All about the Mercedes-AMG S-Class coupe and cabriolet

By JAY WONG | 6 September 2017


AFALTERBACH: Mercedes-AMG has pepped up the newly updated S-Class coupes and cabriolets with a host of technical and visual highlights for the S 63 4MATIC+ and S 65.

Both S-Class models are available in either a coupe or cabriolet and are easily distinguished by their Panamericana radiator grille that helps direct air toward the air-hungry biturbo engines that will make their world premiere at the upcoming International Motor Show in Frankfurt on Sept 12.

Mercedes-AMG S 63 4MATIC+ Cabriolet - 01
The S 63 4MATIC+ uses a 3,982cc V8 engine featuring direct injection and cylinder deactivation technology to crank out 612h from 5,500 to 6,000rpm and 900Nm from 2,750 to 4,500rpm.

The grunt is managed by a nine-speed AMG Speedshift MCT 9G transmission before reaching the all-wheel drive system that comes with a fully variable torque distribution system for left-hand driven units only.

The 2,005kg (kerb) coupe gets from 0-100kph in 3.5 seconds before reaching an electronically limited top speed of 250kph and although the drop-top cabriolet is 105kg heavier, its accelerative and top speed qualities haven't been hampered.

Mercedes-AMG S 63 4MATIC+ Cabriolet - 05
As for the S 65, its 5,980cc V12 may also sport a turbocharger for each cylinder bank, but it relies on a more traditional port-injection instead to produce 630hp from 4,800 to 5,400rpm and 1,000Nm of torque from 2,300 to 4,300rpm.

A seven-speed AMG Speedshift TCT 7G gearbox manages power-delivery to the rear wheels so that means 0-100kph takes 4.1 seconds and again top speed is electronically limited to 250kph - regardless if its a 2,110kg (kerb) coupe or cabriolet (+70kg).

In coupe or cabriolet forms, both two-door variants get an updated rear-apron with a diffuser insert, redesigned model-specific twin AMG exhaust tailpipes and an OLED rear light cluster.

The S 63 4MATIC+ rolls on 19-inch forged lightweight alloys that are available in three optional designs, while the S 65 is fitted with a 20-inch set of twisted-spoke wheels.

Mercedes-AMG S 63 4MATIC+ Cabriolet, 2017. Interieur: designo Leder Exklusiv Nappa AMG bengalrot/schwarz. Exterieur: designo diamantweiß bright;(Kraftstoffverbrauch kombiniert: 10,1 l/100 km; CO2-Emissionen kombiniert: 229 g/km* Mercedes-AMG S 63 4MATIC+ Cabriolet, 2017. Interior: designo leather exclusive nappa bengal red/ black. Exterior: designo diamond white bright;Fuel consumption combined: 10.1 l/100 km; CO2 emissions combined: 229 g/km*


Inside, the AMG-tuned two-door S-class models welcome their occupants with the AMG powered sports seats with memory function and seat heating while wrapped in Nappa leather and sports the AMG badges in the front and rear seat backrests, embossed emblem on the armrest of the front centre console and the analogue clock in exclusive IWC design.

The three-spoke leather-wrapped performance steering wheel features paddle shifters at the fingertips and a metal AMG-logo insert and can be made available in black nappa leather/DINAMICA microfibre as an extra.

At the centre of the dashboard is the 31.2cm TFT wide-screen colour display that reproduces the round dials for engine speed and vehicle speed or simply choose one of the three display designs of Classic, Sport or Progressive.

Mercedes-AMG S 63 4MATIC+ Cabriolet, 2017. Interieur: designo Leder Exklusiv Nappa AMG bengalrot/schwarz. Exterieur: designo diamantweiß bright;(Kraftstoffverbrauch kombiniert: 10,1 l/100 km; CO2-Emissionen kombiniert: 229 g/km* Mercedes-AMG S 63 4MATIC+ Cabriolet, 2017. Interior: designo leather exclusive nappa bengal red/ black. Exterior: designo diamond white bright;Fuel consumption combined: 10.1 l/100 km; CO2 emissions combined: 229 g/km*


In addition, the AMG menu has been expanded considerably and can, for instance, display items such as engine and transmission oil temperature, lateral and longitudinal acceleration, engine output and torque, boost pressure, tyre temperatures and pressures as well as the current vehicle set-up.

Also, the AMG Ride Control+ suspension system with adaptive damping adjustment comes as standard with three presets of Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus mode, while the S 65 coupe exclusively adds on curve inclination function.

The driver helms the car via the electromechanical speed-sensitive sports steering system that has a variable AMG-specific rack-and-pinion steering ratio that adjusts its heftiness depending on the choice of Dynamic Select modes of Comfort, Sport, Sport+ or the customisable Individual.

Mercedes-AMG S 63 4MATIC+ Coupé, 2017. Exterieur: designo diamantweiß bright;Kraftstoffverbrauch kombiniert: 9,3 l/100 km; CO2-Emissionen kombiniert: 211 g/km* Mercedes-AMG S 63 4MATIC+ Coupé, 2017. Exterior: designo diamond white bright;Fuel consumption combined: 9.3 l/100 km; CO2 emissions combined: 211 g/km*


Stopping power comes the AMG high-performance composite brake system that uses 390 x 36mm discs with six-piston aluminium fixed callipers at the front and 360 x 24mm discs with single-piston floating brake callipers for the rear.

As an optional extra, the AMG ceramic high-performance compound braking system is also available, which happens to be 20% lighter, have a longer service life, have higher corrosion resistance and have higher thermal stability.

The disc brakes measure 420 x 40mm at the front and 360 x 32mm at the rear and are marked by the AMG Carbon Ceramic lettering on the specially painted brake callipers.

But if there's a need to make things feel more raw, the S 63 4MATIC+ coupe and cabriolet features the Race program for driving on closed race circuits in which all the parameters are configured for maximum performance.

Mercedes-AMG S 63 4MATIC+ Coupe - 12
On the other hand, the S 65 coupe has the Curve programme that's active between 15 and 180kph, where a curve inclination function is integrated in the MAGIC BODY CONTROL suspension to 'tilt' the vehicle to the inside of the turn by up to 2.65 degrees.

While in Sport or Sport+ mode, drivers can now activate a simplified launch control system by pressing hard on the brake pedal with their left foot and simultaneously flooring the accelerator pedal with their right foot.

For a more bespoke feel, the exterior of both variants can be tailored to one's personal preferences with the Night package, alternative wheels or even a Carbon package

Not to mention, motor racing enthusiasts can record a range of vehicle data and lap times on the race track with the AMG Track Pace.

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.

Mercedes-AMG S 63 4MATIC+ Cabriolet - 18
On the market launch of the S 63 4MATIC+ Coupé (left-hand drive only) and S 63 Coupé (right-hand drive only), the exclusive Yellow Night Edition will be available for a period of six months.

This special model painted in a choice of selenite grey magno or night black magno is distinguished by a yellow trim strip on the exterior mirror housings, seven-spoke light-alloy wheels in black with high-sheen rim flanges and the yellow AMG high-performance composite ceramic brake callipers.

There's also the Aerodynamic package with an enlarged front splitter in high-gloss black (in carbon-fibre with Carbon Fibre package) and a spoiler lip in high-gloss black (in carbon-fibre with Carbon Fibre package) on the boot lid, as well as AMG racing stripes (decals) on the vehicle's flanks.

Mercedes-AMG S 63 4MATIC+ Coupe - 09
The interior will also feature yellow accents on the AMG sports seats in the front and on the rear seats, the AMG Performance sports steering wheel with a 12 o'clock marking, the dashboard, the beltline, the centre door panels, the armrests, the centre console front and rear and the floor mats.

The Edition badge in the steering wheel bezel means that it gets AMG matt carbon fibre/black piano lacquer accents and the Exclusive Package which includes Exclusive perforated nappa leather upholstery with AMG diamond design on the upper dashboard, centre armrest, front and rear armrests, while the door centre panels are also in nappa leather with contrasting topstitching and AMG badges in the front and rear seat backrests as well as illuminated AMG door sill panels and special AMG floor mats.


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