Mercedes reveals all-new S 63 AMG super-limo

Two days after releasing first details and a teaser video, Mercedes-Benz has revealed its redesigned S 63 AMG, which will top the sixth-generation S-Class range when it arrives here by December.

The first AMG version of the new S-Class will also be Australia’s only Affalterbach-fettled variant of Benz’s latest flagship sedan, with Mercedes-AMG’s 6.0-litre twin-turbo V12 to continue here only in the all-new S-Class Coupe, which is expected to debut at the Detroit motor show in January.

In fact, unlike the new W222-series S-Class sedan -- which will launch here in S 350 diesel, S 500 and S 63 guises in the fourth quarter, followed early next year by the twin-turbo S 400 and S 600 -- next year’s CL-replacing S-Class Coupe will be a V8 and V12-only affair when it arrives Down Under later in 2014.

Following its world public debut at the Frankfurt motor show in September, Expect the S 63 AMG to top the local limousine line-up only in long-wheelbase rear-wheel drive form (as with the E 63, new 4MATIC all-wheel drive versions will be unavailable here), priced lower than its predecessor -- $392,400.

But while the new S 63 doesn’t match the plentiful performance of the outgoing S 65 AMG (463kW/1000Nm, as in the SL and CL 65 AMGs), AMG’s direct-injection twin-turbo 5.5-litre M157 V8 offers up no less than 430kW of power at 5500rpm and 900Nm of torque between just 2250 and 3750rpm.

The single state of tune is 30kW and 100Nm more than the standard S 63 it replaces, 20kW more than previously expected, 10kW more than the outgoing performance package model and 100Nm more than the new E 63 S AMG, which offers ‘just’ 800Nm from the same engine.

Yet the 2014 S 63 consumes half a litre of premium unleaded less per 100km, at 10.1L/100km, emits 237g/km of CO2 in rear-drive LWB trim and still meets strict EU6 emission regulations not due in Europe until 2015.

Australia’s top-shelf S-Class sedan will be no quicker than before, however, with Merc quoting the same 4.4-second 0-100km/h acceleration time despite claiming a weight reduction of up to 100kg, to a still-substantial 1995kg in long-wheelbase rear-drive form.

Interestingly, Benz states the same kerb weight figure for the left-hand drive-only S 63 AMG 4MATIC LWB sedan (up from 1970kg for the RWD SWB), which directs 67 per cent of torque to the rear wheels and hits 100km/h in a claimed four seconds flat but consumes 10.3L/100km.

This is despite slightly larger overall dimensions and more standard equipment, thanks in part to new weight-saving measures including a carbon-fibre spare wheel well that saves 4kg and, like the SLS AMG Black Series Coupe, a 78Ah lithium-ion starter battery saving more than 20kg.

Top speed remains limited to 250km/h as standard, and 300km/h when fitted with an optional driver’s package, and the sole transmission will be the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT seven-speed multi-clutch automatic transmission with three drive modes: Controlled Efficiency (with idle-stop function), Sport and Manual.

Wrapped in a more aggressive AMG bodykit comprising a fuller front bumper with highly chromed grille, ‘twin-turbo V8’ side badging and bulging side skirts, other S 63 highlights include a sharper tune for the S 500’s standard AIRMATIC air suspension with AMG RIDE CONTROL and, for rear-drive variants, Merc’s new road-scanning MAGIC BODY CONTROL suspension system.

Forged aluminium 19-inch wheels (8.5-inch up front and 9.5-inch at the rear) with 255/45 front and 285/40 tyres will be standard, alongside the option of 20-inch alloys wearing same-width lower-profile rubber -- 255/40 front and 285/35 rear.

Standard specifications will include electromechanical AMG speed-sensitive sports steering with variable steering ratio, an AMG sports steering wheel with aluminium shift paddles, 330km/h TFT AMG instruments, AMG door sill panels, AMG floor mats, stainless steel AMG pedals, COMAND Online, ambient lighting, 10 speakers with Frontbass and metallic paint.

This is in addition to new S-Class driver safety aid like ESP Curve Dynamic Assist, ATTENTION ASSIST, COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST, PRE-SAFE PLUS, tyre pressure monitoring and LED headlights.

Big 420mm carbon-ceramic brake discs join a long list of S 63 AMG options, including an AMG Exterior Carbon-Fibre package, AMG carbon-fibre engine cover, AMG performance steering wheel in nappa leather/DINAMICA, black
AMG trim in carbon-fibre/black piano lacquer and red brake callipers.

Other high-end options include Burmester surround sound and 3D surround sound systems, rear-seat Business Telephony, Chauffeur package, designo appointments packages, Executive seat, Exclusive package, First-Class rear suite, rear folding tables, Seat Comfort package including ENERGIZING massage function, Warmth Comfort package and Night View Assist Plus.