When Mercedes->ke187 works on a new generation for one of its models, you can rest assured that the AMG version to match will follow right behind it. As the new-generation S-Class made its world debut a few months ago, we all expected to see the AMG version dropped on the market too.

After many months of testing and a few teases, Mercedes released the first details on the new S63 AMG today. At first look, the new model seems better than ever: it gets a sweet AMG aerodynamic package, it is more powerful, it's lighter and, for the first time, Mercedes will offer it with a 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system.

The new S63 AMG will make its world debut at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show->ke235 and will be put on sale on the U.S. market in November.

Updated 07/17/2013: This review has been updated with the official details, images and specs.

Updated 9/9/2013: Mercedes-Benz has just released the pricing details on the S63 AMG 4MATIC. It starts at $139,500.

Click past the jump to read more about the new Mercedes S63 AMG.

mercedes-benz-s63-amg-4matic

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: mercedes-benz-s63-amg-4matic
Pros
Cons

2014 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG 4MATIC

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG 4MATIC
  • Engine/Motor: V8
  • Horsepower: 577 @ 5500
  • Torque: 664 @ 3750
  • Transmission: 7-speed sports
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The S63 AMG takes the new S-Class to a sporty level with the usual AMG design features we have seen on all the recently announced models.

Up front, the model is distinguished by a large, three-dimensional radiator grille and a new front apron with three large air dams, both painted in high-gloss black. There is also a new, three-dimensional front splitter in silver shadow that reduces lift and larger side air intakes that ensure optimal cooling for the engine.

On the side, you will notice new sill panels with three-dimensional inserts in silver shadow that provide a more aggressive look and brings the vehicle closer to the road.

On the rear, there is a new black diffuser insert with trim in silver shadow and a new AMG exhaust system with two chrome twin tailpipes. The S63 AMG is further distinguished by "V8 Biturbo" logo placed on the front fenders and the trunk lid.

Interior

Just like with the exterior, the interior of the new S63 AMG is all about combining sportiness with a luxury feeling. When compared to the previous model, the new S63 AMG received improved dimensions, control logic, ergonomic touches, ease of use, safety, appeal and aesthetics.

The first thing you will notice are the newly developed AMG sports seats wrapped in fine Nappa leather in AMG V8 design with lavish perforations and AMG badges in the front and rear seat backrests. The seats are offered with electric adjustment, Memory function and heating function.

The list of new features also includes a three-dimensional high-quality analog clock in IWC design and a new AMG sports steering wheel with a distinctively contoured rim, perforated leather in the grip area and aluminum shift paddles. The model is also offered with standard high-resolution TFT color display with two animated round dials and AMG-specific lettering and a speedometer with a 200 mph scale.

Drivetrain

Under the hood, Mercedes placed the usual AMG 5.5-liter V-8 biturbo engine, but it received some major improvements for the new generation. It now delivers a total of 577 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of torque - an increase of 49 horsepower over the previous generation.

For the first time, the new S63 AMG comes with 4MATIC all-wheel drive, which distributes 33 percent of the power to the front axle and 67 percent to the rear axle. This way the model delivers high-performance driving dynamics and incredible acceleration from a standing start.

The engine is mated to a seven-speed sports transmission with three driving modes: "C" (Controlled Efficiency), "S" (Sport) and "M" (Manual). In the "C" mode the ECO Start/Stop function is on and it shuts off the eight-cylinder engine when the car is at a standstill. In "S" and "M" modes, the S63 AMG's exhaust flap open up, giving you a sweet growl, to go along with retarded timing for better response and more aggressive shifting.

Also, the new S63 AMG is the first model in its segment to offer a new lithium-ion battery - and the second Mercedes model after SLS AMG. This new battery makes the model about 44 pounds lighter than its predecessor and is relatively resilient in cold temperatures.

As a result, the new S63 AMG will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds and up to a top speed of 186 mph (electronically limited).

Engine

5.5-liter V-8

Output (horsepower @ RPM)

577 @ 5500

Max. torque (lb-ft @ RPM)

664 @ 2250 - 3750

0 to 60 mph

3.9 seconds

Top speed

186 mph (electronically limited)


Suspension and Brakes

Next to delivering more power, the new S63 AMG is about 220 pounds lighter than the model it replaces. Mercedes pulled this off by adding new AMG forged light-alloy wheels, a lightweight lithium-ion battery and a weight-optimized, AMG high-performance two-piece brake system.

The S63 AMG comes with an AMG ADAPTIVE sports suspension equipped with Adaptive Damping System ADS PLUS. This new suspension offers two different modes: "Comfort" and "Sport". The first one offers more steering assistance and ensures an improved comfort. In Sport mode, the driver feels stiff steering assistance and will enjoy better road feel.

As standard, the new S63 AMG is offered with AMG forged light-alloy wheels, sized 8.5-by-19 inches on the front and 9.5-by-19 inches on the rear. As an option, customers can also get AMG forged light-alloy wheels sized 8.5-by-20 inches on the front and 9.5-by-20 inches on the rear.

An AMG high-performance two-piece brake system comes standard and an AMG ceramic high-performance two-piece brake system is available as an option for the first time. It includes front brake discs with a diameter of 16.5 inches and gets bronze-painted brake calipers.

Prices

On the U.S. market the new S63 AMG 4MATIC is available starting November 2013. Prices start at $139,500, which is a 4.5-percent price cut from the 2013 S63 AMG.

Rendering

When compared to the standard S-Class, the future S63 AMG will add the usual AMG styling: bumpers with bigger air intakes; new side skirts and a new rear bumper; upgraded wheels; side skirts; and tinted indicators in the mirrors.

The model will also get a new sports exhaust system with quad tailpipes.

Leaked Images

Up front, there are really no surprises on these leaked images. We see the AMG front apron that we all expected to see with larger air intake. Along the sides, we see the typical side skirts for some added aggressiveness.

Around back, the AMG additions continue with no real unexpected additions. We see a very slightly restyled rear bumper with a more aggressive rear diffuser and heat extractors on either side. Nothing too earth-shattering, but still enough to set it apart from the base S-Class.

Competitors

Alpina B7

Since the BMW 7 Series has no M version just yet, so the new S63 AMG can be considered an alternative to the Alpina B7. The B7 delivers a total of 540 horsepower and 538 pound-feet of torque, which helps it sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 4.3 to 4.4 seconds, depending on the version, and up to a top speed of 194 mph.

On the U.S. market the B7 is priced from $127,600.

Jaguar XF-R

The XF-R is another alternative for those customers interested in acquiring a luxury sports sedan and it just so happens to be one of our favorites.

The XF-R is powered comes with a supercharged 5.0-liter V-8 that delivers a total of 510 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 461 pound-feet of torque at 2,500 rpm. It sprints from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds and goes up to a top speed of 186 mph.

Conclusion

The S63 "AMG is clearly the shot in the arm that Benz needed to rejuvenate the stagnant S-Class. It offers new and innovative features for the segment, and thanks to its improved engine, it is one of the most powerful sports sedan on the market. We only wish Mercedes would have updated the looks a little more.