Two new members of the Mercedes-AMG S family.
New engine, new transmission, new all-wheel drive, new exterior and interior design: On the S 63 4MATIC+, Mercedes-AMG has honed the driving dynamics and looks further. For improved performance with significantly reduced fuel consumption, the AMG 4.0-litre V-8 Biturbo engine with cylinder deactivation replaces the previous 5.5-litre V-8 Biturbo. Despite the smaller displacement, the new engine puts out 450 kW (612 hp) and thus exactly 20 kW (27 hp) more than the preceding model. With a sprint time of 3.5 seconds from zero to 100 km/h, the performance luxury saloon is on par with full-blooded sports cars. The AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9‑speed sports transmission supersedes the previous 7-speed transmission. This has enabled more agile response times to be achieved. The fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive system provides optimal traction.
At the same time as the Mercedes-AMG S 63 4MATIC+, the top-of-the-range model S 65 has been given a visual update that underscores the flagship position of the 12-cylinder model. Its 6.0-litre V-12 Biturbo engine retains its output of 463 kW (630 hp) and peak torque of 1000 Newton meters. Thanks to the advanced stage of development of the V8 and V12 bi-turbo engine, both new models are among the leading competitors in terms of output and torque. “Impressive power, torque and performance on the road and expressive design are the hallmarks of the new Mercedes-AMG S 63 4MATIC+ and the new S 65. We have also taken a major step forward with the S 63, helping to underline our leadership claim in this segment when it comes to driving dynamics, performance, traction, equipment and convincing comfort. The S 65 with its high-torque 6.0-litre V-12 Biturbo engine remains the spearhead of the S-Class models“, says Tobias Moers, Chairman of the Managing Board of Mercedes‑AMG GmbH.
The new S 63 4MATIC+ and the new S 65 can be identified from the front by the MULTIBEAM LED headlamps with ULTRA RANGE Highbeam and the redesigned front apron with an expressive jet wing. The large side air intakes provide an improved airflow to the cooling modules – their functional form is familiar from motorsport. The three-dimensional front splitter reduces lift at the front axle. The exclusivity of the S 65 is further underlined by air inlet grilles in high-sheen chrome in the front apron. The door sill paneling with three-dimensional high-gloss chrome inlays lower the S-Class visually closer to the road and create even more tension in the side. Typical features of the AMG S-Class models are the large forged light-alloy wheels with a diameter of 19 inches as standard on the S 63 4MATIC+ and of 20 inches as standard on the S 65. The exclusive forged wheels for the V12 saloon have an unusual design: each of the 16 spokes twists in a special way so that the light-catching contours radiate to the center of the wheel hub. The effect: The wheel appears larger than its actual dimensions of 8.5 J x 20 at the front and 9.5 J x 20 at the rear. In addition, the ceramic mirror polishing ensures an exclusive look.
As standard, the forged wheels feature a high-quality, bolted and fully integrated wheel bolt cover made of forged aluminum. Its shape is reminiscent of a center lock as seen in motorsport. The AMG logotype is incorporated into the rim as a design element. Three other forged wheels of the same size are optionally available – two design variants also painted matt black with a high-sheen rim flange. The powerful rear end of the S 63 4MATIC+ and S 65 is formed by the updated rear apron with diffuser insert and the redesigned model-specific dual tailpipes of the AMG sport exhaust system. Additional stand-out features are the many high-gloss chrome design elements at the front, side and rear, which develop their radiant effect especially in combination with dark paint finishes. Stringent implementation of the AMG Lightweight Performance strategy also contributes to the high driving dynamics and low fuel consumption. The lightweight construction measures include the use of a lightweight lithium-ion battery, AMG forged light-alloy wheels and the weight-optimized AMG high-performance composite brake system. Furthermore, the entire outer skin of the S-Class including the roof and the front end of the body are made of aluminum. A carbon-fiber spare wheel recess saves further weight.
The stylish character of the new Mercedes-AMG S is also evident in the interior: Both models welcome their passengers with an exclusive ambiance. The AMG power sports seats with memory function and seat heating offer the driver and front passenger more lateral support. Nappa leather in AMG V-8 design with AMG badges in the front and rear backrests creates a luxurious atmosphere on board. The Performance steering wheel, in an all-new design with flattened lower edge and sides, features two broad horizontal spokes between which the control elements for cruise control, DISTRONIC, telephony, volume and the onboard computer are positioned, and two vertical struts, one on either side of the AMG logo on the steering wheel rim. There are also shift paddles and a more sharply contoured rim in black Nappa leather with perforated leather in the grip area. As an option, the steering wheel can also be ordered in black Nappa leather/DINAMICA microfibre. Special touches include the embossed emblem on the armrest of the front center console and the analog clock in exclusive IWC design, which features three-dimensional, milled metal hands and genuine metal appliqués on the face. The Mercedes-AMG S 65 is characterized by Exclusive Nappa leather in the hallmark AMG diamond design as standard, and the optional design Exclusive Nappa leather interior concept in three attractive color combinations.
Another hallmark AMG specialty is the displays: The 31.2-centimetre TFT wide-screen color display reproduces round dials that provide information about engine speed, vehicle speed and lots of additional data. The driver can choose from three display designs, Classic, Sport and Progressive. In addition, the AMG menu has been expanded considerably. Among other things, it can display the engine and transmission oil temperature, lateral and longitudinal acceleration, engine output and torque, boost pressure, tire temperatures, and pressures as well as the current vehicle set-up. Motorsport enthusiasts can record numerous vehicle data and lap times on the race track with AMG Track Pace in the S 63 4MATIC+. All values are shown on the COMAND display, and in the Widescreen Cockpit, the current times can also be read off in the instrument cluster. Based on the data, drivers are able to analyze their driving style with precision and can use the insights gained to improve their lap times.
The AMG 4.0-litre V-8 Biturbo engine in the S 63 4MATIC+ comes exclusively in the highest performance stage to date rated at 450 kW (612 hp). The peak torque of 900 Nm also represents a new maximum. It is available across a wide rev range between 2750 and 4500 rpm and thereby provides a sense of superior poise. The sprint from standstill to 100 km/h takes just 3.5 seconds, faster than in any other performance luxury saloon, and the dynamic push in the back does not end before reaching the electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h (with AMG Driver’s Package: 300 km/h). The further advanced AMG 4.0-litre V-8 Biturbo engine utilizes well-proven twin-turbo forced induction, with the two chargers not located outside on the cylinder banks, but rather between them in the V of the cylinders. The advantages of the “hot inside V” are: a compact engine design, an immediate response from the turbochargers and low exhaust emissions thanks to optimum airflow to the close-coupled catalytic converters.
Two twin-scroll turbochargers are deployed to boost performance and further improve response times. The housing is divided into two parallel flow passages. Combined with two separate exhaust ducts in the exhaust manifold, this makes it possible to control the exhaust gases on the turbine wheel separately. The exhaust gas from the first and fourth cylinders of the cylinder bank is fed into one duct and exhaust gas from the second and third cylinders to the other duct. The aim is to prevent the individual cylinders from having mutually adverse effects on the gas cycle. This reduces the exhaust gas backpressure and improves gas exchange. The results are increased output due to improved cylinder charge with a fresh mixture, more torque at low revs and very immediate response times. Other engine measures include new pistons, optimized air intake, and charge air cooling, as well as extensive software developments. Spray-guided direct petrol injection with piezo injectors, the all-aluminum crankcase, the four-valve-per-cylinder design with camshaft adjustment, air-water charge air cooling, alternator management, the ECO start/stop function and the gliding mode have all been retained. To sum up, the eight-cylinder engine thrills with its exceptional power delivery and powerful acceleration in all engine speed ranges combined with maximum efficiency for low consumption and emission values.
For maximum efficiency, Mercedes-AMG equipped the V-8 engine in the Mercedes-AMG S 63 4MATIC+ with the AMG Cylinder Management cylinder deactivation system. In the partial-load range, cylinders two, three, five and eight are deactivated, which significantly lowers the fuel consumption. With combined fuel consumption of 8.9 liters and combined CO2 emissions of 203 grams per kilometer, the new S 63 4MATIC+ is among the leaders in its competitive segment.
When the driver has selected the “Comfort” transmission driving mode, the cylinder deactivation system is available in the wide engine speed range from 1000 to 3250 rpm. The AMG main menu on the instrument cluster informs the driver whether the cylinder deactivation system is in use and whether the engine is presently operating in the partial or full-load range. The transition from four to eight-cylinder operation is immediate, fast and imperceptible so that the passengers do not experience any loss of comfort whatsoever. Valves closed, fuel supply and ignition deactivated!!! This is made possible by intelligent interaction between the high-performance engine management system and CAMTRONIC valve lift adjustment, which is familiar in a similar configuration from the four-cylinder engines. There are eight dual actuators involved in half-engine mode, which operate the axially sliding cam units of the intake and exhaust camshafts via a shift gate. A half-engine operation is achieved by shutting off the relevant intake and exhaust valves of cylinders two, three, five and eight. This not only enables the load-change losses of the four deactivated cylinders to be reduced but also increases the efficiency of the four remaining cylinders. The reason for this is to shift the operating point to higher loads.
The 6.0-litre V12 bi-turbo engine with an output of 463 kW (630 hp) and maximum torque of 1000 Newton metres promises superior performance: the Mercedes-AMG S 65 AMG accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds and has a top speed of 250 km/h (electronically limited, with the AMG Driver’s Package: 300 km/h). Stylish drive comfort, tremendous pulling power and effortless power delivery in all speed ranges are coupled with refined engine running characteristics and the distinctive typical sound of the AMG V12. Technical highlights of the AMG 6.0-litre V12 bi-turbo engine include the aluminum crankcase, the forged crankshaft in high-grade alloy steel, the multi-spark ignition with twelve twin-spark ignition units, the air-to-water charge air cooling with a low-temperature circuit, alternator management and the ECO start/stop function. For the first time, the Mercedes-AMG S 63 is fitted with the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9-speed sports transmission, which impresses with extremely short shift times, fast multiple downshifts and a double-clutching function. A wet start-off clutch replaces the torque converter of the production model. This saves weight and improves the response to the driver’s accelerator pedal input, particularly during acceleration and load changes.
The extremely high torque of the S 65 is transferred by the proven AMG SPEEDSHIFT 7G-TRONIC PLUS transmission. It delivers convincing tailor-made dynamics and high variability. Whether automatic or initiated by the driver using the steering wheel paddle shifters, upshifts or downshifts are carried out quickly and directly. Especially in the “Sport+” and in manual driving modes, the transmission is very fast and responsive. The Mercedes-AMG S 63 4MATIC+ is fitted as standard with the controllable AMG Performance exhaust system to achieve an even more emotionally appealing sound experience. The infinitely adjustable flaps modulate the exhaust note authentically and directly. The flaps open or close according to the selected AMG DYNAMIC SELECT drive program, but can also be controlled individually via a separate push button switch in the AMG DRIVE UNIT in the center console. In the “Comfort” and “Sport” modes, the low-frequency sound typical of a V-8 emphasizes comfort. In “Sport+” it has a much more emotional appeal.
The four AMG DYNAMIC SELECT driving modes, “Comfort“, “Sport“, “Sport+“ and “Individual“, allow the driver to influence the characteristics of the Mercedes-AMG S 63 4MATIC+ and the S 65 extensively. Each driving mode modifies key parameters such as the response of the engine, transmission, suspension, steering, ESP®, and all-wheel drive (in the Mercedes-AMG S 63 4MATIC+). Independently of the DYNAMIC SELECT drive programs, the driver has the option of pressing the “M” button to switch directly to manual mode, in which gearshifts are executed exclusively using the shift paddles on the steering wheel. The suspension set-ups can also be selected if desired. The 3-stage ESP® and the exhaust gas flap can also be controlled via a special AMG-specific push button switch.
“Comfort” is the well-balanced driving mode with a comfort-oriented suspension and steering set-up, as well as a consumption-oriented powertrain configuration and early upshifts – including smooth gear changes and a discreet engine sound. Cylinder deactivation (in the Mercedes-AMG S 63 4MATIC+), ECO start/stop function and sailing function (in the S 63 4MATIC+) are active: When the driver releases the accelerator in a speed range between 60 and 160 km/h, the clutch of the MCT transmission disengages and the engine is decoupled from the powertrain. The electronics lower the engine speed to idle and driving resistance is reduced by the compression and friction forces of the engine on overrun.
The DYNAMIC SELECT driving modes “Sport“ and “Sport+“ are designed for high driving dynamics. This is provided by the agile accelerator pedal characteristics with direct set-up and the emotionally appealing gearshifts with shortened shift times and rev-matching function on downshifts. The increased idle speed in “Sport+“ furthermore makes particularly fast start-offs and even better acceleration from standstill possible. In addition, the S 65 features the “Curve” driving mode, active in the speed range between 15 km/h and 180 km/h. A curve-tilting function is integrated into the MAGIC BODY CONTROL suspension of the S 65. As a result, the vehicle tilts to the inside of the turn by up to 2.65 degrees, similar to a motorcycle rider. This reduces the perceived lateral forces and increases the ride quality.
The RACE START function is now also available in the S 63 4MATIC+. It features a new, significantly simpler control logic: In the “Sport“ or “Sport+“ driving modes, the driver only has to press hard on the brake pedal with their left foot while completely depressing the accelerator pedal with their right foot at the same time. The onboard electronics will then set the optimum engine speed. Depending on the requirements or the road surface conditions, the engine speed can be increased or lowered in a certain range by operating the paddle shifters. As soon as the driver releases the brake pedal, the S 63 4MATIC+ storms forward with optimal traction. The saloon then completes the sprint from zero to 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds.
The left-hand-drive version of the Mercedes-AMG S 63 4MATIC+ is available as standard with the fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive system. This intelligent system combines the advantages of different drive concepts: The fully variable torque split between front and rear axle, another first, ensure not optimal traction. What is more: The driver is also able to rely on high handling stability and a high level of safety under all conditions, in the dry, in the wet or in the snow. The transition from rear-wheel to all-wheel drive and vice versa is seamless because the intelligent control is integrated into the overall vehicle system architecture.
An electro-mechanically controlled clutch connects the permanently driven rear axle variably to the front axle. The best possible torque split is continuously computed according to the driving conditions and driver’s input. The performance saloon can thus be driven in a continuously variable way from traction-oriented all-wheel drive to purely rear-wheel drive. Transitions are seamless and based on a sophisticated matrix. Alongside traction and lateral dynamics, the all-wheel drive also improves the longitudinal dynamics for even more powerful acceleration. The right-hand-drive version of the S 63 is equipped with the new engine and the new transmission. It is available solely with rear-wheel drive. The S 65 comes with rear-wheel drive only too.
The Mercedes-AMG S 63 4MATIC+ is equipped with the AMG sports suspensions based on AIRMATIC with adaptive damping. Customers can preset the damping to the stages “Comfort” or “Sport” ‑ from relaxed long-distance comfort to dynamic sportiness. Rebound and compression are set independently of each other, which optimizes the adaptation to the driving status and the quality of the road. The freely programmable mapping furthermore allows a wide spread between minimum and maximum damper forces. The difference between the comfortable and sporty suspension setting is thus more refined and is subjectively even more perceptible – depending on the particular driving situation. Mercedes-AMG developed special front axle kinematics including a higher wheel camber, bigger stabilizer bar and more rigid subframe mount at the rear axle exclusively for the S 63 4MATIC+. These measures optimize the vehicle’s agility when employing a spirited driving style. With the newly developed front axle and the specially tuned all-wheel drive, the S 63 4MATIC+ has significantly gained in driving dynamics.
The MAGIC BODY CONTROL suspension of the S 65 is focused on driving dynamics and prepares for bumps before the vehicle runs over them. To this end, MAGIC BODY CONTROL combines the active springs of the suspension with continuously adjustable dampers. The system precisely scans the condition of the road ahead with the help of a stereo camera to adjust the damping of each individual wheel optimally to the upcoming bumps already ahead of time. The standard curve-tilting function causes the body of the vehicle to tilt to the inside of a turn by up to 2.65 degrees. This significantly reduces the perceived lateral forces and enhances ride comfort, in particular on secondary roads.
Depending on the driving mode, the springing behavior can be set to comfortable or sporty to suit personal preferences and/or the curve-tilting function can be activated. The active suspension effectively compensates body roll, squat and dive when moving off the line, in curves and during braking. The continuously adjustable dampers enable comfortable basic damping and a speed-dependent firm setting. The ride height of the vehicle can be raised by 40 mm to increase the ground clearance. At high speeds, it is lowered by up to 15 mm and thereby reduces aerodynamic drag and increases the handling stability.
The electromechanical speed-sensitive sports steering in the S 63 4MATIC+ and in the S 65 has a variable steering ratio. It stands out thanks to the AMG-specific rack-and-pinion ratio with its precise, highly authentic feedback. Power assist varies between the stages “Comfort“, “Sport” and “Sport+”. The relevant characteristics are automatically activated depending on the selected DYNAMIC SELECT driving mode or can be personalized in “Individual” mode. At low speeds, the driver only needs to provide minimal steering input. At high speeds, he or she is able to rely on solid straight-line stability. The clearly defined steering center and the authentic feedback likewise contribute to the optimum steering feel.
The large high-performance compound braking system decelerates the performance saloon reliably and quickly and is fade-resistant even under high stress. The S 63 4MATIC+ and S 65 are fitted with 390 x 36 mm compound brake discs with 6-piston aluminum fixed calipers at the front axle and 360 x 24 mm discs with single-piston floating brake calipers at the rear axle. The AMG ceramic high-performance compound braking system is optionally available. The weight savings of more than 20 percent reduce unsprung masses and increase driving dynamics, agility and ride quality. Furthermore, the ceramic brakes are distinguished by a longer service life, higher corrosion resistance and higher thermal stability. It features brake discs of size 420 x 40 mm at the front and of size 360 x 32 mm at the rear. It can be identified visually by the “AMG Carbon Ceramic” lettering on the specially painted brake calipers.
Anyone looking to customize the S 63 4MATIC+ and S 65 even further can choose from a host of options when it comes to the technology, the exterior and the interior. The exterior can be tailored to personal preferences with the Night package, attractive alternative wheels and a Carbon package. In the interior, the black Nappa leather/DINAMICA microfibre Performance steering wheel boosts the sporty character. Carbon or carbon/piano lacquer trim elements round off the possibilities.