This is our first look at the new Mercedes-AMG S 63. It’ll sit below the upcoming AMG S 73 e plug-in hybrid in showrooms later this year as the second most powerful model in the S-Class range, offering fresh competition for the Porsche Panamera.
Like all Mercedes-AMG vehicles, the new S 63 will come with a host of aggressive styling tweaks, as indicated by the camouflage wrap on this mule. Revisions will include a deeper front splitter, slightly wider side skirts and a new diffuser, which houses the company’s trademark quad-exit exhaust system.
The cabin will also get the usual Mercedes-AMG makeover, with some new sports seats, an AMG-branded steering wheel, aluminium pedals and some dedicated AMG graphics for the car’s 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 12.8-inch infotainment system.
Mercedes hasn’t confirmed any technical specifications for the new AMG S 63 but, given the vast size of the latest S-Class, we expect the brand will shun the electrified four-cylinder powertrain destined for the new AMG C 63 in favour of its traditional twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8, which is found in everything from the AMG GT to the AMG E 63 saloon.
In the E 63, the V8 produces 450kW and 850Nm – and we expect the tune will be the same for the S 63. We’re also fairly certain it’ll come with a nine-speed automatic gearbox and four-wheel drive, as that drivetrain is already found in every other model in the standard S-Class line-up.
To support the extra grunt, Mercedes will overhaul the S-Class’s chassis, fitting lowered suspension, stiffer anti-roll bars and new adaptive dampers that are tuned for slightly sharper handling. There’s also some drilled discs and larger calipers hiding behind this mule’s alloys.
Mercedes-AMG will fit its latest traction control system to the S 63. Like the smaller AMG E 63, it should also come with a “Drift Mode” programme for the car’s drive mode selector, which will disconnect drive to the front axle and allow the driver to slide the car through corners.
Luke Wilkinson
