2019 Mercedes-AMG E63 S Sedan: Awakening the sleeper

Looking for uncompromising performance that also plays close to the vest? Look no further than the 2019 Mercedes-AMG E63 S sedan.

This high-performance uber-sedan looks remarkably similar to the rest of the E-Class lineup.

However, it's hiding a 4.0-liter biturbo V8 engine beneath its more-muscular hood.

That means 603 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque make their way to the 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system via a nine-speed automatic gearbox.

The E63 S also features a hidden Drift Mode that locks the 4Matic system into a rear-drive configuration for sweet powerslides.

The suspension, wheels, tires and brakes have also been beefed up to match the performance of the engine room.

But this is no muscle meathead; the E63 S is available with the full complement of Benz's driver aid and safety technologies, including car-to-X communication for a bit of future-proof connectivity.

What surprised me most was how sedate, quiet and comfortable the E63 S could be when toggled into its Comfort mode. It's like two cars in one.

The E63 S is a modern day "Q car," or sleeper, hiding its high level of performance behind conservative style that flies under the radar (and the radar detectors).

Check out our full, rated review of the 2019 Mercedes-AMG E63 S for even more details and videos, and keep swiping for more photos of this brutal beauty.