Shortly after the premier of the W222 S-Class facelift, Mercedes-AMG wasted no time turning it into a fire breathing, tyre shredding beast. Launched at the 2017 Shanghai Motor Show are the S63 and S65. Both models feature the latest technologies AMG has on offer, aggressive AMG styling and performance figures that of a supercar.
The biggest update done to the S63 is a new 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8, replacing the outgoing 5.5-litre bi-turbo V8 mill. Despite the smaller displacement, the new engine outputs 27 hp more than before, churning out 612 hp and 900 Nm of torque. There’s AMG Cylinder Management (or cylinder deactivation technology) that deactivates up to four cylinders (cylinders 2, 3, 5 and 8) depending on load. This helps achieve a combined fuel consumption of 8.9 litres per 100 km.
The V8 engine is paired to a new nine-speed AMG Speedshift Multi-Clutch Technology (MCT) with Race Start function. All left-hand drive versions of the S63 come with 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system as standard, while right-hand drives are only available with rear-wheel drive. With AWD, the S63 4MATIC+ is able to complete the century sprint in 3.5 seconds and top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h (300 km/h with AMG Driver’s Package).
The S65 soldiers on with the same 6.0-litre bi-turbo V12 that produces a whopping 630 hp and 1,000 Nm of torque. Power is sent to the rear-wheels via a seven-speed AMG Speedshift G-Tornic Plus transmission. Key performance figures are 4.3 seconds’ century sprint, whereas top speed is of course electronically limited to 250 km/h. The same AMG Driver’s Package can be had as well.
Tasked with stopping this monster of a car is a set of high-performance compound rotors, 390 mm x 36 mm at the front and 360 mm x 24 mm at the rear. For additional stopping power, drivers can opt for the bigger AMG carbon ceramic brake system that shaves off 20 percent of unsprung mass and measures 420 mm x 40 mm on the front axle and 360 mm x 32 mm on the rear axle.
Visually, the S63 and S65 gets a unique “jet wing” front bumper, large side air intakes and a 3D front splitter, all of which are functional parts to reduce lift and aid cooling. At the back, both get new rear bumpers, new diffuser inserts and redesigned dual tailpipes.
Inside, the AMG S-Classes get AMG sports seats with AMG embroidery, AMG badges, three-spoke Performance steering wheel with AMG metal inserts (available with perforated black leather). Unique to the AMG models is the AMG menu in the instrument cluster which displays engine and transmission oil temperature, lateral and longitudinal acceleration, engine output and torque, boost pressure, tyre temperatures and pressures as well as the current vehicle set-up.
Besides that, a range of optional equipment are available, including Night Package exterior pack, different wheel design, Carbon Package – among others. Will this come to Malaysia, though? We have a strong feeling it might…
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Mercedes-AMG S65
Mercedes-AMG S63
