Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG sedan/wagon
Base Price: $90,705/$93,305
Output: 518 hp, 516 lb-ft
Why It Made the List: Under the radar, outrageous, and family-friendly — all at the same time.
I grew up riding around in the second- and third-row seats of E-Class wagons, so Mercedes’ mid-size holds a special place in my heart. I’m not the only one at Automobile Magazine who cherishes the E-Class, especially the E63 AMG, which is one of the most outlandish yet refined family haulers around. Although the E63 is mainly offered as a sedan, the special-order-only wagon is best-suited to families. The E63’s 518-hp bi-turbo 4.6-liter V-8 engine sends its power through a seven-speed automatic to the rear wheels only. Yes, this wagon can do donuts on the way to pick up doughnuts for the kids.
The E63 AMG wagon is also sensible. It has 57.4 cubic feet of cargo space and comfortable seating for up to five people. (Sadly, the optional rear-facing third row is no longer available.) Mercedes also offers a wide range of options to help manage cargo and to keep canine family members in check. Even more sensibly, other than minor trim and fascia tweaks the E63 AMG looks the same as a standard E350 4Matic wagon, so only connoisseurs will notice the difference. That is, until you smoke everyone pulling away from a stoplight.
