With Mercedes developing a Coupe version of the new-generation S-Class, we knew that an AMG version was soon to arrive. In the 2015 model year, this becomes a reality, as Mercedes debuts the S63 AMG Coupe ahead of its launch at the New York Auto Show->ke226. right around the corner. Today these expectations became a reality, as our spy photographers caught it testing for the first time, wearing the AMG goodies that transform it into a real eye-catcher.

As expected, the S63 AMG Coupe->ke359 features a design language identical to the 2014 S63 AMG, but taken to a sportier level and with two fewer doors. It gets an AMG front bumper with bigger air intakes to help cool the engine. Around back, a sports exhaust system with quad end pipes hangs out, while a special set of AMG wheels and massive brakes help further qualify this as an AMG-tuned model.

Under the hood, Mercedes ->ke187 uses the same engine as in the sedan version: a 5.5-liter, V-8 biturbo engine that delivers a total of 577 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of torque. Additionally, this model drops about 140 pounds, thanks to the AMG Lightweight Performance strategy.

Updated 10/01/2014: The all-new S63 AMG Coupe will go on sale in December at a price of $160,900, excluding $925 destination & delivery fee.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2015 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG Coupe.

2015 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG Coupe

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG Coupe
  • Engine/Motor: V8
  • Horsepower: 577 @ 5500
  • Torque: 664 @ 2250
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Spy shots

The prototype caught testing today by our spy photographers is heavily camouflaged, but even so, it's pretty clear that the S63 AMG Coupe will be stuffed with lots of AMG goodies. The model will get a large, three-dimensional radiator grille and an apron with large air intakes up front. On the rear, the S63 AMG Coupe is distinguished by an AMG exhaust system with two chrome twin-quad tailpipes.

Rendering Vs. Reality

For the most part, we nailed our rendering. The only issues were a small error on the front apron, the shape of the hood was slightly off, and our rear diffuser was not quite right.

Exterior

Oh yeah, the S-Class Coupe was sexy when we first saw it, but the new S63 AMG is a certified stunner with all of the AMG goodies bolted to the swoopy body. As if the new-for-2015 S-Class Coupe's stare wasn't menacing enough, the AMG model adds in a sexy 3D AMG twin-blade grille in Silver Shadow with an AMG badge between the twin blades. For added airflow to the radiator, AMG added in an A-wing under the grille and black flics around the outer air intakes. Continuing downward, you'll find a splitter that not only helps in cooling, but also reduces lift on the front axle, helping keep the front tires glued to the road.

Down the sides, a set of AMG side sills appear to push the S-Class closer to the ground, and they feature Silver Shadow inserts for a little extra style. Combine these stunning sills with the rising lower body line, and the S63 AMG looks fast as hell sitting in a parking space.

Head to the backside, and you're get and eye-full of the awesome, gloss-black insert that wraps around two dual-exit, trapezoid-shaped exhaust exits and trimmed in a line of chrome. Flanking this insert and exhale ports are a pair of vertical slits that allow air to escape out of the back end, and helping reduce lift on the rear axle.

Whatever way you turn it, the S63 AMG is damn sexy, and there is no arguing that. CL-Class... what CL-Class?

Rear Diffuser and Exhaust - In Detail

Interior

What makes AMG models so awesome is the fact that regardless of how aggressive the body is and how much shorting the engine does, they still ooze class from every pore of their high-end, leather upholstery. The seats are graced with Nappa leather, and feature heating and cooling. These AMG Sport seats with AMG badges on the backrests also have power and memory functions, and heat and ventilation for the folks up front. Also donning the AMG logo is the center console.

Giving you a nice grip is an AMG sport steering wheel with a specially contoured rim. The wheel is wrapped up in leather with perforations on the grips. Behind the steering wheel are aluminum paddle shifters to give you full control of this powerful Merc's transmission.

Giving you a nice look at all of the pertinent stuff are the color TFT dials with an AMG logo, "V8 BITURBO" in the rev counter and a 200-mph speedo

Overall, the S63 AMG Coupe's interior is a place that doesn't quite fit with the raucous V-8 up front. While it's punishing pavement, the cabin puts you into a different world.

Drivetrain

Like the CL63 AMG that preceded it, the S63 AMG Coupe features a 5.5-liter, twin-turbo V-8. Unlike the CL's 6.3-liter, the S63 AMG Coupe wallops the pavement with 577 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of twist -- a 41-horsepower and 74-pound-feet bump over the CL63. These eight cylinders of fury connect to an AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT seven-speed trans that features three modes Controlled Efficiency ("C"), Sport ("S") and Manual ("M").

The engine and transmission connect to AMG's 4MATIC all-wheel drive, which delivers 67 percent of its power to the rear wheels. This gives the S63 AMG rear-wheel-drive dynamics with the added grip of all-wheel drive to launch the coupe off the line. This setup helps the S63 AMG Coupe hit 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds -- an astounding 0.5 seconds faster than the CL63 AMG -- and top out at 189 mph.

On top of all of the added performance, the S63 AMG Coupe still gets better gas mileage than the CL63 AMG that it replaces. Unfortunately, Mercedes did not reveal its actual mpg.

Displacement

5.5L

Output (HP @ RPM)

577 @ 5,500

Max. torque (LB-FT @ RPM)

664 ! 2,250-3,750

Fuel consumption

TBD

Acceleration 0 - 60 mph

3.9 Sec

Top speed

186 MPH


Prices

The 2015 S63 AMG Coupe will be priced at $160,900.

Competition

Bentley Continental GT

Ever since Mercedes revealed plans for a coupe version for the new S-Class, it announced it will directly target models from Bentley. The Continental GT is the perfect competitor for the S63 AMG Coupe.

The Conti GT is powered by a 6.0-liter, W-12 engine that delivers a total of 567 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. The car sprints from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds and goes up to a top speed of 198 mph.

Maserati GranTurismo

Another entrant in the flabby-but-fast category is the Maserati GranTurismo, though it is supposed to drop in size a bit for 2015. The engine lineup for the 2015 GranTurismo is still unconfirmed, but we expect to see a new, Ferrari-built V-8 that produces somewhere north of 450 horsepower, giving the Maserati a mid-four-second sprint to 60 mph.

Conclusion

Wow, Mercedes is really coming for blood these day awesome styling and outlandish performance. BMW had better be on the lookout, because Mercedes just may push it aside and take the King of the Hill slot in the Luxury Performance realm. I can't wait to get my first crack at this luxo-rocket and see if it holds up in real life.