Mercedes-Benz

What You Should Know about the Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG 4Matic

By Ryan Konko

Posted on July 18, 2013

Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG 4Matic

The W222 is ready to play.

The Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG 4Matic is redefining performance in the luxury segment. Not only is the new high-performance executive sedan more powerful, but it’s more dynamic, efficient, and lighter than ever with the W222-generation model. The new S63 AMG 4Matic isn’t just a straightforward performance car either, it’s just at home on the boulevard as it is on the racetrack and retains that classic Mercedes-Benz design that sets the brand apart from other luxury marquees.

Compared to the previous generation model, the W222 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG 4Matic is 220 pounds lighter, making it quicker and more nimble on its silky smooth feet. The triple-digit reduction comes through the use of a new lithium-ion battery that replaces the starter and backup batteries and cuts 44 lbs., while a new set of lightweight AMG forged wheels reduces weight even more. Behind those wheels are newly-designed two-piece brakes that reduce weight by 20-percent over the traditional setup. All of the body panels including the roof are made from lightweight aluminum. Mercedes-Benz even went as far as to make the spare wheel recess out of carbon fiber to cut the fat by another nine pounds.

The famous M156 6.2-liter naturally-aspirated V-8 has gone the way of the dinosaurs in the new Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG 4Matic. Replacing it is a more efficient and smaller M157 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 that is built by hand by a single AMG craftsman, following the “one man, one engine” philosophy. The four-valve, twin-turbocharged engine with water-to-air intercooler system cranks out 577 horsepower and 664 lb-ft. of torque, screaming out of the AMG sports exhaust system with automatically-controlled valve flaps in the rear mufflers.

Paired up with the AMG Speedshift MCT 7-speed transmission and the lightweight all-wheel drive system, the Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG 4Matic is incredibly quick and nimble. Three modes are offered with the transmission: “C” (Controlled Efficiency), “S” (Sport), and “M” (Manual), which alter a variety of parameters from the all-wheel drive, to the steering, and ECO Start/Stop function. The sport-tuned 4Matic all-wheel drive system weighs only 154 lbs. and sends 33-percent of torque to the front axle and 67-percent to the rear, and utilizes an ESP Curve Dynamic assist system to apply the brakes to the inside rear wheel to vector torque and reduce understeer. All of these technologies help the Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG 4Matic reach 60 mph in a mere 3.9 seconds and an electronically-limited top speed of 186 mph.
Mercedes-Benz took a number of steps to ensure that the super luxurious S-Class can carve up corners in its AMG guise. The chassis benefits from a new AMG Adaptive sports suspension and AIRMATIC with Adaptive Damping System ADS Plus for continuously variable damping, and new front axle kinematics, and larger anti-roll bar, higher camber and stiffer subframe at the rear.

Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG 4Matic

The lightweight philosophy is seen where the rubber meets the road. The Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG 4Matic is equipped with weight-optimized and fade-resistant two-piece brakes that reduce weight by 20-percent compared to traditional brakes. As an option, customers can opt for the two-piece AMG ceramic brakes with 16.5-inch front discs and “AMG Carbon Ceramic” logo painted on the bronze calipers. Standard on the Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG 4Matic are a set of AMG lightweight alloy wheels measuring 8.5 x 19 with 255/45 R19 tires up front and 9.5 x 19 wheels with 285/40 R19 tires at the rear. Performance-minded customers can also opt for the AMG forged wheels measuring 8.5 x20 and 9.5 x 20 at the front and rear axles with a special forged metal wheel bolt cover.

That classic Mercedes-Benz limousine design that the S-Class has proudly worn through its lifespan is still retained in the AMG variant, but this time there is a bit more flair. The Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG 4Matic wears a new fascia featuring an upright high-gloss black three-dimensional radiator grille, new bumper with three large air intakes, three-dimensional splitter, and high-gloss black flics by the side air intakes. Special “V8 BITURBO” badges are worn by each of the front fenders while a pair of side sills with three-dimensional silver shadow inserts visually lower the performance sedan. At the rear of the Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG 4Matic is a black diffuser insert with dual chromed twin tailpipes protruding from the bodywork.

Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG 4Matic

Inside the Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG 4Matic is a lavish, but sport-oriented atmosphere. New AMG sport seats shod in perforated nappa leather with AMG badges on the front and rear backrests hold passengers in place with better side bolstering. An AMG logo is also worn by the armrest of the front center console, while a analog IWC clock with three-dimensional, milled metal hands and metal applications on the dial proudly displays time. Behind the AMG sports steering wheel and aluminum shift paddles is a TFT color display and AMG instrument cluster with red and silver needles.

The new Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG 4Matic will make its global debut in September at the 2013 Frankfurt International Motor Show and reach US shores in November 2013. Pricing for the performance sedan has not been released.