Test Drive: 2016 Mercedes-AMG GT S

“We need to run your numbers before you can drive the GT S,” the courteous salesman tells me. I hesitate. “Oh.” Do I trade my personal information for a test drive in the Mercedes-AMG GT S? Yes, yes I do. “Alright, what do you need to know?” I’ve had a crush on Mercedes-AMG’s GT line since I… Continue reading Test Drive: 2016 Mercedes-AMG GT S

Review: 2018 Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster

The 2018 Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster starts up with a blat that is sure to wake the neighbors. Its rowdy start-up puts a smile on my face and sets the tone for the fun to come. Here is a car that is equal parts muscle, theater and fun. (I was supposed to be driving a… Continue reading Review: 2018 Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster

Test Drive: 2019 Mercedes-AMG GT R

“The R is for Race,” I’m told. I’m sitting deep in a 2019 Mercedes AMG GT R, painted in striking Green Hell Magno matte green, and staring out over one of the longest hoods I’ve ever seen. Mercedes-AMG developed the GT line to go toe-to-toe with the Porsche 911, and the $163k GT R is… Continue reading Test Drive: 2019 Mercedes-AMG GT R

Test Drive: 2019 Mercedes-AMG C63 S

This is the class of car I shop and buy. Compact sports sedans are big enough to haul around my family and friends, yet sufficiently compact to fling down a mountain road and whip around a racetrack. I’ve owned the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX, Ford Focus RS, BMW M3 and Cadillac CTS-V. But, of the… Continue reading Test Drive: 2019 Mercedes-AMG C63 S

Test Drive: 2018 BMW X3 M40i

My personal expectations for new BMW sedans are not very high. BMW’s chase of luxury comes with fresh designs and the latest technology, but also with increasing isolation from the driving experience. Each updated Bimmer seems to take a step away from the driving involvement I love. My ideal rides are full of feel, spunky,… Continue reading Test Drive: 2018 BMW X3 M40i

Test Drive: 2018 Mercedes-AMG GLC 43

I doubt anyone at Mercedes intended the E63S wagon and GLC 43 SUV to be cross-shopped, but here I am hopping back-to-back between this pair of oddballs. It is because of the wonder of depreciation that there is a reason to compare these cars. An E63S wagon has an MSRP of $100k, which is a… Continue reading Test Drive: 2018 Mercedes-AMG GLC 43

Test Drive: 2014 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG S-Model 4Matic Wagon

In the last five years, there have been just two gonzo wagons sold in the USA. As a used wagon shopper that limits my searches to the Mercedes Benz E63S and the Cadillac CTS-V. Today on deck is the E63. The salesman swears that this E63 was literally driven by a little old lady from… Continue reading Test Drive: 2014 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG S-Model 4Matic Wagon

Test Drive: 2014 Mercedes-Benz E63 S AMG 4MATIC

Up until recently, if you wanted a performance wagon in America, you had two choices: the Cadillac CTS-V and the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG. I love the CTS-V wagon; it was the first review I ever wrote, and it has been turning my head ever since. The E63 wagon has always been cool in my eyes,… Continue reading Test Drive: 2014 Mercedes-Benz E63 S AMG 4MATIC

Test Drive: 2017 Mercedes AMG C63 S

The current generation Mercedes AMG C63 S is a car for which I have very high expectations. It’s been heralded by Jonny Lieberman of Motor Trend as the best vehicle in the super-sedan set. It mixes the modern formula for power—turbocharging!—with the classic V8 formula. It’s learned to dance through the corners while still being… Continue reading Test Drive: 2017 Mercedes AMG C63 S

Test Drive: 2015 Mercedes GLA 45 AMG

I just requested an hour test drive of the Mercedes GLA 45 AMG courtesy of the internet startup dealership SHIFT. I am shopping for a fun runabout for my in-town errands, and the Mercedes AMG's mini-small SUV is actually the closest approximation to a hot hatch that the company offers in America. (Europe gets a… Continue reading Test Drive: 2015 Mercedes GLA 45 AMG