartments with recesses for large bottles provided.
There's a pair of USB-Cs along with another 12-volt socket in the back, sitting under the climate control panel with adjustable vents in the rear of the front centre console. Nice.
The fold down centre armrest incorporates a lidded (and lined) storage box as well as two pop-out cupholders. Again, there are bins in the doors with room for smaller bottles.
The boot offers 540 litres (VDA) of volume, and is able to swallow our three-piece hard suitcase set (124L, 95L, 36L) with room to spare, or the substantial CarsGuide pram, or the largest suitcase and pram combined! There are tie-down hooks to help secure loads, too.
Don't bother looking for a spare of any description, a repair/inflator kit is your only option. And the E 63 S is a no-tow zone.
Porsche Panamera
The cabin feels spacious in both rows and the rear row can comfortably fit those who are above six foot (182cm) with a caveat.
Despite being optioned with the '4+1' seating, don't be fooled; the middle rear seat is nothing more than extra room for the out-boarders as the rear centre console takes up all legroom a middle seater might need. Not even a kid will be happy in the middle for long.
Amenities in both rows are good. The heating/cooling and massage functions on the front seats are great and the four-zone climate control means everyone can get comfortable.
Access to both rows is surprisingly good with doors that open widely but the rear footwell lip is high and the well narrow. So, if you have clunky boots on you may feel clumsy getting into position.
My seven-year old found the doors heavy to open and it took him a while to realise he didn’t have to slam the doors shut thanks to the soft-close feature.
Individual storage is better than you usually get in a sports car but all cubbies still fall on the shallower side. There are four cupholders, four drink bottle holders, a glove box, a middle console and two small net map pockets. There is also a dedicated phone cubby housing the wireless charging pad.
The boot aperture is wide and it’s super easy to reach things in the back thanks to the liftback lid but that sloping roofline means you lose out on height for larger items.
Stack bigger things right behind the back seat if you want to fit them. Capacity is below average compared to its rivals at 460L.
The rear row has a 40/20/40 split to open up storage options and there is a very deep cubby underneath the floor with the tyre compressor/repair kit.
Device charging options are great with a total of four USB-C ports, a wireless charging pad and three 12-volt sockets to choose from.
The upgraded multimedia system looks fantastic and is user-friendly. The built-in satellite navigation is simple to use and the multimedia system, head-up display and instrument cluster can be highly customised.
The base Panamera model now comes standard with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Connecting to the CarPlay is easy and the connection remains seamless.
The optional passenger display panel allows the front passenger to control their climate and seat comfort, see a duplicate of the instrument panel or just watch a movie on a long trip.
The screen has a privacy filter, which means the driver can’t see what’s on it and is thus not a distraction. However, no one in my family bothered to use it.
Price and features
Mercedes-Benz E638/10
So, first of all, let's get the price out of the way. At $253,900, before on-road costs, this car's competitive set is a bruising, all-German trio comprising the Audi RS 7 Sportback ($224,000), BMW M5 Competition ($244,900), and Porsche Panamera GTS ($309,500).
And no surprise, it's loaded with all the luxury features you'd expect in this part of the market. Here are the highlights.
On top of the standard performance tech and safety equipment fitted to the E 63 S (covered later in this review), you'll also find: Nappa leather trim (seats, upper dash, upper door cards, and steering wheel), MBUX multimedia (with touchscreen, touchpad, and 'Hey Mercedes' voice control), 20-inch alloys, three-zone climate-control, interior ambient lighting, auto LED headlights (with 'Active High Beam Assist Plus'), eight “energising comfort programs” (with 'Energising Coach'), an 'Active Multicontour' front seat package, the 'Air Balance' package (including ionisation), and keyless entry and start.
Also included are the the 'Widescreen' digital cockpit (twin 12.25-inch digital screens), 13-speaker Burmester audio with digital radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise control, a head-up display, augmented reality satellite navigation, 'Parktronic' self-parking, electric front seats, seat cooling and heating front (heated rear), heated front centre armrest, a power-adjustable steering column, auto rain-sensing wipers, a wireless device charger, illuminated door sills, as well Amazon Alexa, etc, etc, etc.
And our test car also featured a couple of tasty options. An exterior carbon package ($7500), and AMG's professional grade ceramic composite brakes ($15,900), for an as-tested price of $277,300.
Porsche Panamera
There are four grades of Panamera on offer for the Australian market and the model on test is the entry-grade sedan, simply titled Panamera.
It feels silly calling a car priced at $236,990, before on-road costs, a 'base' model but here we are.
Our test model has $45,810 worth of optional extras but compared to its rivals the base price positions it towards the middle of the market with the Maserati Quattroporte GT being the most affordable at $219,000, then the Mercedes-Benz S450 at $241,275 and BMW 740i at $272,900. All prices before on-road costs.
As you’d expect, the standard equipment for the Panamera is long-winded and includes matrix LED headlights, four-point DRLs, ambient lighting, four-zone climate control, a dual sunroof, upgraded 12.3-inch touchscreen multimedia system, a new 12.65-inch digital instrument panel, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and built-in satellite navigation.
Comfort items include 14-way powered front seats with heating/cooling, as well as three-position memory functions. There is also a powered tailgate, front and rear parking sensors, a 360-degree view camera system and soft-close doors with a 'door brake' function.
The latter means the door holds the position you push it out too, minimising the chance of your kids hitting the neighbouring car, which is an awesome feature in a family car!
Other technology includes a total of four USB-C ports, three 12-volt sockets, a wireless charging pad, digital radio, the Porsche app and over-the-air updates.
As for the optioned extras... there is Burmester high-end sound ($11,200), full-grade leather upholstery ($7470), dark bronze accents on the quad exhausts ($6470), 21-inch alloy wheels ($3400), the 'Sport Chrono Package' ($3340), 10.9-inch passenger display screen ($3140), wheels finished in 'Neodyme' bronze ($2500), a massage function on the front seats ($2200), a middle rear seat ($1750), an interior Neodyme accent package ($1190), a heated steering wheel ($1140), an air quality system ($890), an interior black trim package ($760) and comfort pillow accessories ($450). Phew!
Under the bonnet
Mercedes-Benz E639/10
The E 63 S is powered by the M178 version of the all-alloy 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine used across numerous AMG models from the C-Class up.
Thanks in no small part to direct injection and a pair of twin-scroll turbos (located in the engine's 'hot vee' to optimise throttle response), this all-alloy unit produces 450kW (that's 612hp) from 5750-6500rpm, and 850Nm from 2500-4500rpm.
And as per standard AMG practice for its Vee engines, this car's powerplant was built from scratch by a single engineer in Affalterbach. Thank you Robin Jäger.
AMG calls the nine-speed transmission used in the E 63 S an MCT, which stands for Multi-Clutch Technology. But it's not a dual-clutch, rather a normal auto transmission using a wet clutch as opposed to a conventional torque converter, to connect it to the engine on take-off.
Drive goes to all four wheels via Merc's '4Matic+' AWD system, built around an electromechanically controlled clutch connecting the permanently driven rear axle (with locking diff) variably to the front axle.
Porsche Panamera
The base Panamera doesn’t have a hybrid powertrain like its siblings and sports the 2.9L V6 twin-turbo petrol engine of the outgoing model. But it’s been retuned and now produces 260kW and 500Nm – both figures up from the previous model.
The Sport Chrono Package means the 0-100km/h sprint improves from 5.1-seconds to a tummy-sucking 4.8-seconds and my son gave a whoop of delight whenever we had to get up to speed.
The Panamera has an eight-speed, dual-clutch auto transmission and is the only RWD for the Panamera line-up. It also sports a top speed of 272km/h. So, suffice it to say, the engine has the sports cred you expect from a Porsche.
Efficiency
Mercedes-Benz E637/10
Claimed fuel economy for the combined (ADR 81/02 - urban, extra-urban) cycle is 12.3L/100km, the E 63 S emitting 280g/km of CO2 in the process.
That's a pretty hefty number, but in line with this car's proportions and performance potential.
And Merc-AMG has gone to great lengths to minimise fuel use. As well as the standard 'Eco' stop-start function, in the 'Comfort' drive program cylinder deactivation becomes active, the system able to drop four cylinders anywhere between 1000 to 3250rpm.
There's no physical hint of half the cylinders leaving the party. The only clue is a blue icon on the dash indicating a temporary shift to V4 operation.
Despite all that effort, however, we saw a dash-indicated 17.9L/100km over a mix of urban trundling, highway cruising, and some spirited dynamic assessment.
Recommended fuel is 98 RON premium unleaded (although it'll run on 95 at a pinch), and you'll need 80 litres of it to fill the tank. That capacity translates to a range of 650km according to the factory claim, and 447km using our real world result.
Porsche Panamera
The official combined (urban/extra-urban) fuel-cycle consumption figure is 9.5L/100km, which is pretty low for a high-performance vehicle (and a big one at that) but after a lot of open road and urban driving my real-world usage came out at 10.9L/100km.
That's the result after not being skimpy with using the power, either, so it's not as thirsty as you might expect.
When it comes to times between fills, the Panamera might surprise you. Based on the official combined fuel cycle and large 90L fuel tank, expect a theoretical driving range of up to 947km (825km using our on-test figure) – which is a great driving range for a performance vehicle, let alone a family one.
The Porsche Panamera only drinks the best, so while the driving range is great you won't be able to fill 'er up with anything but premium 98 RON unleaded petrol.
Driving
Mercedes-Benz E639/10
AMG's major goal with this upgrade of the E 63 S was to maintain its dynamic response and ferocious performance, but dial in the extra comfort customers had said they wanted.
So, the 4Matic+ AWD system has been fine-tuned for more smoothness as has the Comfort option in the dynamic set-up. But we'll investigate that shortly.
First, that 4.0-litre turbo V8 in the nose is claimed to slingshot this roughly 2.0-tonne sedan from 0-100km/h in just 3.4 seconds, and it feels every bit that fast.
With 850Nm available from 2500-4500rpm and nine gear ratios to help keep you operating in that Goldilocks band, mid-range thrust is monumental. And thanks to the bi-modal sports exhaust it sounds beautifully brutal.
The nine-speed auto's wet clutch, as opposed to a conventional torque converter, is designed to save weight and optimise response. And while some will tell you an auto with one input shaft is never going to be as fast as a dual-clutch with two, shifts are rapid and direct. The wheel-mounted shift paddles are larger and set lower, as well.
The AMG 'Ride Control+' suspension with multi-chamber air suspension and adaptive damping is amazingly good. The underlying set-up is by multi-links front and rear, and despite riding on big 20-inch rims wrapped with low-profile, high-performance Pirelli P Zero rubber (265/35 fr - 295/30 rr) the Comfort setting is incredibly... comfortable.
Slip into 'Sport' or 'Sport+' and the car immediately feels tauter but far less compliant and forgiving. An impression reinforced by the engine, transmission, and steering shifting to a more buttoned-down mode at the same time.
The standard dynamic engine mounts play a big part here. Able to make a soft connection for maximum comfort, but switch to a rigid link when required.
But no matter which mode you're in, the car is well damped and feels beautifully balanced in quick cornering. And the E 63 S's electro-mechanically-assisted variable-rate steering is progressive, feelsome, and accurate.
The 4Matic+ AWD system is built around an electromechanically controlled clutch connecting the permanently driven rear axle (with locking diff) variably to the front axle.
Torque distribution happens imperceptibly, the big V8 putting its power down emphatically, with various electronic systems tieing up the loose ends as you aim up for the next corner.
There's even a 100 per cent RWD Drift mode available in the Race setting, but without a race circuit at our disposal this time around that'll have to wait for another time.
The optional ceramic brakes feature huge rotors and six-piston front calipers, and stopping power is immense. And the good news is they operate quickly but progressively at normal pottering around town speeds. No warming up required to get them in an optimal temperature zone (as can be the case with other ceramic set-ups).
Porsche Panamera
Some people might not understand the obsession or loyalty Porsche owners have towards their cars but if you’re a fence sitter, get in the Panamera. It will make you understand because after driving one... you'll hear yourself say 'I get it'.
The base model has the goods with the engine outputs to ensure the driving experience remains fun and responsive.
The Panamera is no wild bronco, it's a cool customer. The composure for power delivery is unlike other performance sedans you may have driven. Acceleration is effortless without any twitchiness. You never feel out of control.
The air suspension means you hear the bumps more than you feel them but you still get excellent road feedback as a driver.
Passenger comfort is high, despite the cabin being quite loud with road and engine noise, because the seat and ride comfort remains well-cushioned. Fatigue and jostling are at a minimum.
The handling of the Panamera when it comes to cornering and steering feels dynamic and agile. I made a point of doing multiple mini roadies this week, simply for the joy of driving it.
While the Panamera is the most fun on a winding mountain road, it's a pleasant open-road cruiser as well.
The base Panamera has three driving modes - 'Normal', 'Sport' or 'Sport Plus' with a 20-second power booster available when you need extra oomph.
The Normal mode is sufficient for daily driving and the Sport Plus offers stiffer suspension and handling but the preference is to keep it in Sport mode.
Mainly because in this mode you get an awesome throatiness from the exhaust as well as the dynamics you expect from a sports car.
It’s a bit deceptive but the Panamera is massive and sits at 5052mm long and 2165mm wide - so, it definitely fills out a parking space!
However, the 360-degree view camera system is one of the best in the segment but you may still get choosy with where you park it.
Safety
Mercedes-Benz E6310/10
The three-pointed star's white-coated boffins have gone to town on the E 63 S, and the car is as good as it currently gets in terms of active and passive safety technology.
You could argue this car's dynamic ability is its strongest contributor to crash-avoidance. But a broad suite of features, specifically designed to keep you out of trouble includes, forward and reverse AEB (with pedestrian, cyclist, and cross-traffic detection), traffic sign recognition, 'Attention Assist', 'Active Blind Spot Assist', 'Active Distance Assist', 'Active High Beam Assist Plus', 'Active Lane Change Assist', 'Active Lane Keeping Assist', and 'Evasive Steering Assist.' That's a lot of assists.
There's also a tyre pressure monitoring and pressure loss warning system, as well as a brake priming function (monitors release speed on the accelerator pedal, moving pads factionally closer to the discs when required), and brake drying (when the windscreen wipers are active the system periodically applies just enough brake pressure to wipe water off the brake rotors to optimise wet weather efficiency).
But if an impact is unavoidable the 'Pre-Safe Plus' system is able to recognise an imminent rear-end collision and fire up the rear hazard lights (at high frequency) to warn following traffic. It will also firmly apply the brakes once the vehicle is stationary to minimise the risk of whiplash injuries if the car's then hit from behind.
If the potential crash is coming from the side, 'Pre-Safe Impulse' inflates air chambers in the side bolsters of the front seat backrest (within a fraction of a second) moving the occupant to the side towards the centre of the car, away from the impact area. Amazing.
As well as that, there's an active bonnet to minimise pedestrian injuries, an auto emergency call function, 'Crash Response Emergency Lighting', even a first aid kit and hi-vis vests for all occupants.
For the record, the current E-Class received a maximum five-star ANCAP assessment in 2016.
Porsche Panamera
No Porsche is rated with ANCAP and the Panamera is no exception but the base model still has an extensive safety list that includes 10 airbags, which is more than some people movers!
The standard safety kit includes AEB, forward collision warning, blind spot monitoring, driver attention alert, safe exit warning, rear occupant alert, tyre pressure monitoring, an active bonnet and a side impact protection system.
There's also rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure alert, lane keeping aid, a head-up display, adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree view camera system, front and rear parking sensors, park assist, an engine immobiliser and an alarm system with radar-based interior surveillance.
The base Panamera misses out on traffic sign recognition and rear collision warning, though.
The rear row has two ISOFIX mounts and three top tethers but only two seats will be able to fit across the row.
Ownership
Mercedes-Benz E638/10
All AMG models sold in Australia are covered by Mercedes-Benz's five year/unlimited km warranty, with 24-hour roadside and accident assistance included for the duration.
Recommended service interval is 12 months or 20,000km, with pricing for a three-year (pre-paid) plan set at $4300, a $950 saving overall relative to its three year, pay-as-you-go 'Service Solutions' capped price program.
And if you're happy to fork over a little more up-front, there's a four-year service deal at $6300, and five years coming in at $7050.
Porsche Panamera
Porsche offers the Panamera with a three-year/unlimited km warranty, which is less than its competitors. It's more typical to see a five-year/unlimited km warranty in this segment.
Servicing intervals are reasonable at every 12-months or 15,000km, whichever occurs first and pricing varies per dealership.
The one I contacted (in Sydney) confirmed the first four years of servicing costs $8605 for an average of $2151.25 per workshop visit.
Worth noting the fourth year is a biggie at $4875, this major service including everything from an air-conditioning clean and transmission oil change to spark plug check/replacement and safety checks.
The Panamera is up there for service costs, even for the class but this kind of outlay comes with the territory when you're considering a car worth almost $300K.