Ever since its motor show debut as a concept model, the S-Class Coupé has wowed onlookers. Thankfully, the show car made its way into production form with very little dilution as we have seen in the promo videos and images of the new model online.
Mercedes-Benz South Africa is very excited at the prospect of the new model’s local launch later this year, but just couldn’t wait that long. It flew in an AMG version of its stunning new coupé a few months early and unveiled it to a select group of media earlier this week.
While it is striking in photos, I can assure you that the S-Class Coupé is even better looking in the metal. The overall shape appears smaller than in captured images. Not only that, but the proportions are far more resolved than the Kardashian-rumped, previous -eneration CL model.
In AMG guise, it boasts aggressive styling, which includes inter alia a lower front bumper with larger air intakes, lower side sills, larger alloys, a lower ride height and different rear bumper incorporating quad trapezoidal exhaust tips and a diffuser. Inside, there is the de riguer AMG sports steering wheel with Alcantara inserts and chunky metal shift paddles. Fully adjustable sports seats are also part of the package.
The facia is reminiscent of that found in the new S-Class, making it among one of the finest fitted to any new car. Optional carbon-fibre trim running across the facia onto the doors really helps set off the interior.
Mercedes also announced the initial range of S Coupé models that we will see here in November. The opening salvo of the range is the S500. This model is powered by a twin-turbocharged 4,7-litre V8, which produces 335 kW and 700 N.m of torque. The other model on offer initially will be the S63 AMG, which features a 5,5-litre twin-turbocharged V8 cranking out 430 kW and 900 N.m. Both models deliver drive to the rear axles via an automatic transmission. There won’t be an all-wheel-drive 4Matic option for the South African market.
As of now, Mercedes officials are keeping mum about the likelihood of the 463 kW/1 000 N.m, twin-turbo V12 S65 being released onto SA roads, but as the V12-powered S600 and S65 saloons will be introduced locally soon we won’t bet against the S65 AMG Coupé also being available here some time during 2015.
Keep an eye out on this site for a driving impression of the S-Class Coupé in the upcoming weeks.
