FRANKFURT MOTOR SHOW: Merc upgrades two-door S-Class AMGs

Mercedes-Benz has revealed facelifted versions of the S-Class Coupe and Cabriolet, including fiery new AMG-fettled S 63 and S 65 derivatives.

Due to be shown in full at the Frankfurt motor show next week, the revisions come barely 18 months after the S-Class pairing was first introduced to the German car-maker’s line-up. Australian deliveries of the mid-life update models are due to commence from April.

Starting from the top, the V8-powered S 63 and V12-powered S 65 will receive the latest Panamericana grille treatment comprising vertical louvres, plus a new front bumper with larger air ducts for more efficient engine and brake cooling.

Under the bonnet, the S63 scores a heavily tuned version of the twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 that is now ubiquitous across the AMG-fettled range, replacing the outgoing 5.5-litre twin-turbocharged unit of the predecessor. The resulting power is up 20kW, to 450kW overall, while torque remains unchanged at 900Nm.

Coupled with a nine-speed automatic that shuffles drive to all four wheels, the S 63 claims a 0-100km/h time of just 3.5 seconds, a top speed of 250km/h and a claimed fuel consumption figure of 9.3L/100km combined.

The S 65, meanwhile, makes do with a carry-over engine: a stonking 6.0-litre V12, no less. Bringing home a sledgehammer-like 463kW and 1000Nm, the S 65 Coupe claims a 4.1-second 0-100km/h time, an electronically-governed 250km/h top speed and a combined fuel readout of 11.9L/100km.

The engine carries over with a familiar seven-speed automatic transmission designed to comply with higher torque loads. Similarly, the S65 is unique in the fact it sends drive to the rear wheels only.

Elsewhere, the regular S-Class Coupe and Cabriolet ranges score a revised engine range, new semi-autonomous driving functions and re-worked interior and exterior designs – much of which is familiar with updated S-Class limousine range.

From the outside, there are changes to the front and rear bumpers, additional chrome highlights and the installation of new ‘OLED’ tail lights comprising 66 individual OLEDs that give off a floating impression.

Inside, two 12.3-inch colour screens with updated graphics sit atop the dashboard centre binnacle, working in concert with touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel that work using gestures.

The displays are accompanied by a new steering wheel design and three new trim levels across the range.

The S-Class scores the latest generation of Mercedes’ COMAND infotainment system, bringing sat-nav with topographical displays, real-time traffic updates, and connected services including weather, fuel station information and warning messages. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto has also been integrated.

The technical wizardry is underscored by updated driver assistance functions including the ability to autonomously adjust speed ahead of bends, intersections and roundabouts based on map and navigation data.

The S-Class Coupe also gets an upgraded version of Benz’s optional Magic Body Control suspension system.

The regular S-Class Coupe and Cabriolet range gets an updated suite of engines.

A 270kW/500Nm 3.0-litre turbo V6 anchors the coupe range in the form of the S 450. It boasts a 5.5-second 0-100km/h acceleration time and an 8.9L/100km fuel claim.

The S 560 Coupe and Cabriolet now replaces the outgoing S 500. It features the same 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 as the S 63, developing 345kW and 700Nm in S 560 tune and boasting a 0-100km/h time of 4.6 seconds.

Like the S 65, the S 560 is unique within the range in that it sends drive to the rear wheels only.