The latest-generation Mercedes-Benz S-Class was introduced in 2013 and brought many innovations to the market. Features like the Magic Body Control suspension, the radar sensors for detecting obstacles, and the semi-autonomous-like Steering Assist that made it the most advanced luxury vehicle on the market — a title it continues to hold even if BMW launched a brand-new 7 Series in the meantime. The standard sedan was quickly followed by AMG-prepped S63 and S65 versions, and both have been updated for the 2018 model year.

The revised AMG S63 broke cover at the 2018 Shanghai Auto Show alongside the standard, yet still luxurious and fast model. Visual upgrades are of the facelift variety and won't blow anyone away, but the interior received far more attention. New features include upgrades to upholstery and options, but also a healthy update in the tech department with all the state-of-the-art gadgets that debuted on the smaller E-Class in 2016. There's even bigger news under the hood. While the bonkers AMG S65 continues with the massive V-12, the S63 ditches the 5.5-liter V-8 in favor of AMG's much newer twin-turbo, 4.0-liter unit. As expected, the new engine comes with a power increase, which translates into better performance.

Continue reading to learn more about the Mercedes-AMG S63.

2018 Mercedes-AMG S63

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2018 Mercedes-AMG S63
  • Engine/Motor: V8
  • Horsepower: 603 @ 5500
  • Torque: 664 @ 2750
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

Much like the standard model, the AMG received only a few changes on the outside. The first thing that catches the eye is the new headlamps cluster with multibeam LED units and a reshaped housing. The grille and the front bumper were also revised, but nothing changes the car's appearance significantly. Around back, there's a new apron and a redesigned exhaust tip design that stands out even more. Mercedes also revised the wheels, with 19-inch rollers offered as standard (unlike the S65, which gets 20-inch rims).

All told, changes are far from dramatic, but change the sedan's appearance just enough to give upcoming customers something new to celebrate. The AMG S63 remains the same assertive and elegant four-door that will let you know about its tremendous performance potential only by looking at it.

Exterior compariosn new AMG S63 vs outgoing model

COMPETING DESIGNS

It's common knowledge that the S-Class' traditional competitors are the BMW 7 Series and the Audi A8. The Cadillac CT6 has also stepped into the scene recently. However, none of the above have proper high-performance versions. A BMW M7 and an Audi RS8 may well be underway, but for the time being, the AMG S63 is pretty alone in this niche.

But there is a certain Bimmer that's pretty close when it comes to specifications: the M760Li xDrive. Although not a full-blown M model, it stands out in the lineup by means of similar body upgrades. The front bumper has larger intakes, the wheels are unique to this trim, and the rear gets a bespoke exhaust finish and an M-specific spoiler. Much like the AMG S63, it retains the elegance of the standard model but showcases a slightly sportier stance. Picking between the two is definitely a difficult job if you’re not biased toward Mercedes-Benz or BMW.

Exterior comparison AMG S63 vs M760Li

Exterior Dimensions

BMW M760Li xDrive

Mercedes-AMG S63

Wheelbase (Inches)

126.37

115.9

Length (Inches)

206.22

198.6

Width (Inches)

74.88

75.3

Height (Inches)

58.46

56.0

Track, front/rear (Inches)

63.42/64.56

64.0/64.9

Ground clearance (Inches)

5.31


Interior

The styling remained pretty much unchanged inside the cabin too, so the AMG model continues to offer the exclusive ambiance it's known for. The package includes the familiar AMG Sports Seats with increased lateral support, Nappa leather with "AMG" badges, and the analog IWC clock with three-dimensional, milled metal hands and metal appliques on the face.

The three-spoke AMG Performance steering wheel is new and comes with a deeply-contoured rim trimmed in performance leather in the grip area and a metal insert with AMG logo. The black Nappa leather and Dinamica microfiber finish are optional. All driving features can now be found on the steering wheel for better control and an enhanced driving experience. The new unit also detects horizontal and vertical swipes just like the screen of a smartphone.

Interior comparison new AMG S63 vs outgoing model

The instrument cluster is also larger thanks to the new 12.3-inch display that first debuted on the E-Class. The color screen reproduces the round dials and provides additional info about the car.

The performance sedan also comes with Drive Pilot, which enables it to follow the car in front at speeds of up to 130 mph. The system uses automatic braking and accelerating, as well as the Steering Pilot to handle moderate bends.

Finally, customers who want to make the most of their AMG S63's performance can get the AMG Track Pace app, which records vehicle data and lap times on the race track.

THE COMPETITION

The previous 7 Series was seriously outdated compared to the current S-Class, but the new-generation updates brought the Bimmer in line with Merc's finest. It even got semi-autonomous drive before the S-Class, but there isn't a discrepancy in this department anymore with Mercedes' recent facelift. It's difficult to find something to be desired in the M760Li. The cabin is as luxurious as they get, with materials including top-shelf wood, high-sheen metal, and the softest leather money can buy. The seats are comfortable, and the iDrive 5.0 infotainment system comes with all the gizmos you need. There's a large touchscreen, gesture control, navigation, ConnectedDrive, and real-time traffic, and all are standard equipment. Extra goodies that come with the M badge include exclusive trim, "V12" and "M" logos, stainless steel pedals with rubber inserts, and a larger projection area for the heads-up display. Passenger room front and rear are very similar to the AMG S63 too.

Interior comparison AMG S63 vs M760Li

Drivetrain

While the V-12-powered S65 carries over with the same unit, the S63 ditched the old 5.5-liter V-8 for the twin-turbo, 4.0-liter powerplant. The new V-8 cranks out 603 horsepower, a 26-horsepower increase, and a maximum of 664 pound-feet of torque, which is identical to the outgoing model. However, torque is now available across a wider rev range, between 2,750 and 4,500 rpm. Sprinting from 0 to 60 mph takes only 3.4 seconds, a half-second improvement.

All told, the AMG S63 joins the ranks of Mercs that benefit from the advantages of the "hot inner V" design of the 4.0-liter unit, including immediate response from the turbochargers, low exhaust emissions thanks to optimum airflow and close-coupled catalytic converters. It also features AMG Cylinder Management, which deactivates four cylinders in the partial-load range, reducing fuel consumption.

Alongside the new engine comes the AMG Speedshift nine-speed transmission. Fitted for the first time on the AMG S63, it brings shorter shift times, fast multiple downshifts, and a rev-matching function to the big sedan. The 4Matic all-wheel-drive system continues as a standard feature.

The Race Start function is also now available in the S63 sedan and it has a new and simplified operating logic: in the "Sport" or "Sport+" driving modes, the driver only has to press hard on the brake pedal with their left foot while fully depressing the accelerator pedal with their right foot at the same time. The on-board electronics will then set the optimum engine speed, depending on the requirements or the road surface conditions. As soon as the driver releases the brake pedal, the S63 takes off with optimal traction.

COMPETING PERFORMANCE

This is where the BMW M760Li is very different. Instead of a V-8, the Bimmer uses a massive, twin-turbo, 6.6-liter V-12. Judging by the displacement and number of cylinders alone, the M760Li is comparable to the AMG S65, but the 600-horsepower, 590-pound-feet output makes it just right for the S63 discussed here. But despite having a similar output, the Bimmer is almost a half-second slower to 60 mph. Top speed is on par at 190 mph with the limited removed. If you don't care about how fast you can launch off the line, the M760Li is just right. On top of the outstanding performance, the drivetrain also incorporates plenty of high-tech elements, including aluminum pistons with iron coating, forged crankshaft, high-precision injection, and the Double-VANOS continuously variable cam timing. The transmission is an efficient eight-speed Steptronic Sport automatic with zero converter slip outside of gear changes, while the xDrive all-wheel-drive system is standard.

BMW M760Li

Mercedes-AMG S63

Engine

6.6-liter, twin-turbo, all-aluminum V-12

4.0-liter V8 biturbo with cylinder deactivation

Effective capacity cc

6,592

3,982

Output

600 HP @ 5,500 RPM

603 HP @ 5,500-6,000 RPM

Torque

590 LB-FT @ 1,500 RPM

664 LB-FT @ 2,750-4,500 RPM

Acceleration 0–100 km/h

3.92 seconds

3.4 seconds

Maximum speed

250 KM/H (155 MPH)

186 mph


Prices

Expect pricing for the AMG S63 to increase, but not by much. With the current model priced from $144,700 for the 2017 model year, the facelifted version should retail from around $150,000 before options. It's definitely not the most affordable sedan out there, but it's nowhere near as expensive as the AMG S65, which should come in at $230,000.

COMPETING PRICES

Much like the AMG S63, the M760Li xDrive is pretty expensive to take home, starting from $156,700. That's a solid $57,000 premium over the 750i and an almost $20K increase over the more exclusive Alpina B7.

Mercedes-AMG S63

$150,000 (est.)

BMW M760Li xDrive

$156,700


Other Options

BMW Alpina B7 xDrive

If the M760i isn't exclusive enough for you, but you still want that BMW vibe, you can always go with the Alpina B7. Also based on the latest generation 7 Series, the B7 is a subtle, yet unique variation of the big Bimmer. The body comes with mild changes, but with no chrome trim, which gives it a stealthy look. Alpina also provides exclusive body paints and wheels to match the design package. The interior is pretty much identical to the M760i but fitted with Lavalina leather, ceramic inserts, and "Alpina" badges. Things get interesting under the hood because even though the Alpina has the same output rating as the M760Li (600 horsepower and 590 pound-feet), motivation comes from a twin-turbo, 4.4-liter V-8. All this power is sent to the all-wheel-drive system via an eight-speed automatic transmission with Alpina Alpina Switch-Tronic. Interestingly enough, it needs only 3.6 seconds to hit 60 mph from a standing start, which makes it two-tenths quicker than the 760Li and only two tenths slower than the Mercedes-AMG S63. Its top speed is also slightly superior at 193 mph. Priced from $138,000, the B7 is also a better deal.

Learn more about the BMW Alpina B7 xDrive here.

Audi S8

Much like BMW, Audi has yet to slap its exciting "RS" badge on the range-topping A8. But, there’s an S8 model on offer, and the good news is that 2018 will bring a redesigned version into dealerships. Details are still under wraps as of this writing, but the beefed-up sedan should sport an evolutionary design with sharper contours — as seen on the new Q7 and A4 — a redesigned interior, and a new engine under the hood. The next-gen S8 should get its juice from a revised twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 with up to 600 horsepower and at least 550 pound-feet of torque. Expect the new S8 to be more affordable than its competitors. With the current S8 Plus priced from $115,900, I don’t expect the redesigned sedan to fetch more than $120,000 before options.

Find out more about the Audi S8 here.

Conclusion

The Mercedes-AMG S63 has been the undisputed leader of the high-performance luxury sedan market for quite a few years, and that’s not going to change very soon. Not only packed with state-of-the-art technology, the S63 is also the quickest full-size sedan you can buy, and with both BMW and Audi lacking true competitors, it’s not hard to imagine why Mercedes-AMG will rule this segment for a few more years. Sure, Audi and BMW might finally roll out RS8 and M7 models, but Merc’s mid-cycle facelift will keep the S63 ready for anything its rivals will have to offer. Also, the new 4.0-liter V-8 engine will ensure a smooth transition to a next-generation sedan that will be better in just about every department.