Test Drive: The Mercedes-Benz S 63 AMG

Mercedes-Benz S 63 AMG | Mercedes-Benz S 63 AMG

The Conviction of a Road King

Test Drive: Mercedes-Benz S 63 AMG

The new "S-Class," now the W222 model, welcomes the "S63 AMG," offering even higher performance and quality. This AMG, with its exceptional power that belies its status as a high-end saloon, delivers utility and a driving feel remarkably close to the standard model. Toshifumi Watanabe delves into its allure.

Text by WATANABE Toshifumi

The Trust Between Japanese Users and AMG

In Japan, the sales figures for the S-Class likely best illustrate how confidential a brand Mercedes is. Approaching 10,000 units in a full year immediately after a model change... among comparable vehicles, there is nothing elseLexus LSthat can compete.

Furthermore, if you consider that around 5-10 percent of S-Class sales are AMG models, priced in the 20 million yen range, you might grasp the difference in average customer spending between the two. Incidentally, Japan ranks third in S-Class AMG sales, following the US and Germany. The figures for the higher-performance, higher-quality AMG models may vividly illustrate just how much of a sure bet the S-Class is for Japanese establishments.

The new S-Class, the W222 model, has been refined in its equipment and features, with a more strategic lineup and pricing structure aimed at challenging the Lexus LS's stronghold. In contrast, AMG, despite its enhanced equipment and features, maintains a pricing strategy that can be described as solitary.

Its rivals, as indicated by the price tag, are nowBentley Flying Spurperhaps. I'm not alone in seeing the trust between Japanese users and AMG reflected in this breadth of capability. The biggest question is whether the new S-Class AMG truly lives up to it.

Mercedes-Benz S 63 AMG | Mercedes-Benz S 63 AMG

The Conviction of a Road King

Test Drive: Mercedes-Benz S 63 AMG (2)

Optimizing Ride Comfort to Match Road Surface

In Japan, the S-Class AMG lineup is exclusively the long-wheelbase version. In addition to the traditional rear-wheel drive, there are two drivetrain options: rear-wheel drive and the newly available 4MATIC all-wheel drive.

The drive distribution for the four-wheel-drive system, housed vertically within the transmission case, is a fixed 33:67 split, prioritizing cornering performance. It is designed to be compact and lightweight, lacking complex control systems, and the weight increase due to the all-wheel drive is kept to just 70kg compared to the rear-wheel-drive version.

Furthermore, the suspension specifications differ between the rear-wheel-drive and 4MATIC models. The former comes standard with "AMG Sports Suspension," which scans the road surface using a camera and optimizes damping characteristics just before impact to achieve a flat ride feel, incorporating Magic Body Control.

The latter features "AMG Ride Control Suspension," based on Mercedes' signature Active Body Control, which instantaneously controls the air springs and damper rates according to real-time input.

The 5.5-liter V8 direct-injection twin-turbo M157 engine isprevious-generation S 63 AMGa refined version of the one used in the previous generation, but its maximum output has been increased by 41 ps to 585 ps, and its maximum torque by 100 Nm to 900 Nm, a significant boost reflecting the full model change of the base vehicle.

Additionally, the transmission has been replaced from the basic torque converter type 7G-Tronic to a 7-speed MCT Sportshift, which uses a wet multi-plate clutch linked by a robotized system for a more direct feel. The 0-100 km/h acceleration, indicative of its power, is a remarkable 4.4 seconds for the rear-wheel-drive model and a flat 4.0 seconds for the 4MATIC model, which is exceptional considering the car's class.

While the top speed is typically regulated at 250 km/h, the optional Performance Package removes this limiter. In that configuration, it would undoubtedly approach 300 km/h.

Meanwhile, the benefit of a 100kg weight reduction compared to the previous generation, which undoubtedly contributes to its performance, is also reflected in its fuel efficiency. The EU standard figure of 10.1 liters/100km provides a significant advantage over its rivals.

Mercedes-Benz S 63 AMG | Mercedes-Benz S 63 AMG

The Conviction of a Road King

Test Drive: Mercedes-Benz S 63 AMG (3)

Transforms Aggressively with Mode Selection

Like many cars, the S 63 AMG features a mode select system that adjusts throttle maps, shift management, and steering effort. However, when operated in the standard mode, its driving characteristics are remarkably close to those of the standard model. Without needing special care in throttle control, the car is not unnerved by unintended responses, and the transmission favors lower RPMs, leveraging its ample torque.

In terms of ride comfort, there are moments where it feels smoother than the standard model equipped with run-flat tires. Considering its latent power, its response is exceptionally calm.

Even if used for chauffeur-driven purposes, guests would likely not realize it's an AMG. However, when the mode is switched to Sport, the S 63 AMG presents a striking contrast, starting with its sound. The driving factors such as throttle response, shift speed, and steering precision are tightened, making it hard to believe this is a high-end saloon with a total length of 5,250mm.

Nevertheless, even with this aggressive transformation, the suspension's response remains beautifully extended within its stable range, which is characteristic of AMG. It smoothly processes minor inputs, reliably conveying necessary information to the driver, and with significant inputs, it demonstrates immense capability, keeping the body perfectly flat.

If one were to pinpoint the most remarkable aspect of AMG models, it would be their ability to deliver dramatic performance with utility and a driving feel that is exceptionally close to the standard car. This achievement is perhaps most vividly demonstrated in their high-end models. The new S 63 AMG has once again redefined its credibility as the "Road King," recognized by the world.