VATH’s V50RS Or How To Spend E63 AMG Money On An E500

If you had to choose between a factory 557PS (549hp) Mercedes-AMG 63 and an aftermarket 550PS (542hp) E500 for the same money, which one would you get?

I know I’d take the AMG on any day and twice on Sunday, but if you already bought a 408PS (402hp) Mercedes-Benz E500 and then concluded that you really wanted an E63 AMG, the German tuning minds at VATH have come up with an aftermarket solution.

The V50RS program will cost you €32,100 (nearly $35,000), which is in addition to the €71,162 ($77,555) price tag of an E500 in Germany, which brings the total to €103,262 ($112,500), or a hair less than the E63 AMG at €103,708 ($113,025).

Vath’s tuning starts with a performance kit (€10,591) for the 4.7-liter V8 mill adding a new ECU, intercooler and other components to kick output to 550PS (542hp) and 830Nm (612 lb-ft), which after the removal of the speed limiter, allows the E500 to reach a top speed of 300km/h (186mph).

There’s also a new stainless steel exhaust system, an AIRMATIC suspension module, a high performance braking system, 20-inch wheels in 255/30R20 tires front and 295/25R20 rear, and carbon fiber rear spoiler and diffuser.

For an added cost, Vath can tweak the interior with carbon fiber trimmings, Alcantara headliner, sports steering wheel, and aluminum pedals.