Many vehicle model lines often have a choice point where you can pick between greater luxury or higher performance. Mercedes-Benz can be said to follow this pattern with its AMG® and Maybach sub-brands. However, for those who won't settle for less, who want space, top-tier luxury, and high performance, there is the Mercedes-Benz AMG® S 63 Performance. Mercedes-Benz of Plano provides more details about this no-compromise flagship sedan.
The AMG® S 63 is a sum of summits. It features AMG®'s most powerful engine, placed in the brand's largest sedan with top-tier interior options, and even includes some plug-in hybrid technology. Essentially, there's nothing more you could ask for in a luxury sedan.
Under the hood, the AMG® S 63 begins with the familiar 4.0-biturbo V8 from the brand. Its standalone output is about 603 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission. AMG® then adds a 188-hp electric motor in the rear, bringing the total system power to 791 horsepower and an astonishing 1055 lb-ft of torque. This is enough to launch the 5,720-pound sedan from zero to 60 mph in 2.6 seconds, according to Car and Driver. Their testing shows it can also reach the quarter mile in 10.8 seconds with a trap speed of 129 mph. But it's not just about straight-line speed. Along with the traction advantage of sending power to all four wheels with the 4MATIC® system, the S 63 features AMG® Ride Control air suspension, AMG® Active Ride Control stabilization, and rear-axle steering as standard, making the S 63 agile in high-speed handling while delivering a ride worthy of an S-Class. The rear-axle steering also makes parking maneuvers easier.
This plug-in hybrid allows you to charge the 10.4 kWh battery overnight from a standard household outlet. While the EV-only range is modest at 16 miles, it enables the AMG® S 63 to be a quiet cruiser around town, although the impressive performance still relies on the biturbo V8. The hybrid system is calibrated more for power than efficiency, but when you exercise restraint, the AMG® S 63 achieves an EPA-estimated combined 18 mpg.
The AMG® S 63 essentially keeps its high performance discreet, something reserved for the driver and passengers to enjoy. The S-Class isn't a wallflower in design, but there are few clues to its powerful mechanics. The 20-inch multi-spoke wheels look sharp but don't scream "race car." Besides the subtle badging, the biggest giveaway is probably the quad trapezoid exhaust outlets emerging from the rear diffuser. Overall, this is an S-Class that maintains its full dignity despite its incredible performance capabilities.
Inside, the car shows all the luxury of its S-Class heritage with a wide strip of open-pore wood with metal inlays, and a gracefully sloped center console that leans against the dash with a 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen. The driver has a clear, customizable digital information center behind an elegantly designed twin-spoke steering wheel. From front to rear, everything you see and feel in the cabin radiates class, sophistication, and quality.
Having it all will always come at a cost, and the AMG® S 63's $186,200* starting MSRP ensures the model remains a rare sight even in upscale country clubs. However, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better mix of luxury, performance, and top-quality engineering anywhere else, and you can find it at Mercedes-Benz of Plano.
* Starting at price is for a base model prior to customer build and excludes fees and charges, taxes, title, registration, insurance charges for optional equipment, products, packages, and accessories. Actual vehicle price and availability may vary by dealer.
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