Mercedes has lifted the wraps off its halo model in the S-Class line-up, the new S63 AMG. Although it will only make its official debut at the upcoming Frankfurt show, Mercedes-Benz has decided to give everyone an early look at this performance version of its luxury saloon.
Naturally, the S63 AMG will receive a number of AMG styling cues to set it apart from the regular S-Class. These include a new, more aggressive-looking front bumper with enlarged air intake nacelles, a chrome-bladed grille and “twin-turbo V8” badging on the side fenders. On the inside, there is an air of luxury about the cabin thanks to high-grade materials. But there is also a sporty feel to it as a result of the new sports seats, a sports steering wheel and AMG decals and highlights throughout.
There are three variants available overseas – short wheelbase, long wheelbase and a 4Matic long wheelbase. All draw their power from the uprated 5,5-litre V8 unit that does service in the E63 AMG S. Developing 430 kW at 5 500 r/min and 900 N.m of torque between 2 250 and 3 750 r/min. Mated with Mercedes-Benz’s AMG Speedshift MCT 7-speed sports transmission, the rear-wheel drive versions are capable of despatching the 100 km/h from standstill sprint in 4,4 seconds, while the 4Matic achieves this is 4,0 seconds. The top speed for all models is electronically limited to 250 km/h.
The S63 AMG employs a number of weight-saving measures, including the use of AMG forged light-alloy wheels, a light-weight lithium-ion battery instead of the conventional starter battery, weight-optimised AMF high-performance composite brakes, the use of aluminum for the entire outer skin of the vehicle and a spare wheel recess made of carbon fibre. The result is a vehicle that is up to 100 kg lighter than the outgoing S63 AMG.
Mercedes-Benz claims that despite the improved performance, overall consumption and CO2 emissions is lower than before with the consumption figures standing at 10,1 litres/100 for the two-wheel-driver versions and 10,3 litres/100 km for the 4Matic. CO2 emissions are 237 g/km and 242 g/km respectively.
The S63 AMG comes equipped with an AMG sports exhaust system with exhaust flaps in both rear silencers. Depending on the driving mode that the car is in (controlled efficiency, manual or sport), the flaps will either be closed for a more low-key sound or open so that drivers get the full tune of the AMG exhaust note.
Depending on the model, the S63 AMG will either utilise the company’s airmatic or magic body control suspension set-ups. The former is fitted to 4Matic models, while the latter features on the RWD versions. Mercedes claims that the magic body control is able to scan the road surface ahead and adjust the suspension and damping milliseconds beforehand to best adapt to the conditions.
Standard features across the range include AMG door sill panels, AMG floor mats, AMG sports pedals in brushed stainless steel with rubber studs, attention assist, collision prevention assist, command online, 10-loudspeaker audio system, Pre-Safe Plus, LED high-performance headlamps and a tyre-pressure loss warning system.
We will bring you more details on the new S63 AMG once it launches in Frankfurt. In the meantime, CAR editor, Steve Smith, is currently on the international launch of the new S-Class. Follow him on Twitter for instant updates.
Click here for a Mercedes-Benz video of the new S63 AMG.
