The new 2014 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG has been officially unveiled by the German manufacturer and it’s one of the fastest luxury four-seaters on the planet.
Reserved aggression is the styling hallmark of the uber saloons from Germany’s Big Three, so the S63 AMG’s aggressive bumpers, deeper side skirts, larger 19-inch alloy wheels and a quad exhaust system, look good, but also play down the car’s performance credentials.
As with any S-Class, the new S63 AMG is laden with technology, not least of which resides beneath the bonnet. The previous S63 AMG rustled up 400 kW and 800 Nm of torque from its 5.5-litre bi-turbo V8, while Mercedes have tuned the same engine to now produce 436 kW and 900 Nm of torque.
The engine features an air-to-water intercooler, is equipped with automatic stop/start function and is paired with a 7-speed AMG Speedshift transmission. Three models are available: S63 AMG short-wheelbase (SWB), S63 AMG Long-wheelbase (LWB) and the S63 AMG 4Matic all-wheel drive.
Mercedes claim fuel consumption of 10 l/100km for the rear-wheel drive models and 10.3 l/100 km for the all-wheel drive 4Matic version, with CO2 emission of 237 g/km and 242 g/km for the rear-wheel and all-wheel drive models respectively. The new S63 AMG also meets the stricter EU6 emissions standards.
Part of the improvement in fuel consumption and performance has been achieved by up to a 150 kg reduction in the S63 AMG’s overall weight. Lightweight components include the 19-inch alloy wheels, lithium-ion battery and braking system. Aluminum was used for the car’s front body panels and roof, while the spare wheel sits inside a carbon fire recess. The material changes mean the S63 AMG SWB tips the scales at 1 970 kg and the LWB version at 1 995 kg.
In terms of performance, both the SWB and LWB versions of the luxury sedan will reach 100 km/h from a standing start in 4.4 seconds. The S63 AMG 4Matic definitely has the legs though, with a benchmark sprint of 4 seconds. Top speed is limited to 250 km/h. To help shrug off the speed, Mercedes-Benz are offering an optional carbon ceramic brake package, which saves 20 percent and is recognised by yellow calipers with AMG Carbon Ceramic logo.
The 2014 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG will make its public debt at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September and is expected to go on sale in the U.S. and UK from November. Pricing has not yet been announced.
