2010 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG Suspension, Tires, and Brakes

So, okay, the powertrain rocks. You'd expect that from AMG. But now the chassis is equally exhilarating. Many driving enthusiasts know that a steel-sprung suspension tends to deliver superior handling finesse, while air springs excel at ride quality and adaptability. AMG's answer? Include both. Compared with the standard E-Class (already far improved from its predecessor), the E63 receives a completely new front suspension with a wider track (by 2.2 inches) plus steel front springs and new control arms (among other refinements) for crisp turn-in. At the rear, however, sit air springs that automatically level the vehicle according to changing road conditions. Electronically managed dampers vary ride quality and body roll according to three driver-selectable settings. Steering responsiveness is improved, too, with a ratio quickened to just 14:1.

Hustling through the German countryside, the E63 felt far smaller and nimbler than it should have for a sedan weighing 4000-plus pounds. Front-end bite is terrific, with steering feel so good it blows all memories of previous numb E-Classes right out of your brain. The beefy 19-inch Pirelli PZeroes stick hard (my test car had the optional Performance package with lightweight forged-alloy wheels), and even when pushed never once let out a yowl. Better still, the rear end is equally well behaved, following the nose like a good soldier shadowing a general. Such balance makes the E63 as fun to spur as it is confidence-inspiring. Never does the E63 dart off line or make giggly missteps. It's simply locked down. Always. Thanks to this chassis, all that power and torque (465 pound-feet) up front create speed, not histrionics.

A few blasts along the Autobahn saw an indicated 150 mph, at which pace the E63 felt as secure as a mag-lev train on the boogie. Top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph, but opt for the Performance setup and revised engine-management software raises the limit to 186 mph. Initially, Mercedes said optional carbon-ceramic brakes would be available in Europe only, but now they're coming to the States, too. They're gigantic (front rotors are 15.8 inches) and work beautifully, with tons of stopping power, no detectable fade, and good modulation (though just a hint of squeak reminds you they're ceramics). Pricing has not yet been set, but they'll be expensive. As in, maybe $10K or more.