Mercedes Benz E63 AMG S-Model

The Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG S-model feels a lot like a nuclear-powered king-size water bed—probably. Soft, comfortable, and fun to jump on, the E63 has a 577-hp reactor under the hood that dials up sweat-inducing speeds with ease, but its four-wheel-drive chassis sloshes around whenever you change direction. Still, it turned a stunning 3:00.1 lap, 6.8 seconds quicker than the 518-hp, rear-drive E63 we tested back in 2011.

Like the SL63 with the same engine, the 4400-pound E63 won’t rush into a corner. Brake hard, slow to what feels like a crawl, and hope the front tires bite as you turn the steering wheel. Go into the corner with a head of speed and the front tires will just plow. If the E63 does agree to turn, its soft chassis lists as the Continentals let out a steady shriek. It’s better to just let the V-8 take care of business. Spot the corner exit, hit the throttle, and go, mensch, go. On the front straight, only five cars bettered the E63’s 150.8-mph peak.