In an effort to build hype around the yet-to-be-revealed 2014 S63 AMG, select members of the press were invited by AMG chief Ola Källenius and engineering director Tobias Moers to review the forthcoming model. One of these press members – Automobile – had the chance to get behind the wheel of the S63 AMG, or more specifically, a long-wheelbase 4Matic, the first we’ve seen for the S63 AMG. Some unique features found the new S Class AMG (many of which we’ve already detailed) include an exhaust that’s capable of playing two different sounds to suit your mood and a silver box battery that is filled with lithium ion energy cells that help cut the AMG’s weight by 44 pounds over the S500 battery.
2014 Mercedes S63 AMG Front Grille
“All in all, we managed to reduce the weight by 220 pounds,” says Moers. “All body panels, the roof, and the entire front-end structure are made of aluminum.”
It is not just the exterior of the Mercedes S63 AMG that received an aggressive facelift – the interior is far more sporty and more luxurious than the standard S-Class. The S63 AMG’s interior sports reshaped seats, perforated nappa leather, an IWC clock, larger shift paddles, a two-spoke steering wheel with a thicker rim, graphics on the virtual speedometer and tach, and AMG badging throughout.
Performance wise, the AMG S-Class can sprint from 0 to 62 mph in 4 seconds flat, or 4.4 seconds in the RWD version. The 585 HP 5.5-liter twin-turbo V-8 reaches a maximum torque of 664 pound-feet available from 2250 to 3750 rpm, and stopping power is provided by carbon-ceramic brakes paired with 21″ wheels (optional) wrapped in 255/40 (front) and 285/35 (rear) tires.
2014 Mercedes S63 AMG Driver’s Side
“Although the power output went up by 41 hp, the real-world fuel economy improved by five percent,” claims Moers. “With this rear-biased AWD system, the S63 AMG can now be driven with almost the same verve as the SL63 AMG. To push out the handling and roadholding envelope even further, we developed an uprated front axle, a variable-ratio sports steering, and a choice of two different chassis settings.” Turn-in on the car is instant – the car’s grip on the road is nearly perfect – the ESP Sport mode allows for minimal sidesteps stays in-line; and lastly, the carbon-ceramic brakes with 16.5″ front rotor allows you to go beyond the apex.
2014 Mercedes S63 AMG Passenger Side
For those of you who think the S63 AMG isn’t quite enough, an even more powerful S65 AMG will be ready in 2014 with atweaked V12 engine that is capable of producing 635 hp and 738 pound-feet of torque.
Check out more photos in the gallery below, courtesy of Automobile.
