Mercedes-AMG GLE63 (W167) and GLS63 (X167)

The titans of the Mercedes-AMG SUV lineup, the GLE63 and the GLS63, are back in their newest versions but they're not what they sound like because the folks from AMG introduced a little something under the hood speedo boys served as a forewarn to what plans ahead in the future.

The GLE63 AMG range, starting at 122,079 Euros plus additional costs, and the GLS63 AMG, priced at 146,572 Euros, are not the kind of big guns you are familiar with. Sure, they sure have the same 4.0L V8 BiTurbo as the other guys but unlike them, both the GLE63 and the kingpin GLS63 got their engines fitted with a 48-volt EQ Boost starter-alternator first applied on the 53 AMG models. 

That sounds like witchcraft for AMG conservatives but more with that later on but first, what's like to get to know about them? On the GLE side, you get the choice of two different bodystyles such as the normal and the coupe with the sliced roofline a la X6. Of course, the normal-shaped GLE63 is the better pick because of the spacing issues but either way, they've gotten macho because of its AMG treatments all over, inside and out.

The GLS63 boasts itself of being the most powerful and fastest seven-seater in the AMG stable and although too much crude humor and strong language not suitable for family use, the macho-looking GLS63 is fit for the super-rich speedo boys who love to stand out in the streets of Beverly Hills or at Route 66, whatever it is.

With their macho impressions put a shine on the super-rich speedo boys looking for style, performance, and utility that can haul just about everything, it's time to find out the mild hybrid witchcraft beneath them.

The 4.0L V8 BiTurbo engine is bolted with the integrated EQ Boost starter-alternator for the first time. When switched on, it grants an additional 16kW of power and 250Nm of torque into the V8 BiTurbo engine, giving it a whopping 634PS of power and 850Nm of torque. Mated to a 9-speed AMG Speedshift TCT, they're capable of going from 0-100kph in almost four and a half seconds and electronically limited to 250kph.

Sure, both the GLE63 and GLS63 are bulky in size but they're like magnum revolvers held in a well-balanced manner courtesy of their AMG ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL roll stabilization, AMG speed-sensitive sport power steering, high-performance braking systems, and AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive. Not quite as fun as its other guys but with such capability at all kinds of roads, these guys sure know how to keep themselves enjoyable and balanced at their own pace, although the added driver assist systems will make the experience look regular.

Like them or not, these high-powered heavyweights from AMG really mean business.

Photo: Daimler AG

Project CARS 3: The heroes of the game

The Mercedes-AMG GT R, the Acura NSX, and the Chevrolet Corvette C8 Stingray are the stars of Project CARS 3 and these machines deserve the respect it needs because these cars truly defined what makes Project CARS 3 great.

Without further ado, let's get to know more about the heroes of Project CARS 3.

First off is the Acura NSX, known as the Honda NSX in the rest of the globe. Ever since Honda revived the NSX after its 2005 discontinuation, the world rejoiced and by many surprises, the modern-day NSX shares nothing in common with the old NSX, although it retains the midship engine layout from its predecessor. Although Japanese in spirit, it was built in the USA, and powering it is a revolutionary Sport Hybrid SH-AWD where the 3.5L V6 DOHC Twin Turbo engine is connected to three electric motors that take care of the Power Drive Unit and a li-ion battery that takes charge on the Intelligent Power Unit, resulting to a total power output of 581PS of power. In its updated version, the NSX features refined chassis components, tires, and software tuning to make it more engaging than before.

Next is the Chevrolet Corvette C8 Stingray. For the first time in Corvette history, the eighth-generation model is now a mid-engined sports car, which most purists call sacrilege. Matching the best of Europe in terms of performance, the mid-engined C8 Corvette is powered by an all-new 6.2L LT2 V8 engine, producing up to 495HP of power and 470lb-ft of torque, while mated to a Corvette-first double-clutch gearbox. With the Z51 Performance Package, the C8 Corvette is armed with Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 which reads the road every millisecond and adapts in about 10 to 15 milliseconds.

Lastly, the Mercedes-AMG GT R. Served as the high-performance version of the AMG GT sports car, it's powered by a specifically-tuned version of the AMG 4.0L V8 BiTurbo engine that produces 585HP of power and 700Nm of torque while mated to a 7-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT. It does 0-100kph in 3.6 seconds and has a top speed of 318kph. In the recent update, the AMG GT R was made even better with the special PRO variant with improved suspension, lightweight construction, aerodynamics, and appearance.

Now that we get to know about the three hero cars, it's time to find out which of the three PC3 hero cars is the best and with that, it's time to conduct my little experiment at a Tuscan vineyard, which was displayed on the game's official key visual.

Let the experiment begin.

After a quick lap around the vineyard, here are the results;

Corvette - 1:19.593

NSX - 1:18.168

AMG GT R - 1:18.893

The mid-engined, four-wheel drive, hybrid-powered NSX emerged is the winner of this experiment and as a result, this is the best of the three PC3 hero cars. Score another one for the Japanese carmakers.

There is a clear reason why the NSX, the C8 Corvette, and the AMG GT R are the hero cars of Project CARS 3 because these three cars represent the world of motorsports we live in. The NSX represents Asia, the Corvette represents America, and the AMG GT R represents Europe, therefore Project CARS 3 features the world's best cars and racetracks for everyone to take on.

This is the brave new world of motorsport we live in and only the fastest will come out on top.

Good luck and welcome to the world of Project CARS 3.

Forza Horizon 4: The new breed of super saloons

The Mercedes-AMG E63 signals the new breed of super saloons where the glorious FR layout of the past has been ditched in favor of four-wheel drive but still offers the same rear-wheel-drive feel with a special device planted to it. Sacrilege by some, the new E63 sets the new benchmark for executive-sized fast saloons, something that the latest BMW M5 followed suit.



Having won this car from the Series 21 Horizon Winter Playlist, let's get to know more about the Mercedes-E63 AMG W213.



Following where the previous model left off, the new Mercedes-AMG E63 sets the standards of fast executive-class super saloons as for the latest model, the rear-wheel-drive layout of the past has been ditched in favor of its AMG-tweaked 4MATIC+ four-wheel-drive system with a special Drift Mode feature that allows this sedan to oversteer like a rear-wheel-drive car. The new model is powered by the same 4.0L V8 BiTurbo engine as the Mercedes-AMG GT sports car but in the S version, it produces up to 612PS of power and 850Nm of torque. With the nine-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT, it does 0-100kph in 3,4 seconds and it is electronically limited to 250kph or with an additional extra, the limit can be raised up to 50kph more, resulting in 300kph.



Although it feels more mature to drive than the M5, the E63 sure is as quick as any German super-saloon should and still enjoy some serious super-saloon stuff even with a four-wheel-drive standard. You can really spend lots of time getting hooked to its dynamics like a man possessed and still get out unscathed. I'm starting to understand why Mercedes opted to make the W213 E63 a four-wheel drive only super-saloon and how the current BMW M5 stole the E63's recipe for success but forget about it because it's time to see which of the German 4WD super saloons is the king.



With that, the F90 BMW M5 has been rejoined to settle this personal debate once and for all in the streets of Edinburgh.




I remember a certain Top Gear episode where Harris drives the E63 while Business Stig drives the M5 and in the end, the AMG is the winner. Now that we're in the city center, let's see if the AMG still beats the M5 by setting a fast time through the Edinburgh city sprint. Let's roll the tape.

After a quick sprint in the heart of the city, here are the results;

F90 M5 - 2:49.837
E63 W213 - 2:49.403



To the winner, the spoils. With the three-horsepower gap between them, it's no wonder the E63 managed to claw through the tail-happy F90 M5 by a narrow margin and nicks it with a scratch, not a slash. Judging by the close result, the Benz really grabs it by the nose faster than the BMW and looks like Mercedes is still king in making super saloons even at this brave new age where four-wheel drive is the norm.

The more your know.

Mercedes-AMG GLB35

The first-ever Mercedes-Benz GLB is no doubt the smallest seven-seater crossover they've ever made for people who can't afford the likes of the GLE and the king of Mercedes crossovers, the GLS. Those looking for some more beef in the GLB should consider the semi-high performance variant of the GLB, dubbed the Mercedes-AMG GLB35 4Matic, and this is what happens when soccer mom's secret life is bigger than the kids imagined.

2020 Mercedes-AMG GLB35

The GLB35 is priced at 54,550 Euros plus on road costs, meaning it's more expensive to own than the normal GLB but less expensive than the GLE53 by almost 20 grand, making it the ideal bargain crossover for those who are rich and have kids.

First and foremost, the GLB35 works like a normal GLB, meaning that it's short in size, seven-seater capacity where the back has a dreadful choice between boot space or extra seats for anyone in case the second-row seats got occupied by child seats, which is not cool for those hunting for the "sweet spot", endless amount of tech loaded to it, everything. But since this is the GLB35, it's way different than your normal GLB.

The engine, like most of the AMG 35 lineup, is a 306PS 2.0L turbocharged petrol engine mated to an AMG SPEEDSHIFT 8-speed double-clutch gearbox, capable of going 0-100kph in less than five seconds and top speed limited to 250kph. Simple as that.

Dynamics wise, the 4Matic four-wheel drive system really means it's not afraid to get itself dirty, especially in the wet, but being crossover, it's unwise to take it for a cross-country trip. That's reserved for the G-Class, thank you very much. Dirt aside, the GLB35 is not bad to be taken on the road but worth a struggle on the bends when taken on the track because with its main intention to go understeer like normal four-wheel drive cars with front-biased diffs. Even toying around with its AMG DYNAMIC SELECT and AMG DYNAMICS wouldn't help either because it behaves like a hot Audi in so many ways. Crude but effective if you are into something mild.

So, would you consider this in case you can't afford the GLE53? Judging by the way it goes, you can if you are prepared to sacrifice your arms for the mild and tangy character the GLB35 possesses but for everyday use, it's crude but effective. That's all.

Photo: Daimler AG

Mercedes-AMG A45 (177) and CLA45 (118)

Mercedes-AMG perfected the hot hatch game with their previous A45 hot hatch years ago with its 2.0L four-cylinder turbocharged engine that made it the most powerful four-cylinder engine in the world. Now, as the new generation A-Class flourished, the A45 made a grand comeback to level up the hot hatch ante. Happily though, the ultimate hot hatch's not alone though as it's joined by the junior four-door coupe in the AMG 45 range, the CLA45. These two are ready to impress the world once again with its more powerful turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and addicting dynamics that will make them fall in love.

2020 Mercedes-AMG A45

2020 Mercedes-AMG CLA45

The Mercedes-AMG A45, starting at 56,228 Euros plus OTR, and the CLA45, starting at 60,095 Euros plus OTR, are back for their latest generation, promising to be the most enjoyable high-performance compacts drivers will fall in love with if they are fully prepare to pay a hefty price for such enjoyment these two will deliver.

On the design department, the signature AMG grille donned in range-toppers really put a massive grin on their faces as well as other exterior improvements in store for them and and although hideous to look at, these AMG models surely know business and pleasure even on the inside, where the sports seats really mean business to the drivers.

As full-blown AMG models, the A45 and CLA 45 are armed with the brand new M139 2.0L Twin-Scroll Turbo 4-cylinder engine which, in the range topping S variants, produces 421PS of power and 500Nm of torque and when mated to an AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 8G, it goes from 0-100kph in less than four seconds and a top speed of 270kph. This is the most powerful 2.0L four-cylinder turbocharged engine in the world and you should credit Mercedes-AMG for all the hard work pouring into this powerhouse, although unhappy with the muted noise drivers noticed when they get their foot down.

Yes, the muted noise is a bit of a letdown to many but on the dynamics side, this is where the new A45 and CLA45 truly shine the most because they both come with the AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive with AMG Torque Control in the new rear axle differential, which makes them livelier to drive than the previous models. Couple that with the Drift Mode setting and the result is a mind-blowing experience that will make them fall in love with either of these two. In fact, every gearhead in the world's getting jealous over the new A45/CLA45's greatness. When taken on the track, these models really are the class reps, and on the road, with most of their comfortable settings in place, they are an absolute standout from the crowd.

This is by no means one of the best high-performance compacts the folks from Mercedes-AMG ever made and despite its silent treatment which bothers most drivers while letting the hammer down, the dynamics the A45/CLA45 possess are relatively superior, even in the most enjoyable settings yet. With performance like this, perhaps this is the main reason why we can't have the nicest things. In fact, we're getting jealous to have one of those one day. Come on, world. We're ready.

Photo: Daimler AG

Mercedes-AMG A 35 4MATIC

The A35 is the first AMG offering for the fourth-generation Mercedes-Benz A-Class and as a mild-but-menacing semi-hot hatch made to compete with the likes of the Golf GTi or an Audi S3, there's something cool about the almost-hot hatch that is made for the speedo boys who had less than 53 grand to spare from their wallets.

2019 Mercedes-AMG A 35 4MATIC

As a hatchback priced at less than 53 grand, the A35 may not be the most daring of the hot hatches by the looks of it but when the drivers let loose of its turbocharged 2.0L 4-cylinder petrol engine, this is where everything's personal when its been taken on the road.

First off, the engine produces about 306PS of power, which is less than the now-defunct Ford Focus RS possess, and thanks to its AMG-tweaked 4MATIC variable all-wheel drive, it does 0-100kph in less than five seconds, which is surprisingly quick for the baby of the AMG family tree but it's not just straight-line quick that makes the A35 worth noticing, it's the way it behaves.

The 4MATIC variable all-wheel drive system that powers it is not what you called fantastic but it feels somewhat mild to drive, which is great for intermediate-level drivers who had their first fill with this semi-hot hatch and because the way it drives ranges from transmitting most of the power on the front to all four wheels, the difference between breaking your arm or breaking a leg is the kind of feeling you'd expect when you take it on the corners. It may not be as easy to smoke things out as a Ford Focus RS but with all that grip, it feels so easy to get the most out of this car.

While it wasn't the least of the problems, there are so many stuff the A35 carries such as the rather bizarre AMG exhaust system with exhaust flap that makes it as quiet as the whispering spell, the AMG SPEEDSHIFT 7-speed double-clutch gearbox that promises to shift as fast as an F1 car but it doesn't make you feel like Lewis Hamilton every time you change gear, adaptive damping system, high-performance brake system, electro-mechanical sports power steering, and some other stuff too much to explain.

The Mercedes-AMG A35 may not be the best hot hatch in town but because of its grip courtesy of its 4MATIC all-wheel drive system, and some other stuff that makes it worth noticeable, this entry-level member of the AMG family still has a lot to learn from its bigger relatives but since this is a fast-learner, you never know what sort of fate will this semi-hot hatch will run into, whether if its for better or for worse.

Photo: Mercedes-Benz

Forza Horizon 4: Gifts from Top Gear

The recent Forza Horizon 4 update introduces us to a brand new Horizon Story I'm sure most are interested to play it, whether they like it or not. It's the Top Gear Horizon Special and with voiceover by Top Gear presenter Chris Harris, players will take on challenging stuff to win prizes from this new Horizon Story.







The Top Gear Horizon Special features a series of unpredictable, challenging, chapters to clear, leading up to the climax where players will drive a truck carrying a special surprise at the back to the target destination. Perform outstanding results and they can win prizes such as The Stig's costume, the "I Am The Stig" shirt, and the cars lined up from the Top Gear Horizon Special.



This is the Track-tor, a V8-powered tractor Matt LeBlanc made from a certain episode of Top Gear and with its 87.2mph top speed, it was verified by Guinness World Record as the world's fastest tractor. It took two years to build it, did you know.



Next on the list is the "Project E-AT", a current-generation Mercedes-Benz E350d All-Terrain lightly modified by the Top Gear Magazine staff for their trip to the very eastern edge of Estonia on the Russian border or tracking bears, whatever the TG magazine staff said.

And now, the special surprise...



A first in Forza; a six-wheeler in the form of a previous-generation Mercedes G-Class. It's called the Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG 6x6, a 5.5L V8 BiTurbo-powered, six-wheeled, monstrosity only the privileged few can conquer the ends of the earth with its signature 6x6 technology, independent and neutral chassis, portal axles, five differential locks, 7G-TRONIC gearbox, and more. What more can you ask from this colossal Graz titan?

Anyway, now that I got my hands on these three prize cars obtained for performing outstanding results on the Top Gear Horizon Special (just nail three stars on all chapters, okay?), let's give these three Stig-approved machines a quick drive to see what they're made of.







The "I Am The Stig" shirt, The Stig's costume, and three new prize vehicles are yours to keep after nailing all three stars per chapter on the Top Gear Horizon Special and if you got them all, what's your favorite so far? Most say you love the G63 6X6, others like the Track-tor, but a few like me like the Project E-AT. Still, these three are really awesome to drive and they are Stig-approved for your Stig-ness.

Enjoy!

Forza Horizon 4: A Tale of Two Mercs

The recent Summer Horizon Playlist is like Lady Chatterlay's Palace. There are so many challenges to overcome in a week but after a harsh battle at Lady Chatterlay's Palace, I got some souvenirs from the trip but the biggest catches are the two Mercs that are new in the game; the AMG GT 4-Door and the X-Class.



First off, here's the AMG GT 4-Door that I got from the playlist. Despite sharing the name of the two-door AMG GT, both the coupe and the 4-door have no relation. The base GT43 has the basic 6-cylinder turbo engine while the mid-range GT53 comes with the 3.0L in-line six-cylinder engine with EQ Boost electric auxiliary compressor and the range-topping GT63S, seen here, features a more powerful 4.0L V8 Twin Turbo engine that produces 639PS of power, while mated to a SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G-Tronic.



Come to think of it when I first laid my foot down on the GT 4-door, in the range-topping GT63S, I had a fitting expression that I might dance like the F90 M5 but the GT63S isn't more than just a dancing mirage. It's a top star with an arrogant but elegant aura that unsheathes the sword and slashes through stardom except for some Achilles' heels in store for this car; the handling and the sluggish 9G-Tronic gearbox. I know, I tried, but anyway, with the GT63S sporting the expression that says "THIS IS MAYA TENDO" on it, gotta love that Starlight reference I made, this 4-door coupe is ready for action.



After my time with the GT 4-Door, it's time to take a look on my other Merc.



This is the Mercedes-Benz X-Class, the luxury car company's first pickup, but don't be fooled by its looks because this is basically a Nissan underneath and just like the Nissan it was based on, the X-Class features a ladder-frame chassis combined with the super-high-tensile-strength steel to ensure it's tough enough to go anywhere and it has engageable 4MATIC with two different modes; low-range that sacrifices top speed for better offroad capability while high-range for better traction offroad. Under the hood, the X-Class is powered by a 2.3L four-cylinder turbodiesel engine in two different power outputs with the highest producing 190PS of power and 450Nm of torque, mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed automatic gearbox.

I managed to give it a try to see what's what behind the wheel of this Mercedes-Nissan truck.



So, which of the two Mercs I got is the best? Well, for me, I think the GT63S is my pick because it has the talent of the top star in the revue despite the handling issue and the lagging gearbox. It almost feels like the F90 M5 that I fell in love with a while back and when compared between them, seems like Maya Tendo's no match against Maika Chono. Huhehe...

Anyway, enjoy your new rides.

Mercedes-AMG CLS53 vs. AMG GT 4-Door

The third-generation Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class W257 finally gets its own AMG variant but it's not in a way we think because following the introduction of AMG's new 53 range that began with the E53 Coupe and Cabriolets, the AMG version of the W257 CLS is following suit with the first-ever CLS53 AMG and the question is, why this? Let's analyze.

2019 Mercedes-AMG CLS53

Starting at 84,431 Euros, this is the CLS-Class' starting point at the Mercedes-AMG stable, the CLS53, and while its not as lairy as the old CLS63 AMG from the previous generation, the powertrain of the CLS53 makes it rather special in every single way.

Like the E53 vehicles before, the CLS53 features a new 3.0L in-line six-cylinder engine with EQ Boost electric auxiliary compressor, which is a a mild-hybrid that doesn't makes it a Prius in a tuxedo. What it does is that it delivers 457PS of power and 520Nm of torque, that's V8 power in a very small six-cylinder engine made by Mercedes and when mated to a SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G-Tronic, the CLS53 sprints from 0-100kph in four and a half seconds and it is electronically limited to 250kph or with the optional driver's package, it does up to 270kph so it's fast.

While some say that the CLS53, because of its all-wheel drive system, is going to be mild and tangy like an Audi S7 but it's not true because this all-wheel drive system here is the AMG Performance 4MATIC+, meaning that it can be transitioned to either all four wheels or to the back with its fully variable torque distribution, letting this car dance like it means it.

So, if you like the CLS53 for its powertrain way beyond six-cylinder levels thanks to its mild-hybrid setup and its dynamics worth a dancing mirage, you should turn their attention to this one;

2019 Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door

This is the first-ever Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door and while this is basically AMG's answer to Porsche's Panamera and Maserati's Quattroporte, the AMG GT 4-door delivers the same thrills as its two-door equivalent while having a VIP in the backseat, despite the fact that both the two-door and the four-door AMG GTs aren't really relatives.

There are different levels of the AMG GT 4-door to choose from, something that its two-door equivalent never had the chance (and never will be because it will stick being a V8 sportscar). The highest-spec version, the GT63S, features a more powerful 4.0L V8 Twin Turbo engine that produces more power than the old 6.0L V12 used on the S65 range. 639PS of course. However, if you got a driver's license for the first time, better stick to the middle-ranged GT53 with its 3.0L in-line six-cylinder engine with EQ Boost electric auxiliary compressor like the one I mentioned above, and the low-calorie equivalent GT43 with the basic 6-cylinder turbo engine.

The GT43 starts at 91,809 Euros while the top-end GT63S starts at an outrageously priced 167,017 Euros. Very expensive indeed but it doesn't matter which GT 4-Door you choose because no matter the engine, you will still be greeted by its AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system that can be transitioned to either all four wheels or to the back with its fully variable torque distribution, meaning that this four-door couple likes to get in the groove on the road and on the track, reminiscent of how today's Mercedes E63 and BMW M5 do in their time.

In conclusion; although the four-door AMG GT has all the levels and the groove to make it more ready for action, those who haven't got that kind of value should better stick with the CLS53 for the time being but if the timing's just right for people who saved enough money for not buying the CLS53, they'll be lucky enough to drive the four-door AMG GT which shares nothing in common with the two-door equivalent and basically just an improved E-Class underneath it. Sounds like a plot twist but either way, these two new AMG four-door coupes are sure enough to give drivers the twist they want.

Photo: Daimler AG

Mercedes-AMG E53 Coupe and Cabriolet (C238)

The previous-generation E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet were all lovely weekend would-be grand tourers fit enough to drive on the country club to play golf or to a Michelin-starred restaurant to spend a date but the lack of the AMG variant really means that they're less fun to drive as the sedan and wagon equivalent where they both have hard-boiled AMG variants at play. Realizing this is a fatal mistake, today's E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet have been given the AMG treatment they've longly deserved, except for one thing.

2019 Mercedes-AMG E53 Coupe

2019 Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet

Instead of giving it a V8 like every AMG 63 range or the basic 6-cylinder from the AMG 43 range, they've been given some mild-hybrid science to the 3.0-liter in-line six-cylinder turbo engine and as a result, the Mercedes-AMG 53 range is born and the E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet were the firsts to don it.

Normally, I would like to talk more about what these two look like apart from looking like the same as their normal equivalents with some AMG treatments inside and out but life is short so let's focus more on the powertrain in question. The E53 range is powered by a new 3.0L in-line six-cylinder engine with EQ Boost electric auxiliary compressor.. That's right, there is now a mild-hybrid AMG in the stable and while this is not a Prius in tuxedo, they're still AMGs at heart and they produce a modest 457PS of power and 520Nm of torque. That's V8 power in a very small six-cylinder engine and that's miniaturization done right for the boys from AMG and also, when mated with a SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G-Tronic, it does 0-100kph in four and a half seconds and top speed normally limited to 250kph. An optional extra will have the limit raised to 270kph so that's 911 stuff in a mild and tangy AMG grand tourers fit for weekends at the nightclub or at the track. Fuel efficiency combined is around less than nine liters per 100 km so that's quite impressive for a straight-six AMGs.

Speaking of mild and tangy, both the E53 Coupe and Cabriolet are armed with 4MATIC+ which promises to be the best of both worlds. It can be transitioned to either all four wheels or to the back with its fully variable torque distribution and as a result, a moderately enjoyable car to drive if you are fully understand with all of the other stuff such as the AMG RIDE CONTROL+ Suspension and the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT that fits with your driving style. That is a pretty nice car to take it on the road and track but tread carefully because at some cases, that 4MATIC+ system might just lose its touch and as a result, some arm-breaking understeer you can't get away from. Talk abut being too much grip.

So, should you buy it? The Coupe will cost you 81,592 Euros while the Cabriolet costs 87,066 Euros so they are somewhat expensive to own but the pricing isn't the least of the problems here because to sum things up, these variants don't live up to their fire-breathing fantasies the E63 variants posses and although the mild and menacing character shows that it can be somewhat grippy and somewhat melodramatic but at least it was a start and it's more than enough to give the E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet the AMG treatment they deserve. If they need more, they won't hesitate to ask AMG to pump them up with some more stimulants. These E53 variants have a long way to go.

Photo: Daimler AG

Forza Motorsport 7: The Anglo-German quagmire

For some bothersome speedo boys, the partnership between Aston Martin and Mercedes-AMG can be downright bothersome ever since the British sports car maker announced that they will borrow AMG's V8 engine for their forthcoming models, including the DB11.

In my early youth, I always wanted AMG to be the one that bears exotic power on everyday models ever since the G65, the SL65, and the S65 hoping that one day, all models bearing the 55 nomenclature should advance to 65 and become an all-V12 lineup but no, they'd rather want to keep the V8 at bay and introduced the 63 nomenclature to everyday models like the E-Class, the C-Class, and so on, and even though today's 63 models are turbocharged and sourced from the AMG GT flagship sportscar, it wasn't enough to whet my appetite. Even the newer Aston Martins with AMG V8 engines fared worse than ever in my mind. This is the Anglo-German quagmire I didn't see it coming and to explain what I'm on about, I'm gonna have a shootout between a V8-powered AMG and a V12-powered Aston to see if V8 power is the way forward or not.





For this shootout, I'd picked the Mercedes-AMG GT R, which has a 4.0L V8 BiTurbo on it, and an Aston Martin DB11, which has a 5.2L V12 Twin Turbo engine. Yes, the DB11 has more power than the AMG GT R but is the V12 really faster than the V8? To find out, I'm standing here at the Top Gear Test Track to explain what I'm on about.



For some incumbent reasons, Mercedes-AMG wanted the V8 to stay rather than transforming itself into an all-V12 lineup. That's how the world rattled when they introduced the 63 nomenclature in reference to the 6.3L V8 but with times are changing, the 63 models had their engines downsized and at the turn of the new decade, there was the 5.5L V8 BiTurbo engine, and now, several years later, this engine. the 4.0L V8 BiTurbo engine. Introduced to the normal AMG GT, the 4.0L V8 BiTurbo engine can be tweaked out depending on the model and in this hot version, the AMG GT R, it produces 585HP of power and 700Nm of torque while mated to a 7-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT, and it's not even the most powerful AMG offering yet, you know, but in the world where downsizing is becoming mainstream in most carmakers, this engine never fails to impress and this is the main reason why I love this AMG GT in every point of view because I tried it before.



Aston Martin has been well-known for their V12-powered grand tourers but with the introduction of the DB11, they've thrown the world a curve with the introduction of the 5.2L V12 Twin Turbo engine, which is smaller than the predecessors' 6.0L V12 engine but it sounds very smooth indeed and produces a lot of power than the old engine. 608PS of power and 700Nm of torque, that's how the V12 works and it's great to know that downsizing aside, they've still retained the V12 for the purity of it but annoyingly, Aston Martin added the AMG V8 BiTurbo engine on it, and care to guess how the AMG V8 BiTurbo fares against Aston's own V12 Twin Turbo engine? That's why we're here at the Top Gear Track to settle this issue once and for all.

Obviously, it's very impossible to beat the lap times set by The Stig in real life, so what I'm gonna do is do the shootout my way to see which one is the best. Is it the one with the AMG V8 BiTurbo or the one with the Aston Martin V12 Twin Turbo? Time to roll the clip.



And now, the results...

AMG GT R - 1:20.231
DB11 - 1:23.402

It's a shocking result! Although not as fast as The Stig's the gap between them has been narrowed to just almost three seconds! But still, I find that surprising that V8 power is the way forward especially if it comes from Mercedes-AMG.





I had to admit that what they did is not a quagmire to sports cars because Mercedes-AMG really know what they were doing, creating the best engines made specifically for their kind of cars, and with the 4.0L V8 BiTurbo engine, it's all about getting acquainted with all the right grooves and the right place. The Aston V12 Twin Turbo may be smooth and powerful but in the end, looks like David beaten Goliath at the very end and looks like Aston Martin did surrender their fate to the Germans, knowing that the AMG V8 BiTurbo would look good on their forthcoming models, even the DB11.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet (C213) vs AMG E63 (S213) Estate

Not too long ago, Mercedes-Benz brought us the above average E-Class Coupe which shares the same features as the saloon version but with less doors for that grand touring feeling a bachelor would want to feel, although not as exciting as it seems, and with the new Cabriolet version, looks like there's a similar feeling you're going to experience in the open-top version of the two-door version of the E-Class.

2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet

Like the coupe version, the all-new E-Class Cabriolet from Mercedes-Benz is all about cruising in a different approach for those who want to savor the moment when it comes to their weekend drives and because it offers the same choice of engines as the coupe version as well as the 9G-TRONIC gearbox, especially the the more powerful 3.0L V6 biturbo engine equipped with ECO Start/Stop on the E400, there's no telling how do you live with the open-top variant that is crisper to drive as the coupe version, even though it weighs more due to stiffer bodyshell structures for health and safety.

With the AIR BODY CONTROL multi-chamber air suspension, the E-Class Cabriolet can accommodate just about everything while driving such as raising the body when going over speed humps or lowering it if you are feeling ballsy through the corners. Whichever way you're going, you'd be sure that the Cabriolet isn't the most fun car to drive but the most civilized way of having a relaxing getaway from the city.

As a convertible, the E-Class Cabriolet features exclusive features such as the available AIRCAP electric draught-stop system, the AIRSCARF neck-level heating system, a specially-developed climate control, and a MAGIC VISION CONTROL that works well on the Cabriolet even when cruising on the rainy weather. All is nice but while it features the same safety tech as most of the E-Class variants, feels like the Cabriolet wants to do the talking for the driver for the time being and that sounds a bit average, especially when you look at the price tag that the Cabriolet starts at 54,228 Euros.

Yes, that car maybe nice to drive on the open roads but it can be somewhat average for the car enthusiast in you and because it's getting cold outside, cars like these would be pointless to take it out for a drive so instead of taking this cabriolet on the road in case the weather's gone windy, rainy, or chilly, perhaps you should go for one of these...

2018 Mercedes-AMG E63 Estate

This is the new Mercedes-AMG E63 Estate and with prices start at 112,907 Euros, it can be as pricey as supercars but this isn't a supercar, it's a balls-out station wagon that offers the same thrills as the saloon but with some added boot space for some stuff you bought in a middle of Boxing Day.

It maybe made for Boxing Day shopping but since this is the AMG, you can expect the same 4.0L V8 BiTurbo engine where in the S version produces 612PS of power and 850Nm of torque while mated to a nine-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT. It maybe limited to 250kph but for an additional cost, the limit can be raised to 290kph, which is ten less than the saloon version. I wonder why...

Still, even though it's a tad slower than the saloon, this is as enjoyable as the Ford Focus RS because 4MATIC+ four-wheel drive system with the fully variable torque distribution that makes it behave like two cars; either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive when needed most. Along with the three-chamber air suspension system, rear differential lock, AMG Sport speed-sensitive steering, and the AMG high-performance braking system, this all-weather AMG estate handles like a double-edged sword. It may not be perfect as it feels but all that AMG action pays off to create a super wagon that can outlast a parent-teacher conference or two.

As said, the E-Class Cabriolet is not an exciting car to drive but fit enough to relax a city dweller on a long drive but if you are brave enough to take on everything, you would go for the E63 Estate and with all that power and dynamics, this sounds like a hearty challenge brave enough for you to take on.

Photo: Daimler AG

GT SPORT: Meet the hero car of the game

The Mercedes-AMG GT is served as the hero car of Gran Turismo Sport and you can really tell it because it was featured in the game's cover art. Getting to know the game's hero car can be as flattering as meeting your favorite celebrity in person but this is no time for flattery because it's time to get some serious matter about AMG's latest halo sports car that follows the footsteps of its powerful predecessor.



So, what is the AMG GT anyway? Premiered at the 2014 Paris Motor Show, the AMG GT doesn't count as a worthy successor to the very brutal and very powerful SLS AMG because of the power out that separates these two but needless to say, the AMG GT's newly developed 4.0L V8 BiTurbo engine produces almost the same amount of torques as the defunct SLS AMG. In the S version, that produces 502HP of power and 478.8ft-lb of torque while mated to a 7-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT. It does 0-60mph in less than four seconds and a top speed of 193mph.

Believe it or not, this is the first-ever turbocharged engine that has two turbochargers bolted inside the engine rather than on the outside of the cylinder banks. This kind of setup optimum response from the turbochargers and low exhaust gas emissions thanks to optimum air flow for the close-coupled catalytic converters. Another great trick is the dry sump lubrication which preserves the oil supply during high G forces and allows the engine to be installed lower, providing better center of gravity.

Performance aside, the AMG GT features an aluminium spaceframe with intelligent material mix on the body which sets the new standards for modern sportscars and resulted to lightweight but rigid sportscars that accommodates rather well with its drivetrain.

Apart from that, the AMG GT comes with other key points that makes it capable on the road and on the track such as electronic rear-axle locking differential, race-derived double wishbone suspension, electronically-controlled damping with AMG DYNAMIC PLUS package, and ceramic high-performance composite brake system.



Having sampled the taste of Affalterbach's offering, the AMG GT still retains the charm point of the old SLS AMG even though its short on power compared to it and that is even with the smaller V8 twin-turbo engine that became the basis for future AMG models, it can still tickle the drivers' fancy. It can bark but this car can really bites the driver with unpredictable patterns of handling it. Going to fast, it may oversteer through the corner, but going too slow, it may trigger understeer, so you may need to be careful about handling this thing which is surprisingly intimidating for a small car with a smaller V8 engine on the front.

You can drive it very gently but don't go too gently on it because there are times you need to be gentle with its behavior and there are times to go for broke so if you going to set blistering fast times or outwit the competition, you'd better prepare for a strategy that involves dealing with the AMG GT's dynamism that requires only the driver's timing to get things right or get bitten by it.





Right, now that I said everything about the AMG GT, how about going for  quick drive round Willow Springs on the AMG GT? This is how I will get to know about the car better in the idea of driving through a technical track to see what is what. Oh, and if you noticed this odd looking AMG GT I'm having, I replicated it after Tej's AMG GT from The Fate of the Furious. If you want it, come, but first, a hot lap round Willow Springs with GT SPORT's hero car.



After a hot lap round Willow Springs, I did it in a 1:30.329, not as fast as what a German industrialist would do but it is clear that the AMG GT requires concentration and timing to get the satisfactory it deserves.



For five decades, AMG has been evolved from once a tuning company that modifies Benzes into the high performance division of Mercedes-Benz, and with a wide selection of high-performance Benzes on the road and on the track, nothing's sweeter than celebrating the AMG's jubilee in every single way and with the AMG GT, the jubilee has just begun for them. It's a great thing the Gran Turismo franchise celebrates the AMG's jubilee by featuring the AMG GT as the hero car of GT SPORT and by evoking AMG knowhow to the spirit of Gran Turismo, the AMG GT colors the picture between the two best things a petrolhead would love in terms of opera, art, and donuts.

Here's to fifty more years, AMG, and if you want to drive the AMG GT for yourself, get GT SPORT now on the PS4.