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Tested: Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG Coupe
Today’s car certainly needs no introduction. When we saw it a few months ago to its static presentation we were all ecstatic and today, being able to touch it and drive in person, it’s an emotion that is not easy to describe. The S Coupe is none other than the new incarnation of the old CL model, which is the flagship two-door Mercedes-Benz of the Company (excluding the more sporty SLS). It maybe has been changed the name, but the DNA remains the one of a big coupe, comfortable, powerful and full of all the gadgets that we have seen on the S-Class sedan. To take it home you have to put in mind to spend more than € 100,000, but for this S63 AMG you will need almost twice as much. In this way, you bring to your garage the new Enterprise from Star Trek, because thanks of its size, ride comfort and performance, you really feel like to sit at the command of a starship. Assuming that the S63 AMG Coupe is not a car to scramble on track even if its generous engine allows idle speed, it’s a car that allows you to enjoy all the comfort and luxury of this technological era, taking advantage of a speed that compared to its size is really impressive. Externally, the S Coupe is completely new compared to the other models of the brand. Incredibly long, wide and with such a nice back, it quickly becomes unmistakable. Then, AMG details, are the final touch, a bit ‘like when a painter gives its latest mark on canvas. Side skirts, front bumper with AMG blade, four tailpipes at the rear and 20 or 21” forged alloy wheels that incorporate the brake discs (also optional carbon ceramic). Opening the door, you are greeted by a profusion of leather, which if chosen in combination with the color of the body, helps to make the environment even more special. A lot of stuff on the inside too, such as the panoramic sunroof, wraparound leather seats of a sporty design, but with plenty of confort such as 4 custom adjustments, heating, massage (for both front and rear occupants) and everything you have seen in movies with alien spacecrafts. I could go on for days before ending the long list of gadgets the S63 has, some more common as parking sensors, others less as all the cameras positioned at each corner of the car, both for night vision and for the progressive adaptation of suspensions depending on the terrain in front of you. But what really interests you when you’re sitting behind the wheel of an AMG is to start the engine and hear the roar of the V8. The 5.5 liter AMG is able to deliver about 585 hp through 900Nm of torque. They are incredible numbers which fortunately can be managed not only by the electronic aids, but also with the possibility of distributing the torque on both axles thanks to the 4-matic version. I press the Sport button and the exhaust valves remain open, giving an unmistakable symphony every time I press the gas pedal. The 7-speed automatic gearbox makes a superfine work and pace to cruise the S63 slips like a big ship on the calm sea. Just press the accelerator and the car turns into a big angry monster that wants to devour the road and all that is in front of him. The problem represented by its weight of about two tons and such a lot of power, suggests to keep the traction control control always active while electronics working madly to cut power at each call of the nearly thousand of Newtonmeters.
With the traction control on, which I have kept active for almost the entire test, the S63 Coupe proves to be friendly, a wonderful companion who does not intend to bite you, but when you request it, it can give impressive acceleration. What amazes you most is the constant progression in which the V8 biturbo pushes, especially from 80 kph and above, where the electronics is less involved. Without it, you will end up spinning wheels in fourth gear, you can be sure. In the city, you feel observed and the size does not help either in parking situations, narrow streets or in congested traffic. Not bad, because inside, just connect your iPhone to the USB and listen to your favorite songs, or you can also play with the many amenities that feature the latest generation of Mercedes. You’re sitting in something special and very expensive and every corner of the cabin reminds you.
The S63 AMG Coupe is a car for long trips and in the back you can accommodates two adults while, before you use all the gadgets on board, you’ll be retired. Counts then relatively little to tell you that it takes about 4.3 seconds to sprint from 0 to 100 kph and that the maximum speed is as usual electronically limited to 250 kph. I am sure this is not the car for those who spend their days measuring the torque curve and lap times. The highest form of “living room on wheels” is this. If you then add that it’s damn sexy, this is the AMG you want to buy.
Alessandro Marrone
MERCEDES-BENZ S63 AMG COUPE (2015-)
Layout – front-engined, rear wheel drive
Engine – V8 cylinder 5461cc
Transmission – 7-speed automatic gearbox
Power – 585 hp @ 5500 rpm
900 Nm @ 2250-3750 rpm
Weight – 2070 kg
Acceleration – 4,3 sec.
Top Speed – 249 kph (limit.)
Price – from 179.000 €
