Said to be around 100 kg (220 lbs) lighter than before, thanks to various weight-saving measures, including the use of a lithium-ion battery, which itself saves some 20 kg (44 lbs), the new S63 is nowhere near as in-your-face as its predecessor, despite receiving a completeAMG visual makeover, to go with the extra performance it boasts.
I for one, think it’s a bit too subtle, but then again I’m not the target audience for this car; those it is actually built for will probably mostly care about the interior and performance, anyway, both of which are highly competent and competitive.
Power comes from a twin-turbo5.5-liter V8 engine, also powering a variety of other AMG models, which with the help of two turbos gives the S63 577hp (585PS) and 900 Nm (663 lb-ft). It has the sole aim to outperform “all comparable engines,” while remaining “the most efficient series-produced V8 engine of all.” So, with the increase in power (41hp up) and weight-shedding, the car can sprint to 62 mph (100 km/h) from a standstill in just 4 seconds when equipped with4Matic all-wheel drive (like the US-bound new E63s), which grows to 4.4 seconds for the regular rear-wheel-driven model – the fast AMG Speedshift MCT seven-speed sports transmission helps too…
Moreover, Mercedes quotes the same 0-62 mph time whichever body style you go for, and this is in part due the long-wheelbase model’s minimal weight handicap over the standard car, of 25 kg (55 lbs), though, the long-wheelbase is the standard car, and the standard car is a ‘chopped’ or shortened version of that, according to the original information from when the new S-Class came out.
Predictably, the rest of the package contains stiffer suspension, unique lightweight rims, optional carbon ceramic brakes (offered for the first time) as well as customary sporty touches throughout. Inside, there’s an AMG sports steering wheel with aluminum paddles, AMG logos everywhere, sportier seats and dials appropriate for a car this fast and powerful.
Being an S-Class, optional extras are plentiful, and can completely change the experience, if chosen with care one recklessly ticks all of the boxes. For instance, not only can you get an “Exterior Carbon-Fiber pack,” red-painted brake calipers and special trim pieces, AMG is also offering an engine cover also made entirely out of the same material, in order to keep weight down.
This is only a small part of what the S63 AMG is about, and more specific information, hopefully some reviews/drives will make their way onto the web prior to the car’s debut at the Frankfurt motor show, in September.
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