S-Class

In-Depth Look: Mercedes S63 AMG Coupe

An in-depth look at the Mercedes S63 AMG as well as a video from the New York Auto Show

Words John Clark
April 18, 2014
An in-depth look at the Mercedes S63 AMG as well as a video from the New York Auto Show
Words John Clark April 18, 2014

AMG sports exhaust system with automatic exhaust flaps – Emotive and sporty performance or restrained and relaxing cruising: the S 63 AMG Coupé even has a choice of bespoke sounds. The AMG sports exhaust system meets individual driver requirements as it has automatic logic-controlled exhaust flaps in both rear silencers. When the transmission is in “C” (Controlled Efficiency) mode, the flaps remain closed in most situations, in which case the eight-cylinder biturbo engine’s sound is more understated. In “S” (Sport) and “M” (Manual) modes, the exhaust flaps open earlier and more spontaneously, especially if the driver prefers a dynamic driving style. The result is an even fuller, hallmark AMG emotive engine sound.

Check out the video below from the Premiere at the New York Auto Show…Short on time, skip to a little over a minute in to get to the good stuff.

“One man, one engine”: a tradition of hand-built excellence

Like all AMG V8 and V12 engines, the eight-cylinder biturbo engine for the S 63 AMG Coupé is assembled by hand at the AMG engine shop in Affalterbach. Highly qualified engine fitters assemble the engines in Affalterbach according to the strictest quality standards based on the “one man, one engine” philosophy. Apart from serving as an AMG hallmark confirming superlative precision and production quality, the AMG engine plate bearing the engine technician’s signature also attests to the peerless DNA of Mercedes-Benz’s high-performance brand.

Mercedes S63 AMG Coupe Engine

Mercedes S63 AMG Coupe Engine

Individuality: AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission

The AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission combines perfectly with the V8 biturbo engine. Maximum agility and exciting dynamics are the two key strengths of this transmission, which is used exclusively at AMG. Drivers can configure their own personal set-up, depending on their driving style. There are three modes to choose from: “C” (Controlled Efficiency), “S” (Sport) and “M” (Manual). The ECO start/stop function is fitted as standard.

Optional: performance-oriented AMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive

There are two variants of the S 63 AMG Coupé available: with rear-wheel drive or, for the first time, also with performance-oriented AMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive. With permanent all-wheel drive, 33 percent of the engine torque is sent to the front axle and 67 percent to the rear axle. The rear-biased power distribution provides the signature AMG high driving dynamics and superlative driving enjoyment as well as boosting acceleration from a standing start. The all-wheel drive also enhances driving safety on wet or wintry road surfaces. Optimum traction is guaranteed by a multi-disc clutch with a locking effect of 50 newton metres, which exploits the frictional connection potential of all four wheels to the full on snow and ice in particular.

AIRMATIC air suspension or MAGIC BODY CONTROL

As with the transmission, customers also get a choice when it comes to the AMG sports suspension: the rear-wheel-drive S 63 AMG Coupé is equipped with MAGIC BODY CONTROL, while the all-wheel-drive version of the two-door model features the full air-suspension system AIRMATIC with the adaptive damping system ADS PLUS. Specific front axle kinematics – including higher camber, a larger anti-roll bar and a stiffer subframe carrier on the rear axle – have been developed exclusively for the S 63 AMG Coupé 4MATIC. These measures enhance the vehicle’s agility when driving dynamically.

Curve tilting function is a world first

The S 63 AMG Coupé with rear-wheel drive features AMG sports suspension based on MAGIC BODY CONTROL. There is also a world first for series-produced cars in the shape of the curve tilting function. This function allows the S 63 AMG Coupé to lean into bends in a manner similar to a motorcyclist or skier. The lateral acceleration acting upon occupants is reduced in a way akin to when driving in a steep curve, and passengers sit more firmly. On country roads in particular, the new curve tilting function enhances motoring enjoyment and comfort. The object is not to reach higher cornering speeds, but to produce an even more pleasant motoring experience. The curve tilting function can be selected as one of three drive modes using the ABC switch; it is active in the speed range from 30 to 180 km/h.

In addition to the curve tilting function, the MAGIC BODY CONTROL suspension system includes ROAD SURFACE SCAN and Active Body Control (ABC) as standard. With Active Body Control the suspension struts are equipped with hydraulic cylinders (so-called plungers), in order to adjust the force in each strut individually. Depending on the curve driven, the curve tilting function shifts the base point of each individual strut. This allows the vehicle to incline automatically and continuously in fractions of a second and to angles of up to 2.5 degrees in curves – depending on the road angle and vehicle speed. The innovative suspension system detects curves using both a stereo camera behind the windscreen, registering the curvature of the road up to 15 metres ahead, and an additional lateral acceleration sensor.

ROAD SURFACE SCAN is a technology that can detect surface undulations in advance with the help of a stereo camera. MAGIC BODY CONTROL then adjusts the suspension in advance to suit the situation. Both suspension modes – “Comfort” and “Sport” – are also available here. The AMG-specific elastokinematics also ensure more directness when adopting a dynamic driving style.

Mercedes S63 AMG Coupe

Mercedes S63 AMG Coupe Wheels

Systematic lightweight construction: AMG forged wheels as standard

The S 63 AMG Coupé is equipped with AMG forged light-alloy wheels as standard. This design reduces weight while at the same time increasing strength. The lower unsprung masses result in advantages in terms of handling and spring/damper element response. In the standard specification, the S 63 AMG Coupé is fitted with multi-spoke forged wheels painted in titanium grey with a high-sheen finish – 8.5 x 19 at the front and 9.5 x 19 at the rear, with 255/45 R 19 and 285/40 R 19 tyres respectively.

Optional extras from the AMG Performance Studio include 10-spoke forged wheels painted in titanium grey with a polished finish – 8.5 x 20 at the front and 9.5 x 20 at the rear, with 255/40 R 20 and 285/35 R 20 tyres respectively. The forged wheels feature a high-quality, screwable and fully integrated wheel bolt cover made of forged aluminium. Its shape is reminiscent of a centre lock as seen in motorsport. The AMG logo is integrated into one of the ten spokes. As an option, these forged wheels are also available painted in matt black with a high-sheen rim flange. Alternatively, forged wheels of the same sizes in a 5‑twin-spoke design painted in titanium grey with a high-sheen finish and a black wheel bolt cover are available.

AMG ceramic high-performance composite brake system as an option for the first time

Short stopping distances and rapid deceleration are a given for the S 63 AMG Coupé, which is equipped with a weight-optimised, fade-resistant AMG high-performance composite brake system. An AMG ceramic high-performance composite brake system is available as an option. The more than 20 percent lighter design ensures lower unsprung masses as well as enhanced driving dynamics, agility and ride comfort.

Mercedes S63 AMG Coupe Design

Mercedes S63 AMG Coupe

Design: AMG combines sensual purity with effortlessly superior sportiness

The S 63 AMG Coupé also boasts exciting looks to emphasise its sporty performance: it exudes dominance and hallmark Mercedes-Benz sensual purity. The design is a stage for the exciting technology at the heart of the new dream car. Numerous filigree aerodynamic elements underline the outstanding driving dynamics: the front end is dominated by the three-dimensional AMG “twin-blade” radiator grille in silver chrome. Whether the car is moving or not, distinctive AMG lettering on the side between the louvres leaves no doubt: this is a high-performance model from Affalterbach. The A-wing is located below the radiator grille. This three-dimensional air-ducting element is painted in the body colour, spans the entire width of the front apron and displays the stylised “A” that is a hallmark of AMG vehicles. Large, black flics surround the outer cooling air intakes. Down below, the front splitter in silver chrome optimises the flow of air to the cooling modules. This design feature, which is a familiar sight in motorsport, also reduces front-axle lift and optimises the vehicle’s aerodynamic balance.

All of the cooling air grilles exude high quality with their high-gloss-black paint finish. Keeping the A-wing and front splitter separate makes the car appear closer to the road. A similar effect is created by the AMG side sill panels with their high-quality, three-dimensional inserts in silver chrome. Together with the lower feature line, these inserts make the S 63 AMG Coupé exude dynamism even when it is at a standstill. Further eye-catching features of the side design include the large AMG forged wheels. “V8 BITURBO” lettering in a new, contemporary typography on the front wings is another hallmark AMG design touch.

At the rear, the diffuser insert in high-gloss black also catches the eye straight away. The lower trim element in silver chrome is reminiscent of the A-wing at the front and provides an effective contrast. The two chromed twin tailpipes of the AMG sports exhaust system with sports flaps are perfectly integrated into the diffuser insert. Stylised, vertical air outlets in the rear apron assume the role of a defined spoiler lip and optimise aerodynamics. The “S 63 AMG” model designation in a new, contemporary typography below the tail lamps adds the perfect finishing touch to the rear-end design.

Mercedes S63 AMG Coupe

Mercedes S63 AMG Coupe Interior

Interior: beguiling luxury, quality and sporty exclusivity

Opening the door reveals the beguilingly luxurious interior of the S 63 AMG Coupé: the instrument panel almost seamlessly transitions into the doors in a wrap-around design. High-quality materials and fine workmanship are combined with a sporty, exclusive design idiom. The newly developed AMG sports seats with electrical adjustment, Memory function and seat heating offer the driver and front passenger optimum lateral support. Fine nappa leather in AMG V8 design with piping and AMG badges on all four seat backrests together with the embossed AMG emblem on the armrest of the front centre console create an exquisite atmosphere on board.

The new three-spoke AMG sports steering wheel with its distinctively contoured rim and perforated leather in the grip area allows perfect vehicle control. There is an AMG logo in the lower metal insert. New aluminium shift paddles shorten the reaction time when changing gear and enhance dynamism. Another feature displaying the hallmark AMG look is the high-resolution TFT colour display as an AMG instrument cluster with two animated round dials. In addition to the specific lettering and the needles in red/silver, further distinctive design features include the AMG start-up display, the AMG logo in the speedometer with 330 km/h scale (left) and the “V8 BITURBO” lettering in the rev counter (right).

The new, innovative touchpad, fitted as standard, makes it significantly easier to operate the radio, telephone and navigation system. The safety and assistance systems are the same as those for the S 500 4MATIC Coupé.

Even more exclusivity: the S 63 AMG Coupé “Edition 1”

One particularly exclusive model in the range is the S 63 AMG Coupé “Edition 1”, which will be available one year after market launch. The expressive arrangement of exclusive exterior and interior details arouses pure fascination. Swarovski crystals in the LED high-performance headlamps lend the car an irresistible look on the outside, while the Exclusive Interior package creates an even more exquisite ambience on the inside. The latter includes AMG sports seats upholstered in designo Exclusive nappa leather in crystal grey/black or bengal red/black with contrasting topstitching and piping. In keeping with this colour scheme, the upper section of the dashboard, the front and rear centre armrests, and the door linings are trimmed in nappa leather with contrasting topstitching, while the roof liner and the sun screens are in DINAMICA microfibre. Further features of the “Edition 1” include AMG Exclusive floor mats with nappa leather edging, door sill panels with illuminated AMG lettering and a high-gloss black poplar wood trim. The AMG sports steering wheel has “Edition 1” lettering. Night View Assist Plus is fitted as standard.