It’s a storm that’s been brewing for some time now, with those in the left corner cheering for Munich’s finest, while those in the opposing corner having Stuttgart’s back.
This short clip by TheMotoristZA is the first clash of these titans on South African soil. Yes, we are talking about none other than the Mercedes-AMG E63 S and the freshly launched BMW M5.
Let’s get the figures out of the way first. Powering the M5 is an evolution of the previous generation’s twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8 that now produces 441kw and 750nm, which is available across a wider range than the E63 S. Interestingly, it’s not paired with a DCT, but instead an 8-speed automatic, that sends power to all four wheels via an M-tuned xDrive system. It’s also capable of 0-100kph in just 3.4 seconds, and a top speed of over 305kph. A more potent M5 is on the way later this year though, termed the M5 Competition, and it’s expected to produce 460kw! The current M5 is priced at R1 762 807, but expect the M5 CP to be significantly more than that.
Hailing from Affalterbach, is the AMG E63 S. The car was launched last year and features roughly the same engine that beats in the AMG GT R sports car. It is a bi-turbo 4.0-litre V8, but despite being smaller than the M5’s powerplant, it produces 450kw and a monstrous 850nm of twist! It too sends all its power to all four corners, but AMG does so via a new 9-speed MCT. Traction is taken care off by an AMG-fettled 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system that aids the E63 S in its 0-100kph blast of 3.4 seconds. The E63 S is priced from R1 895 795.
Never before have these two heavyweights been so evenly matched. And despite the M5 being a marginally bigger car, it’s actually close to 100kgs lighter than the AMG. But just how close are they in a straight up drag race? In one of the initial races we saw in the UK, it was the Mercedes that triumphed. But on South African soil, who is going to hang on to bragging rights? The AMG or the M?
