The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E63 S (or E63 with the right boxes ticked) is a machine that defies easy categorization. It’s a 600-horsepower luxury sedan that can hustle from 0–60 mph in about 3.3 seconds, yet it also has to serve as a grocery-getter, a commuter, and a family hauler. The performance packages available—Dynamic Plus, Night, Carbon, and the Performance Exhaust—add significant cost and character. But do they enhance daily driving or make it a chore? We combed through forums, social media groups, and spoke with owners to see how these options stand up to real-world use.

The Performance Packages at a Glance

Before we dive into owner feedback, here’s a quick refresher on what each package includes and how it affects the driving experience beyond the spec sheet.

AMG Dynamic Plus Package

This is the must-have performance pack for enthusiasts. It adds an electronic limited-slip differential, dynamic engine mounts, a Race mode with Drift function, and a shorter steering ratio. Cost: roughly $3,250. Owners consistently cite this as the package that transforms the E63 from a fast luxury sedan into a true driver’s car.

AMG Night Package

Aesthetic in nature, the Night Package replaces chrome trim with high-gloss black. It includes black exhaust tips, darkened window surrounds, and black side mirrors. Cost: ~$750. No performance impact, but owners say it gives the car a more aggressive, stealthy look that stands out in a sea of gray luxury sedans.

AMG Carbon Package

This adds carbon-fiber exterior accents (mirror caps, rear spoiler, diffuser, side sill inserts). Cost: ~$2,250. Like the Night Package, it’s mostly visual, though owners claim the rear spoiler adds a bit more downforce at higher speeds—but for daily driving, it’s purely cosmetic.

AMG Performance Exhaust System

An optional exhaust that uses electronically controlled flaps to alter sound levels. It can be quiet in Comfort mode or thunderous in Sport+. Cost: ~$1,250. Owners rave about it, but the “good morning, neighbors” factor is real.

Now, let’s look at how these packages perform in the daily slog—not just on track days.

Daily Driving Comfort: Can It Do the School Run?

The E63 AMG is built on Mercedes’ MRA platform and comes standard with air suspension. In Comfort mode, it’s genuinely supple. But add the Dynamic Plus package with its stiffer dynamic engine mounts and the electronic limited-slip differential, and the ride can feel more taught than a standard E63.

Ride Quality with Dynamic Plus

“I drove an E63 without Dynamic Plus for a week before ordering mine,” says forum user AMG_Guy2022. “The difference is real. With the package, the car feels more planted and flat through corners, but on broken pavement, you definitely feel more of the road. It’s not harsh like a dedicated sports car, but it’s not pillow-soft either. For long highway trips, it’s still very livable.”

Another owner, a software engineer in Colorado, reports that the dynamic engine mounts make the car feel more connected. “The engine stays locked in place, so there’s no lurching when you stomp the throttle. That actually makes stop-and-go traffic smoother once you get used to the sharper response.”

However, for those who prioritize pure isolation, some owners suggest skipping the Dynamic Plus unless you truly plan to track the car. The standard E63 S with air suspension is already incredibly capable and softer on rough roads.

Seats and Interior Noise

The standard AMG Performance seats (part of the standard E63 S) offer excellent support but can feel narrow for wider drivers. The optional AMG Experience Package includes heated/ventilated/massaging front seats—but that’s separate from the performance packs. The cabin is notably quiet in Comfort mode, especially with the optional acoustic glass. The engine is barely audible, and wind noise is low up to about 80 mph.

Performance in Daily Traffic: Where It Shines

The E63 AMG’s 4.0L twin-turbo V8 produces 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque in S guise. With the Dynamic Plus package’s shorter steering ratio and limited-slip diff, the car feels smaller than its size suggests. Owners note that the car is surprisingly easy to drive in city traffic.

Low-Speed Manners

“I was worried about the stiff engine mounts making the car jerky at low rpm,” says an owner from Texas. “But honestly, in Comfort mode, the transmission shifts smoothly, and the car crawls fine. The diff never makes noise in parking lots like I feared.”

The Drift Mode (activated via a series of wheel-slew and paddle commands) is a party trick best left for empty lots. Most owners say they’ve used it once or twice for a laugh but never in daily driving. The Race mode, however, is appreciated for cloverleaf on-ramps and freeway merging. The 9-speed MCT transmission, while not dual-clutch, responds well in manual mode.

Drivetrain Interaction with Night/Carbon Packages

These visual packages obviously don’t affect performance, but they do affect perception. Owners with the Carbon Package note that the rear spoiler is subtle enough not to attract extra attention from law enforcement. The Night Package, with its blacked-out trim, gives a sleeper vibe. “It looks like a normal E-Class until you hear the exhaust,” one owner says. “That combination is perfect for daily driving—you don’t want to be too flashy.”

Fuel Economy: The Hidden Cost of Performance

Let’s be realistic: a 603-hp V8 is not a fuel-sipper. The EPA rates the 2022 E63 S at 16 mpg city, 23 highway, 19 combined. Owners report numbers that vary wildly depending on driving style and mode.

Owner-Reported Real-World MPG

  • Commute (15 miles, heavy traffic): 13–14 mpg, even in Comfort mode. The cylinder-deactivation system (which shuts off four cylinders under light load) often can’t engage in stop-and-go.
  • Highway cruise (70 mph, flat road): 22–24 mpg, sometimes 25 if you hypermile. The cylinder deactivation helps here.
  • Spirited Sunday drive: 9–12 mpg. Owners freely admit they don’t buy this car for fuel economy.

The Performance Exhaust changes the sonic experience but not the numbers. However, owners note that the Quiet mode is genuinely useful for early-morning departures to avoid waking the neighbors. “I live in a townhouse complex,” says one owner. “The Quiet start is a godsend.”

Technology and Features: Pack Enhancements?

None of the performance packages directly affect the infotainment or driver-assistance systems. The E63 S comes standard with the MBUX system, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and a digital instrument cluster. The optional packages like the Driver Assistance Package (adaptive cruise, lane-keep, etc.) and the Premium Package (Burmester 3D sound, head-up display) are separate.

Owner Feedback on Tech

Most owners rate MBUX as responsive but occasionally glitchy. “It sometimes forgets my seat position after a software update,” says one owner. Others praise the natural voice control for navigation. The Burmester 3D sound system is widely loved, but owners note that the Harmon Kardon unit (standard) is adequate if you’re not an audiophile.

One important note: the 2022 E63 S received the updated steering wheel with capacitive controls. Some owners dislike the touch-sensitive buttons, finding them less tactile than the previous physical buttons. This is unrelated to the performance packages but is part of the overall daily experience.

Maintenance and Reliability: Are Performance Packages a Liability?

The added complexity of the Dynamic Plus package—particularly the dynamic engine mounts and electronic limited-slip differential—raises questions about long-term reliability. We gathered owner data from model years 2017–2022.

Common Issues Reported by Owners

  • Engine mounts: Some early 2021 models had premature mount failures, but the 2022 seems improved. Owners with the Dynamic Plus package have not widely reported issues.
  • Limited-slip diff fluid changes: Required every 30,000 miles (vs. 40,000 for the standard open diff). Cost about $400 at dealer. Several owners wish this was more clearly communicated.
  • Exhaust actuators: A handful of owners report the flap motors on the Performance Exhaust failing, causing a check-engine light (usually covered under warranty).
  • Carbon and Night Package durability: Carbon mirrors can chip from road debris; Night Package black trim can show swirl marks easily. Owners recommend paint protection film for both.

Warranty Thoughts

All 2022 E63 models come with a 4-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. Owners suggest purchasing a Mercedes-Benz extended warranty (until year 2022) before the factory warranty expires, especially if you have the Dynamic Plus package. The electronic diff alone would cost over $3,000 to replace out of pocket.

Resale Value: Do Packages Pay Off?

When selling or trading in, the performance packages have mixed effects. The Night and Carbon packages often add minimal to no resale value—they’re subjective preferences. The Dynamic Plus, however, is a sought-after option among enthusiasts. Owners report that cars equipped with it sell 3–5% higher on the used market, provided the seller documents regular maintenance and diff service.

Should You Get the Performance Packages for Daily Driving?

Based on extensive owner feedback, here’s a final verdict:

Must-Have: AMG Dynamic Plus Package

If you enjoy driving enthusiastically even once a week, the Dynamic Plus transforms the E63 from a fast luxury barge into a precision tool. Yes, the ride is slightly firmer, but it’s still more compliant than an M5 Competition. The diff and engine mounts make the car feel alive. For daily drivers, the ability to switch to Comfort mode means you can have your cake and eat it too.

Nice-to-Have: AMG Performance Exhaust

The sound is a huge part of the V8 experience. The Quiet mode makes it daily-friendly. If you love engine noise, get it. If you’re indifferent, skip it and save $1,250.

For Looks Only: Night and Carbon Packages

These are purely aesthetic. If budget isn’t a concern and you want the most aggressive appearance, go for it. But they add no performance and minimal resale value. Many owners suggest aftermarket vinyl wraps if you want a blacked-out look for less money.

Final Thoughts from Real Owners

We asked several long-term owners what they would tell someone considering a 2022 E63 AMG for daily use. Here are the recurring themes:

“It’s the perfect daily. Fast enough to embarrass almost anything, quiet enough to take clients to lunch, and reliable if you keep up with maintenance. Get the Dynamic Plus. You won’t regret it.” — Marcus, 18 months of ownership

“I initially didn’t order the Dynamic Plus because I thought it would ruin the ride. I test drove a friend’s and immediately called my dealer to change the spec. Best decision ever. I drive it every day, city and highway, and the car handles it all.” — Rachel, 22 months of ownership

“Skip the Carbon Package. Spend that money on a clear bra instead. You’ll thank me when you see the stone chips after a year.” — David, owner of a 2022 E63 S

In the end, the 2022 E63 AMG with the right performance packages is an exceptional daily driver—provided you accept the fuel costs and higher maintenance for the diff and mounts. It offers a unique blend of luxury, comfort, and raw performance that few other cars can match. The performance packages are not just marketing gimmicks; they genuinely enhance the driving experience without sacrificing daily livability.

If you’re in the market, our advice: test drive a standard E63 S and one with the Dynamic Plus back-to-back. The difference is likely to convince you to stretch the budget. For more details, check out the official Mercedes-AMG E63 page or read owner reviews on MBWorld and Car and Driver’s full review.

For a deep dive into reliability, refer to Consumer Reports or RepairPal for maintenance cost comparisons across the model line.

Practical Tips for Potential Buyers

  • Look for a certified pre-owned (CPO) car with Dynamic Plus and the Performance Exhaust—it’s the sweet spot for value.
  • Factor in the cost of a ceramic coating or PPF for the front end, especially if you skip the Night/Carbon packages and want to protect the trim.
  • Join an owner’s club like the AMG Private Lounge or local Mercedes-Benz club for part discounts and DIY advice on routine maintenance like oil changes.
  • Budget for premium fuel (91+ octane) and plan for 12–15 mpg in combined driving. Don’t expect hybrid-level economy.
  • Check wheel and tire availability—the 20-inch AMG wheels are staggered and prone to curb rash; consider aftermarket insurance for wheel damage.

The 2022 E63 AMG proves that you truly can have it all, as long as you’re willing to pay for it. The performance packages are not gimmicks—they’re enhancements that make an already extraordinary car even more capable and engaging for daily driving. Choose wisely, maintain diligently, and enjoy every mile.