More 63 than S...for the first time

The new AMG S63 id here (Finally), but has it lost its way?

Photos by NetCarShow.om

The gap between the S Class w223 and its AMG version had taken so big that an actual brand new chassis, the C Class W206 and its full-grown AMG variant, was released by the time spy shots revealed anything, but we finally get the performance version of the S Class, the S63

A single flavour, the V8, means that AMG should not have used as much time, but the time spent has gone into putting the AMG back in the S63's name. Where the previous generations would focus more on luxury with more enhanced engine sizes, the new S63 is now focused on being a full size AMG addition. This alludes to the fact that the AMG headquarters have one less model engine to worry about. It is worrying at first glance, though.

Let's start wth the looks. Older S Class AMG models would have a =unique design to them compared with other models, and their design cues carried over the luxury grilles, lack of spoilers, mesh and chrome accents, and chrome window surrounds throughout, t signify the luxury aspect of the cars. The last S65 for example had the grille from the S600 and chrome mesh as an indicator, and the S63 had a different bumper to the S500 AMG, subtle changes for the performance difference. The new S63 has a more AMG-ish design language

It is the first S Class sedan to have its main star emblem grille mounted. It is the first S63 sedan to get the AMG Panamericana grille, and the first not to have the star statue on the bonnet. Owing to the singular model choice the mesh design is part of an exterior trim package, so the S63 can have theChrome Pack with the Chrome mesh and window surrounds for the S65-esque look.

Gone is the old school sleeper subtlety design, with the horizontal slatted grilles and statue of its emblem, in with the more muscular design, and look-at-me facia. It even gets a Night Package as an option. Sides and back are usual AMG, with the trapezium shaped quad exhausts in a custom diffuser and bigger side skirts. The only cue to subtle design is the lack of flared arches, lack of optional aero trim and lack of boot spoiler. Slap those on and it can easily be mistaken for its smaller 63 siblings. Otherwise, typical S Class.

The optional list for the badging is not available as of yet, but as far as exterior packaging goes, it is similar to other AMGs in specs. The Standard Chrome design package offers chrome window surrounds, chrome side skirt inlays, chrome diffuser and exhaust tips, chrome front inlays and chrome mesh, as well as body coloured bumper inlays and door mirrors. Opt for the Night Package, and the above details are blacked out. The Carbon Package is the Night Package with the mirrors, front bumper inlays and side skirts trimmed in carbon fiber instead of chrome black. Wheel sizes are the same as top of the range, with 21 inch rims on both axles. AMG benefits the S63 with new style multispoke design alloys, both available in satin black finish and two tone brushed aluminium finish. Tinted windows are also available, well, as Mercedes calls it, 'Heat insulated privacy glass".

The Inside of the AMG is relatively simpler in design changes. In terms of face value, the AMG variant gets a new AMG full steering weel with the round dials made for changing the driving dynamics of the vehicle, as well as the noise and traction level. The interior trimming also gets an update; carbon fiber as a trim is available as an option.

The S63 also gets bespoke AMG seats with extra bolstering and has the option of embroidering the AMG crest on the headrest. Functions are still the same as the normal S class, meaning you get heated and cooled seats with massage function and 8 way lumbar support. Step into the back and you are greeted with the most comfortable seat pillows in the game. As with the front seats, it’s typical Mercedes S class, meaning you get wonderfully trimmed seats and excellent seat functions. The cabin is filled head to toe with quality leather, metal as far as the eye can see, and ambient lighting.

The technology is laid out the same as in the S class but since we're talking about technology in the kingpin here, the car has had a slight upgrade. The fully digital instrument cluster gets the Augmented Reality as part of the Premium plus MBUX package as standard, and the graphic technology benefits from an addition of AMG specific functions. The famed IWC watch is now a part of the infotainment as a graphic that shows the ime and the track times. Enter the right menu keys and you’ll also find the curve that shows AMG Track Pace which records race data from any track, and even has a ghost timer mode. The car is updated in the settings to change the driving dynamics and there are now individual settings to alter the ride and performance to suit the driver's needs. Inside, besides the crests, it follows the traditional S Class culture to a tee.

Now, the best part. The AMG part. See, this is the E Performance of the S63, so it follows the chance in dynamics that affect all AMGs under it. The performance division drops the V12 version for a 4.0 litre V8 biturbo petrol unit that produces 612 hp and 900 NM to all wheels via the 4Matic All Wheel drive system and 9G Tronic MCT gearbox. An 11kWh battery system with dual electric motors and a 2spd gearbox aids power to produce a total 802hp and 1 430 NM to the wheels. This is now the most powerful and torquey S Class ever.

It should move too. That system hurls the 2.595 ton beast to 100kmh in 3.3 seconds and Brisley whisks its way to 290 kmh. Plenty for a beast, weighing 200 kg more than the standard S Class. Does it feel it? We won’t know yet. All there is to say is rather it shouldn’t, as it gets rear wheel steering as well, up to 2.5 degrees. That's as standard, and more than the similarly teched up GT73s E Performance.

The S63 is only available with the extended wheelbase, so it will look heavier in the corners, but in the corners, it is shaping out to be a beast on rack. Flick it into Sports + mode (Its highest dynamic mode), and you get quicker gearshifts and a more responsive engine. The Electric system is also in collaboration o offer power to boost the engine output to deliver that full 802 hp on any surface. No Race mode, so no diff to drift mode, but the power is split 60 to 40 to the rear for a more grippy launch. The active Air suspension is used to level up the body roll to as minimally resistant as possible to provide flatter cornering, while the 4Matic+ system makes faster cornering possible.

Inside, the steering feels weighted enough through corners, and the Active seat bolstering keeps the driver in place through cornering. The Heads-Up Display is aimed at showing the speed, G sensor and RPM reading of the vehicle to the driver. The AMG Lap Timer as part of the optional Track Package has a mode that uses the IWC watch to record lap telematics of a particular track and lap time, as well as data to show the optimal line. About all that, there are no physical clocks, so it is done on the screen. The car also gets stiffer anti-roll bars and engine mount.

The AMG wheels are wider to accommodate the bigger brakes too, and for the first time, carbon ceramics are an option. These provide fade-free performance on a hot day and are supplemented by 10 piston calipers in the front 400mm discs in the front. The rear benfits form 380mm discs in the rear with 6 piston calipers, as well as a limited slip differential that splis te power and full torque between each wheel, to give the ca ultimate powe through corners. On a car this big adaptve dampers come as standard to either have the suspension on clouds or as stiff as cobbled roads on a trolley for ultimate track use.

Put it in cloud mode, aka Normal Comfort mode, and the S Class is ... well, an S Class. There is no denying the serenity of the S Class as a limousine used to chauffeur presidential influencers and the like, and the S63 loses none of that. The steering is lighter, the car is more maneuverable in tight spaces and the car is inside a more comfortably quiet atmosphere. In fact, the car can be driven n electric mode alone for 33 kms and can be charged like an electric car. The only aspect is that when the battery reaches 20% the petrol engine engages to keep the batteries charged onboard. Speaking of, the collaboration between the two results in a seamless flow from start/stop and gear changing to turbo spooling moments, where the battery cuts in to smoothen the transition.

The only downside is that the battery is in the boot, which means it eats away space. The boot capacity is in total 30 liters, which is 155 litres less than the boot of its smaller C63s E Performance sibling. It gets an additional charging bay on the right for the motor. It's fitted with the AMG steering wheel switches, where you can change the amount of regenerative braking by pressing and holding it on before ECO mode. The antenna is flattened to make a more subtle and smooth receptor, and the driver benefits form the use of satellite navigation with augmented reality as standard. Apart from that, the usual leather and wood customizations form the S Class W223 is standard. You get high quality materials and the floating infotainment as in the normal S Class, and as for badging, the S63 gets the red surrounds around its lettering o symbolise the E-Performance moniker.

So, what is the verdict on the new AMG S63?

As a product on its own, it is an exceptional limousine. It is two cars, a Jekyll and Hyde in is respective forms. One side it is a rival to the Rolls Royce in terms of comfort and poshness, hit a button and it turns into a track defying monster (in its own right) enough to embarrass the other cars in the owners' collections. In terms of the tradition of the S63 badge, it looks like it does not live up to that expectation. However, in truth the Jekyll and Hyde split personality is what the AMG S63 is a by-product on, so the worry will stop. Grille aside and set to it SA shores in 2023 at around R3.7 million, it still is a traditional S63 AMG.