Merc’s flagship four-door just got a buncha upgrades at this year’s Shanghai Auto Show, and while the German automaker puts fuel efficiency and a cylinder deactivation system at the top of its list, fear not – both models are still crazy fast. Tweaks were applied to the engine, transmission, and AWD system, not to mention the exterior styling and interior design, and the result is a mighty slab of Teutonic speed and luxury that’s every inch worthy of bearing the Mercedes torch.

Let’s jump straight into the greasy bits, starting with the S 63 4Matic+. This thing gets a new 4.0-liter turbo V-8, ditching the old 5.5-liter turbo V-8 and replacing the lost displacement with more boost. Final output figures come to 612 horsepower, which is 27 horses more than the old 5.5-liter lump. The 4.0-liter also makes an impressive 554 pound-feet of torque starting at just 2,750 rpm. Apply all that power, and you’ll go 0-to-62 mph in 3.5 seconds.

Cog swaps are handled by a 9-seed automatic gearbox, which replaces the old 7-speed box. Top speed is limited to 155 mph, although the optional Driver’s Package raises the limit to 186 mph.

Meanwhile, the even-faster S 65 gets the same 6.0-liter turbo V-12 as before, producing a very mighty 630 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque. The transmission is also a carryover, with a 7–speed automatic onboard to route the muscle.

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Anything Else About The Mechanicals?

Making the extra power in the improved AMG S Class is a pair of turbochargers mounted close to the cylinders in a “hot vee” configuration, offering sharper response and tighter packaging under the hood. There’s also a cylinder deactivation system to keep it all relatively efficient – or at least as efficient as a 600+ horsepower monster machine could be, anyway.

Drivers will have multiple modes to choose from, including a “Race Start” that’ll allow for lightening-quick launches. You know, because everyone with an S Class takes it to the track. Right.

Certain buyers can also get theirs with a variable AWD system, offering the possibility to go from RWD to AWD without a hitch. The new and improved AWD comes as standard on LHD S 63 models, while RHD models are only offered with RWD.

The suspension is an adaptive air set-up. The S 65 also gets a system that’ll actively scan the road ahead and adjust the settings automatically to help compensate for any aberrations.

Final touches include available ceramic brakes, as well as three-stage electronic stability control.

What About the Styling?

Previous S 65 pictured on the left, updated S 65 pictured on the right.

One of the biggest changes to the exterior look is the new multibeam LED headlight set-up, with the housing getting an interesting shape compared to the previous model. There’s also a new front fascia, a new rear apron, and an updated exhaust tip design. Get into the S 63, and you’ll have 19-inch alloy wheels as standard, while the S 65 gets 20-inchers.

How About The Interior Gear?

Mixing luxury and sportiness is AMG’s game, and it looks like it’s on point for this refresh. First up is a three-spoke performance steering wheel badged by AMG, behind which sits a 31.2 cm (12.3-inch) TFT screen playing the role of gauge cluster. Materials include nappa leather and microfiber for the upholstery, plus carbon fiber and piano lacquer for the trim. Finally, anyone looking to take their performance seriously should think about getting the AMG Track Pace app – once again, since so many folks take their uber-pricey Mercedes luxury barge to the track. Sure.