Three years after its public debut, the S-Class looks just as fresh and untroubled by its competition. However, Mercedes-Benz insists on applying a mid-life facelift on its flagship model, and the AMG versions won't be spared either.
It's hard to tell whether we're looking at the S63 or S65 here, but since the V12-totting luxury limousine hasn't poked its nose so far, we're going to assume we weren't that lucky and this was indeed the V8-powered version that's still called S63 even though those numbers have nothing to do with reality anymore.
The biggest change for the Affalterbach version of the S-Class is going to take place in its engine compartment, where the 5.5-liter V8 unit will make room for the more compact 4.0-liter biturbo we've come to know and love on almost all other AMG models. Just like in the E63, the power output will be pumped up to 612 hp, meaning the new S65 will have to bring something more spectacular than the 630 hp it offers right now if it wants to remain relevant.
To deal with all that power, the sporty limousine is going to use an AMG-tuned version of the new 9G-TRONIC automatic shifter, as well as a 4MATIC-derived performance four-wheel-drive system. There will be no shortage of traction, then, and all those 900 Nm (664 lb-ft) will make their way onto the asphalt no problem.
If we were to take an imaginary tour of the car's interior, we wouldn't really spot so many changes. Earlier spy photos have shown that the instrument cluster and the central display are now one, but apart from that, there isn't much else we know so far.
The video itself shows us a slightly camouflaged model that certainly has a Darth Vader vibe going on, and that impression would only get stronger if we also were to hear its engine burbling. The headlights are the same we've been seeing on facelifted S-Class test cars for a while, so no surprises there either.
The Mercedes-AMG S63 is expected to debut in the second quarter of 2017, with its other body styles - the Coupe and Cabriolet - to follow shortly. Pricing should remain largely the same, with possibly a slight bump that the car's buyers won't even notice.
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