Mercedes-AMG E63 S W213 M177.2 Modder's Guide
W213 E63s Overview
Produced from 2018 to 2023, the Mercedes-AMG E63 S (W213) is powered by the hand-built 4.0L twin-turbo M177 LS2 V8, paired with AMG’s 9-speed MCT transmission and 4MATIC+. The W213 E63S is one of Amg's strongest modern platforms. With only a tune and basic bolt-on modifications, the M177.2 can gain upwards of 200 crank horsepower.
W213 E63s Factory Specifications
Years produced: 2018–2023
Engine: M177 LS2 4.0L Twin-Turbo V8
Horsepower: 603 HP
Torque: 627 lb-ft
Transmission: AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9-Speed
Drivetrain: AMG Performance 4MATIC+ All-Wheel Drive
Stock 0-60 mph: ~3.0 seconds
Stock 60-130 mph: ~8.5-9.0 seconds
Stock Quarter Mile: ~11.0-11.3 seconds
Weight: Approximately 4,500 lbs, depending on options
E63S Pre vs. Post Facelift Differences
The main difference between pre-facelift and facelift cars is styling, interior technology, and refinement rather than major engine changes. Pre-facelift cars from 2018-2020 generally feel more aggressive and can be a better value. Facelift cars from 2021-2023 received updated styling, MBUX infotainment, a newer steering wheel, and revised suspension tuning. Power potential is broadly similar between both versions. Mechanically, the post-facelift boasts a slightly higher curb weight, but it offsets this with slightly higher stock WHP numbers from improved ball-bearing turbos.
W213 E63s Aftermarket Platform (Stages)
W213 E63s Stage 1:
Consists of a quality ECU tune on premium pump fuel, usually paired with TCU and CPC tuning to improve torque delivery, shift behavior, and drivetrain response. Expect approximately 680-750 crank horsepower, depending on fuel quality and calibration, with 60-130 mph times generally falling in the low- to high-seven-second range.
W213 E63s Stage 2:
Adds catless or high-flow downpipes, along with ECU, TCU, and CPC tuning. This is the sweet spot for most W213 E63 S owners, as the factory turbochargers respond extremely well to reduced exhaust restriction and proper calibration. Expect approximately 750-850 crank horsepower, with 60-130 mph times often falling into the high five to mid-six-second range depending on fuel, tires, conditions, and tune.
Check out our catless downpipes for the E63 S here.
W213 E63s Stage 2+:
introduces ethanol blends such as E30 or similar, depending on the car’s fuel system limits and tuner recommendation. With proper calibration, upgraded spark plugs, and careful fuel system monitoring, output can reach approximately 850–900+ crank horsepower while lowering 60-130 mph times into the low to mid-five-second range. Fueling becomes much more important at this level, especially when increasing ethanol content.
W213 E63s Stage 3:
combines upgraded or hybrid turbochargers with downpipes, custom tuning, and supporting fuel system upgrades. Depending on turbo choice, fuel quality, and calibration, well-built setups can approach or exceed 1,000 crank horsepower, with 60-130 mph times around the mid-four to low-five-second range.
W213 E63s Stage 3+:
represents the high-horsepower limit of the platform. Large turbo upgrades, upgraded high-pressure fueling, upgraded low-pressure fueling, injector upgrades where needed, ethanol or race fuel tuning, cooling upgrades, and extensive custom calibration can push the W213 E63 S beyond 1,000 wheel horsepower. At this level, drivetrain management, transmission behavior, tire setup, and engine health become extremely important.
For custom tuning, we recommend working with experienced Mercedes-AMG specialists such as A1 Automotive, MPE California, and Eurocharged. Please reach out to us via email at contact@gappedindustries.com or Instagram @gappedindustries if you're interested in tuning your Mercedes-AMG.
W213 E63s Exterior Modifications
Front lips significantly improve the appearance of the E63 S and can provide a modest increase in front-end stability at higher speeds. Rear diffusers, trunk spoilers, side skirts, mirror caps, and carbon fiber trim pieces help make the car look lower, wider, and more aggressive without taking away from the factory AMG design.
Check out our front lips, rear diffuser, rear spoiler, mirror caps, interior carbon, and steering wheels for the E63 S.
Carbon fiber hoods and larger exterior aero pieces can reduce some weight and add a more aggressive look, but most exterior modifications should be viewed primarily as cosmetic unless properly tested. Since the E63 S is a heavy luxury performance sedan, subtle OEM+ carbon fiber usually fits the platform best.
Wheel upgrades can dramatically improve the appearance of the car and reduce unsprung weight when using quality forged wheels. Combined with high-performance tires, wheels and tires are one of the most noticeable upgrades for both traction and handling.
W213 E63s Suspension and Handling
The W213 E63 S uses AMG’s adaptive air suspension, which is already very capable from the factory. For most street builds, lowering links, lowering modules, or suspension coding are the most common upgrades. These improve stance without completely changing the character of the car.
A proper alignment is important after lowering the car, especially because the E63 S is heavy, powerful, and hard on tires. For most owners, tires and alignment will make a bigger difference than aggressive suspension modifications.
Our Recommendations for the W213 E63s
For owners seeking a stock or OEM+ build, we recommend subtle carbon fiber exterior components, quality wheels and tires, a mild lowering setup, and preventative maintenance.
For a balanced street build, Stage 2 with catless downpipes, ECU/TCU/CPC tuning, fresh spark plugs, carbon fiber aero, upgraded wheels, and high-performance tires offers the best combination of performance, drivability, and value.
For enthusiasts chasing maximum performance, a Stage 3 or Stage 3+ setup with upgraded turbochargers, upgraded fueling, ethanol tuning, cooling upgrades, and careful drivetrain calibration unlocks the full potential of the M177 LS2 platform.
No matter your goals, the W213 E63 S remains one of the most impressive Mercedes-AMG platforms to modify. Its combination of all-wheel-drive traction, twin-turbo V8 power, luxury, and aftermarket potential makes it an outstanding choice for anything from a refined daily driver to a 1,000+ horsepower street build.