AMG E 63 S Vs RS7 Performance Showdown: Which Is Faster?

Two titans of German engineering clash in the super sedan arena: the Mercedes-AMG E 63 S 4Matic+ and the Audi RS7 Sportback Performance. Both pack **4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engines** producing over 600 horsepower, all-wheel drive, and blistering acceleration, but subtle differences in tuning, chassis setup, and features determine the champion. This showdown dives into their powertrains, straight-line speed, track prowess, daily drivability, pricing, and more to crown the superior machine.

Powertrain Deep Dive: V8 Muscle Compared

At the heart of both cars lie hand-built V8s with turbos nestled in the cylinder banks for razor-sharp response. The **Mercedes-AMG E 63 S** edges ahead with 612 ps (604 bhp) and a monstrous **850 Nm (627 lb-ft)** of torque on overboost, available from just 2,500 rpm. Its 9-speed AMG Speedshift MCT transmission, paired with a race-start launch control, catapults it forward with unmatched ferocity.

The **Audi RS7 Performance** counters with 605 ps (597 bhp) and 750 Nm (553 lb-ft), routed through an 8-speed Tiptronic automatic. While potent, it lacks the Merc’s extra grunt and launch optimization, resulting in slightly softer in-gear pulls. Recent mild-hybrid tech in the RS7 promises minor efficiency gains, claiming 11.6 L/100km combined versus the E 63’s 12.3 L/100km, though real-world tests show closer parity around 18-24 mpg.

Mercedes’ ‘hot-V’ turbo placement and overboost mode deliver explosive mid-range shove, making overtakes effortless. Audi’s setup feels refined but less explosive.

Straight-Line Supremacy: Drag Race Results

Sprint times reveal the E 63 S’s edge. It hits 0-60 mph in **3.0 seconds**, 0-100 mph in 7.0 seconds, and stretches to 170 mph in 23.3 seconds—shaving 0.2-1.0 seconds off the RS7 across the board. In metric terms, 0-100 kph takes 3.2 seconds for Mercedes versus 3.3 for Audi, with the gap widening at higher speeds: 200 kph in 10.4s vs 10.6s.

• Quarter-Mile Estimate: E 63 S at ~10.5s @ 130+ mph edges RS7’s 10.7s.
• Top Speed: RS7 claims 305 kph (190 mph), E 63 limited to 300 kph (186 mph), though both governors can be removed.
• Rolling Acceleration: From 80-160 kph in 7th gear, E 63 S clocks 12.0s vs RS7’s 13.7s.

Independent tests confirm: Auto Express noted E 63 S 3.1 seconds quicker from 50-70 mph in 8th gear, dominating gear changes by up to 1.9 seconds. Car and Driver’s RS7 stopped from 70 mph in 154 ft, but E 63 variants hit 147 ft in similar GT63 S tests.

Track and Handling: Cornering Kings

On circuits, the **AMG E 63 S dominates** with superior lap times: Hockenheim Short (1:11.30 vs 1:12.60), Sachsenring (1:35.90 vs 1:38.36), and Madras (1:54.25 vs 1:58.55). Its score of 100/100 in track performance crushes RS7’s 93.

Braking shines too: 100 kph-0 in 33m (E 63) vs 34m (RS7); 200 kph-0 in 133m vs 137m. Lateral grip hits 1.01g for Mercedes, 0.94g for Audi, with an 18m slalom at 69.0 kph vs 66.8 kph.

Audi’s dynamic all-wheel steering aids stability, turning rear wheels for agility, but Mercedes’ adaptive air suspension and drift mode offer sharper control and playful rear bias.

Ride, Noise, and Daily Usability

Despite hardcore creds, both excel as grand tourers. The E 63 S’s air suspension in comfort mode absorbs bumps better than its stiff reputation suggests, though 20-inch wheels transmit some harshness. Its **optional performance exhaust** roars louder than RS7’s subdued note.

Audi rides plusher, pitching more under hard moves but feeling more isolated daily. Cargo favors RS7’s Sportback hatch (more space with seats folded), while E 63’s saloon prioritizes rear legroom. Fuel economy? E 63 at 9.7 L/100km tested vs RS7’s 11.0.

Price, Specs, and Ownership Costs

UK pricing pits RS7 at £94,185, E 63 S around £110,000+ (varies by options). US MSRP: RS7 ~$128,600, E 63 equivalents ~$120,000. Both demand premium fuel, with Mercedes’ 9-speed potentially edging efficiency long-term.

• Standard Kit: Both loaded with adaptive cruise, matrix LEDs, Nappa leather.
• Standouts: E 63 Drift Mode, RS7 rear-axle steering.
• Rivals: BMW M8 Gran Coupe (1.02g skidpad) trails slightly.

Which One Wins? The Verdict

The **Mercedes-AMG E 63 S** claims victory with perfect 100/100 scores in straight-line (100 vs 97) and track (100 vs 93), plus superior torque, braking, and character. RS7 fights valiantly with refinement and practicality, but lacks the Merc’s raw edge. For track days or thrills, choose AMG; for subtle speed, Audi suffices.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Both redefine executive performance, but AMG’s potency prevails. Test drive to feel the V8 symphony yourself.