autoevolution
 

MERCEDES-BENZ S63 AMG 4Matic Review

OUR TEST CAR: MERCEDES-BENZ S63 AMG 4Matic

 
MERCEDES-BENZ S63 AMG 4Matic - Page - 1
Before launching the new S-Class, the Mercedes team of specialists carefully created some sort of marketing void that would be filled by the car. They stirred curiosity and came up with statements so bold that one simply could not ignore. Now that Merc's flagship saloon is out there, it is time to meet the car that would easily humiliate it from the “all-German engineering” point of view: its 63 AMG incarnation.

AMG is now more important than ever in the history of Mercedes, so their presence within an S-Class model should be a perfect integration. Besides, believe it or not, AMG has been playing with luxobarges from the early 70s.

That is the period when they came up with the 300 SEL 6.8 AMG which was also called the Red Pig (rote Sau), and for good reason. It was basically an S-Class in the fully luxurious street attire, albeit injected with racing steroids. The car took its air suspension and lavish amenities all around the endurance races of the time. Believe it or not, the 3,600 lbs / 1,600 kg (a lot, for the time) machine even made it to the podium, heavy wooden trim included.

These are some nice retro moments to analyze while you behold the world from the confinements of the 2014 Mercedes S63 AMG 4Matic. For the European folks, this is the S63 AMG 4Matic Long – while Americans get the version that has them all, the long wheelbase and 4Matic all-wheel drive package are options in Europe.

Now that AMG has allowed itself to offer traction an all fours outside of its SUV range, the Germans are obviously looking for (automotive) world domination.
With the S63 AMG 4Matic, we are promised stuff like a new dimension in driving dynamics in its segment.

Before we can put that to the test, we'll take a few moments to discuss the visuals of the AMGification process.

Probably one in three words included in the description of this Mercedes-Benz is related to technology, but in order to assess its styling we'll have to return to the days of old. Models like the 1954 W180 Ponton, the true ancestor of the S-Class, had an air of elegance that unfortunately got diluted in the evolutionary process.

MERCEDES-BENZ S63 AMG 4Matic - Page - 1
The manlier styling cues of the S63 AMG bring some of the old glory back. The AMG bits actually add up to the car's appearance in a manner that makes it more elegant. The edgier shapes work on the beholder's mind, demanding extra respect.

As for the chrome aura at the base of the car, this perfectly serves the role of receiving attention without having to ask for it. Up front, the shiny broken line at the base of the fascia also has aerodynamic effects – you didn't expect AMG to do something just for the show, did you?

In fact, the S-Class could just as well come in this trim from the very beginning. There's no detail on the S63 AMG that wouldn't fit a standard S-Class. Perhaps the extra badges and the red calipers are the only pieces that do not obey the aforementioned rule.

Nevertheless, the AMG badges not only add stuff, they also remove things. We're talking weight here, naturally -- despite the extra presence, the S63 AMG is up to 220 lbs (100 kg) lighter compared to the model before it.

Aside from the aluminum body, the S63 AMG features a lithium-ion battery and forged wheels. Oh and if you ever get pulled over and the conversation starts to get awkward, you can just take the officer to the trunk, lift the floor and show him the carbon fiber spare wheel housing.

We hope such measures will not be necessary as we climb aboard our S63 AMG 4Matic test car. In a similar manner to the outer side treatment, AMG has managed to make the cabin a better place, not just a sportier one.

Despite that, the first impression is one of amusement and it all has to do with the S-Class obsession for oversized logos. This has, of course, been translated into AMG badges and the center console is adorned with the largest Affalterbach emblem we've ever seen inside a car.

Things get even more unusual with the steering wheel. They've kept its overall shape, with the hefty base and two-spoke design, but flattened the sides and replaced the MB logo with the AMG one.

MERCEDES-BENZ S63 AMG 4Matic - Page - 1
Going past this, the list of enhancements starts with the massive display used for dashboard instruments. The AMG dials have a design that gives the thing a 3D effect, so you don't get that uninteresting flatness on the dash anymore. Moreover, there's an AMG display where you can see weather forecast for the engine and gearbox areas.

As for the S-Class labyrinth of menus, the AMG version doesn't change things too much.

However, since we've gotten used to the style, it doesn’t seem so bad after all. Still, some of the options remain a bit of a pain to navigate and use – the seating-related settings are an example as good as any.

The S63 AMG's front seats are brilliant pieces of furniture. They somehow manage to rival the standard ones in terms of comfort, despite easily winning the side support race.
Well, everything is fairy tale-like until you realize that, in order to operate the lumbar support, you have to use the Command controls instead of some simple buttons.

There's no time to lose in the Command interface right now, we're on a major boulevard and the S63 AMG is doing a marvelous job since it comes with what we call “the rule of the two big Ps”, making you feel both Powerful and Protected.

Just like the 4.7 biturbo V8 in the S500, the 5.5-liter unit in the S63 AMG knows how to be extremely docile when necessary, as this is often the case inside the city.

There's only one slight mechanical indication that you're driving a car capable of a 4-second 0-62 mph sprint: if you pay attention to this, you can feel the wet start-up clutch of the 7-Speed AMG MCT, otherwise an automatic gearbox, engaging.

Moreover, if you use the C (Controlled Efficiency) transmission mode, the machinery takes off in second gear. No disturbance for the champagne bottles then.

As for those tight areas, you can fully rely on the surround camera system with its bird's eye view. This offers a wide perspective around the car, also indicating the trajectory of both axles. A pleasure to use.

Be careful when you reach larger obstacles though – the lowered ride height and the aggressive front fascia means you will have to lift the air suspension. You can feel the difference in standard ground clearance brought by the two aforementioned items.
12
83user rating 68 votes
Rate this car!
 
autoevolution Feb 2014
88
Value for money: 8/10
History
10
Exterior
8
Interior
9
In the city
7
Open road
9
Comfort
9
Tech facts
9
Gadgets
10
Safety
10
Conclusion
8
83user rating 68 votes
Rate this car!
 
Key Specs
USEU
Engine
5461 cm3 V8
Fuel
Petrol
Power kw
430
Power hp
577
Power rpm
5500
Torque val
664
Torque rpm
2250-3750
Transmission
7 sprre MCT Automatic with wet start-up clutch
Traction
AWD
Acceleration
3.9
Top speed
155 mph
Length
206.5 in
Width
74.8 in
Height
58.9 in
Wheelbase
124.6 in
Ground clearance
in
Cargo volume
18 CuFT
Weight
4310 lbs
Seating
5
Power
430 KW/577 BHP @ 5500 RPM
Torque
664 Lb-Ft @ 2250-3750 RPM
Engine
5461 cm3 V8
Fuel
Petrol
Power kw
430
Power hp
585
Power rpm
5500
Torque val
900
Torque rpm
2250-3750
Transmission
7 sprre MCT Automatic with wet start-up clutch
Traction
AWD
Acceleration
4
Top speed
250 km/h
Length
5245 mm
Width
1900 mm
Height
1496 mm
Wheelbase
3165 mm
Ground clearance
mm
Cargo volume
509.7 L
Weight
1955 Kg
Seating
5
Power
430 KW/585 HP @ 5500 RPM
Torque
900 Nm @ 2250-3750 RPM
fuel efficiency
mpgOfficialOurs
City16.7-
Highway29-
Combined22.816.5
fuel efficiency
l/100kmOfficialOurs
City14.1-
Highway8.1-
Combined10.314.2
base price
$
139500
base price
129800
Photo gallery (80)
2014 MERCEDES-BENZ S63 AMG luggage compartmentMERCEDES-BENZ S63 AMG 4Matic carbon fiber spare wheel recessMERCEDES-BENZ S63 AMG carbon fiber spare wheel mountMERCEDES-BENZ S63 AMG power bootMERCEDES-BENZ S63 AMG 4Matic exhaust tipsAMG badge on MERCEDES-BENZ S632014 MERCEDES-BENZ S63 AMG brake caliperMERCEDES-BENZ S63 AMG 4Matic wheelsMERCEDES-BENZ S63 AMG 4Matic brakesMERCEDES-BENZ star on S63 AMG 4Matic2014 MERCEDES-BENZ S63 AMG front fasciaV8 Biturbo badge on MERCEDES-BENZ S63 AMG 4Matic2014 MERCEDES-BENZ S63 AMG interior: rearMERCEDES-BENZ S63 AMG long interior: rear spaceMERCEDES-BENZ S63 AMG Long rear seat spaceMERCEDES-BENZ S63 AMG 4Matic interiorMERCEDES-BENZ S63 AMG seats2014 MERCEDES-BENZ S63 AMG door entry sillsMERCEDES-BENZ S63 AMG 4Matic pedals2014 MERCEDES-BENZ S63 AMG center console2014 MERCEDES-BENZ S63 AMG 4Matic steering wheelMERCEDES-BENZ S63 AMG Steering Assist button2014 MERCEDES-BENZ S63 AMG front seatsMERCEDES-BENZ S63 AMG door card2014 MERCEDES-BENZ S63 AMG door lock pins2014 MERCEDES-BENZ S63 AMG dashboard2014 MERCEDES-BENZ S63 AMG interiorAffalterbach logo on MERCEDES-BENZ S63 AMG 4Matic2014 MERCEDES-BENZ S63 AMG Comand controller2014 MERCEDES-BENZ S63 AMG dashboard air vents2014 MERCEDES-BENZ S63 AMG door cardMERCEDES-BENZ S63 AMG 4Matic door card2014 MERCEDES-BENZ S63 AMG speedometer and rev counterMERCEDES-BENZ S63 AMG dashbaord instruments2014 MERCEDES-BENZ S63 AMG dashboard displaysMERCEDES-BENZ S63 AMG standard rear seats2014 MERCEDES-BENZ S63 AMG interior: rear2014 MERCEDES-BENZ S63 AMG interior2014 MERCEDES-BENZ S63 AMG driver's seatMERCEDES-BENZ S63 AMG 4Matic sunroof2014 MERCEDES-BENZ S63 AMG sunroofAMG M157 5.5 Biturboi V8 on MERCEDES-BENZ S63 AMG MERCEDES-BENZ S63 AMG 4Matic engineMERCEDES-BENZ S63 AMG IWC clockMERCEDES-BENZ S63 AMG passenger airbag off warningMERCEDES-BENZ S63 AMG phone and volume buttonsMERCEDES-BENZ S63 AMG onboard computer buttons2014 MERCEDES-BENZ S63 AMG door handleMERCEDES-BENZ S63 AMG front passenger airbag2014 MERCEDES-BENZ S63 AMG navigationComand controler in MERCEDES-BENZ S63 AMGAMG menu in MERCEDES-BENZ S63 AMG 4MaticAMG badge on MERCEDES-BENZ S63 interior2014 MERCEDES-BENZ S63 AMG drivingMERCEDES-BENZ S63 AMG drivingMERCEDES-BENZ S63 AMG 4Matic handlingMERCEDES-BENZ S63 AMG rearMERCEDES-BENZ S63 AMG 4Matic2014 MERCEDES-BENZ S63 AMG 4MaticMERCEDES-BENZ S63 AMG Long 4MaticMERCEDES-BENZ S63 AMG 4MaticMERCEDES-BENZ S63 AMG front fascia2014 MERCEDES-BENZ S63 AMG LongMERCEDES-BENZ S63 AMG 4MaticMERCEDES-BENZ S63 AMG Long 4MaticMERCEDES-BENZ S63 AMG 4Matic2014 MERCEDES-BENZ S63 AMG side viewMERCEDES-BENZ S63 AMG 4MaticMERCEDES-BENZ S63 AMG 4Matic rear2014 MERCEDES-BENZ S63 AMG MERCEDES-BENZ S63 AMG rearMERCEDES-BENZ S63 AMG 20-inch wheelsMERCEDES-BENZ S63 AMG 4Matic 20-inch wheelsMERCEDES-BENZ S63 AMG 4Matic front view camera2014 MERCEDES-BENZ S63 AMG frontMERCEDES-BENZ S63 AMG 4Matic open road drivingMERCEDES-BENZ S63 AMG 4Matic acelerationMERCEDES-BENZ S63 AMG 4Matic drivingMERCEDES-BENZ S63 AMG 4Matic brakingMERCEDES-BENZ S63 AMG 4Matic driving