Mercedes-Benz S 63 AMG

Expert Rating:

What is it?

The S 63 AMG is one of the flagship models in the recently revised S-Class line-up. It's one of two AMG models available, the S 63 AMG playing a supporting role to the bonkers 604bhp S 65 AMG. That 'supporting' is relative of course, as the S 63's 6.2-litre V8 engine is good for 518bhp and barely slower than its V12 relative. It's also £40,000 cheaper, which salves the 0.2 seconds more the S 63 takes to reach 62mph over the S 65. Four-point-six seconds isn't exactly slow either, the S 63's V8 turning the S-Class into a rocket-ship performer for executives in a serious hurry.

Is it any good?

It's an intriguing proposition, a luxury saloon with a racecar-like engine. That results in an odd mix, the 6.2-litre V8's hunger for revs at odds with the luxury role of the S-Class. It does sound glorious at high revs and the performance on offer can be scintillating, but the combination is a strange one - particularly as a standard S 500 with a 5.4-litre V8 is nearly as quick in the real world and offers more liner, less rev-needy performance. Much the same is true of the chassis and steering, the S 63 bringing variable suspension, which you can set to Sport or Comfort. It's best on the latter, the additional compliance it gives suiting the big saloon's gait better - Sport tightens up responses, but with a resultant trade-off in terms of comfort.

There's little incentive to drive the S 63 in the same manner as its smaller AMG relatives, as it feels more like a powerful cruiser than a genuine sports saloon. There is talent there, it's just hidden behind numb steering, a busy seven-speed gearbox and a myriad of electronic driver and safety aids. Where it does deliver is on looks, getting all the sporting add-ons you'd expect: deeper bumpers, side skirts, purposeful-looking tailpipes and badging all add some real visual appeal to the S-Class. Inside it comes loaded with equipment too, the infotainment screen offering the novel ability to allow the driver and front passenger watch different outputs via the same screen. Seat comfort is tremendous and space is never anything less than ample. The S-Class remains a fantastic luxury saloon, though better when fitted with less racy, demanding engines.

Should I call the bank manager?

Chances are you'll be playing golf with them sometime soon so don't bother. At nearly £100,000 for the S 63 it's highly improbable you'll need the bank's help to buy your luxury rocket-ship, the S 63 certain to cost a good bit more if you choose some of the more interesting extras. Despite the extensive standard kit list there's plenty to choose from, the S 63 available with everything from night vision to unique matte finish paintwork.

Summary

There's no denying the S 63 AMG's pace and remarkable ability if you do find a road big enough to enjoy it on, but it does feel rather strange. Furiously fast, it's quite a demanding drive, which is at odds with the S-Class's otherwise refined, relaxed demeanour. It's the ideal machine for those wanting to enjoy the sound and pace of AMG's 6.2-litre V8 in splendid luxury, but ultimately it looks like an irrelevance when compared to its 'lesser' relatives in the line-up.

Kyle Fortune