Even if it’s for your entire family, purchasing any kind of Mercedes-AMG is definitely a splurge. While these performance-enhanced Mercedes-Benz models are not as luxurious, you can find a fully capable three-row SUV for as cheap as $25,000. There are even plenty of affordable luxury SUVs, like the Volvo XC40 or Audi Q1.

However, these models won’t have the same upscale interior or quick engines as the ones reserved for a Mercedes-Benz. The most spacious (and expensive) Mercedes-AMG you can buy for your family is either the GLS 63 or E63 wagon. While MotorTrend pointed out a lot of strengths between the two, here’s why we think the wagon is slightly better.

Powerful Mercedes-AMG engines

The Mercedes-AMG E 63 wagon is powered by a twin-turbo V8 capable of a beastly 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque. It’s also paired with a nine-speed transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The GLS 63 houses the same engine, but the wagon is noticeably faster.

When MotorTrend tested the E 63 wagon’s speed in 2018, it managed to get from 0-60 mph in just three seconds. For comparison, the GLS 63 required nearly four seconds to reach the same speed. If you want your wagon to be race-ready, you can also add on bigger brakes and a specialized sport suspension.

Good handling

The Mercedes-AMG E 63 wagon has an advantage in this department because of its lower weight. MotorTrend reported that it feels as light as a smaller sports sedan. It also has a “Drift” setting for when the wagon is in rear-wheel drive, which works excellently on the track, according to Car Magazine.

As you could probably expect, the E 63 wagon is very satisfying to drive. It has athletic steering and impressive braking abilities, plus electrical actuators to prevent body roll. It also has a standard air suspension that can be adjusted depending on the road conditions. 

Advanced safety systems

While some drivers aren’t fans of the Mercedes-Benz infotainment system, there’s no denying the functionality of its driver aids. The E 63 wagon comes standard with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitors, pedestrian detection, driver attention monitoring, and automatic high-beams. Even more safety features are available, including adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, and lane-keeping assistance.

However, thanks to the infotainment system’s exhausting and confusing menus, it may be difficult to configure some of these settings. MotorTrend also reported some problems with the available cruise control. Testers found that it was prone to deactivate if the driver accelerates too much while the feature is activated.

The Mercedes-AMG E 63 is incredibly spacious

Admittedly, there’s not as much space in the Mercedes-AMG E 63 wagon compared to the GLS 63. However, there’s still more legroom in the E 63’s cabin, and its lower height makes entry and exit easier. The backseat is also reasonably roomy and it’s hard to complain about the available buttery-smooth leather seats.

Like any good wagon, drivers will get an excellent amount of cargo room inside the E 63. It can haul up to 1,300 pounds, which is impressive even by wagon standards. 35 cubic feet of space is available with each seat folded upwards, which expands to 64 cubic feet with both rows folded flat.

Definitely not in everyone’s price range

Without any extra features, the Mercedes-AMG E 63 wagon costs an average of $112,000. This is still less expensive than the GLS 63, which can cost nearly $130,000. Unless you have the cash, dropping over $100,000 on an SUV is highly impractical.

Still, with its perfect blend of luxury, sportiness, and functionality, the Mercedes-AMG E63 wagon is definitely unique. The GLS has plenty of its own advantages, but it’s not available in that cool, sleek body style.