MERCEDES-BENZ S63 AMG CABRIOLET

Mercedes-AMG is updating its S-Class Coupés and Cabriolets with a host of technical and visual highlights. The new-design front end is dominated by the Panamericana radiator grille, which now gives the two-door, luxury-class Performance vehicles an even more independent look. In the S63 4MATIC+ Coupé and Cabriolet the AMG 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine with twin-scroll turbochargers and cylinder deactivation (Coupé) supersedes the previous 5.5-litre V8 biturbo. Despite the smaller displacement, the new engine puts out 450 kW (612 hp) and thus exactly 20 kW (27 hp) more than the preceding model. The AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9G transmission is also new to the Coupé and Cabriolet, as is the fully variable all-wheel drive system AMG Performance 4MATIC+.

At the same time with the new eight-cylinder Coupé and Cabriolet, the top-of-the-range twelve-cylinder S65 Coupé and S65 Cabriolet are being given a visual update with the Panamericana radiator grille. The AMG 6.0-litre V12 biturbo engine retains its output of 463 kW (630 hp) and delivers a maximum torque of 1000 Newton metres.

"Having already undertaken major development work on our S-Class Saloon to further enhance driving performance and individuality, we are now making the same changes to the S63 4MATIC+ Coupé and Cabriolet. The extensive modifications are designed to strengthen our leading position in this dream car segment in terms of driving dynamics, performance, equipment and comfort on long journeys. The S65 Coupé and Cabriolet with their high-torque 6.0-litre V12 biturbo engine remain the most elite form of the S-Class," stated Tobias Moers, CEO of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

Exterior: Panamericana radiator grille and front apron with new jet wing

The new AMG S-Class Coupés and Cabriolets are instantly identifiable from the front thanks to the AMG Panamericana radiator grille: the V-shaped cooling air intake harmoniously follows the lines of the headlamp housings and is subdivided by chromed, vertical struts. The front apron resembles a hovering jet wing and is painted in vehicle colour. It is flanked by two large outer air inlets, which are outlined in high-gloss black. The three-dimensional front splitter with its aerodynamically shaped high-sheen chrome edge reduces uplift at the front axle.

The side skirts with three-dimensional inlays in high-sheen chrome give the Coupé and Cabriolet a lower-slung look and generate even more tension in the flanks. Hallmark features of the AMG S-Class models are the large forged light-alloy wheels, measuring 19 inches as standard on the S63 4MATIC+ Coupé and Cabriolet and 20 inches on the S65 Coupé and Cabriolet. The exclusive forged wheels on the V12 Coupés and Cabriolets have an unusual and fascinating design: each of the 16 spokes twists in a special way so that the light-catching contours radiate to the centre of the wheel hub. The effect: The wheel appears larger than its actual dimensions of 8.5 J x 20 at the front and 9.5 J x 20 at the rear. In addition, the ceramic mirror polishing ensure an exclusive look.

As standard, the forged wheels feature a high-quality, bolted and fully integrated wheel bolt cover made of forged aluminium. Its shape is reminiscent of a centre lock as seen in motorsport. The AMG logotype is incorporated into the rim as a design element. Three other forged wheels of the same size are optionally available - two design variants also painted matt black with a high-sheen rim flange.

The powerful rear end of the S63 4MATIC+ and S65 features an updated rear apron with diffuser insert and the redesigned, model-specific twin tailpipes of the AMG exhaust system.

New and exclusive additions to the Coupé and Cabriolet are the OLED (organic light-emitting diode) rear lamps. OLEDs are characterised by their thin-film design, which allows curved surfaces to be created, resulting in totally new light designs. A total of 66 OLEDs (33 left and 33 right) produce an unmistakable light signature, which is combined with a Coming Home function.

Other stand-out features of the AMG S-Class Coupés and Cabriolets include the numerous high-sheen chrome design elements (S65) on the front, sides and rear. These are particularly effective in combination with dark paint colours.

Interior: beguiling appointments and design

The stylish character of the new S-Class models from Mercedes-AMG is also evident in the interior: All four models welcome their passengers with a special ambience. The AMG power sports seats with memory function and seat heating offer the driver and front passenger more lateral support. Nappa leather and AMG badges in the front and rear seat backrests create an exclusive atmosphere on board. Special touches include the embossed emblem on the armrest of the front centre console and the analogue clock in exclusive IWC design, which features three-dimensional, milled metal hands and genuine metal appliqués on the face.

The three-spoke Performance steering wheel features paddle shifters, a distinctly contoured rim trimmed with perforated leather in the grip area, and a metal insert with AMG logotype. It is optionally available made of black nappa leather/DINAMICA microfibre.

Another hallmark AMG speciality are the displays: The 31.2-centimetre TFT wide-screen colour display reproduces round dials that provide information about engine speed, vehicle speed and lots of additional data. The driver has a choice of three display designs, "Classic", "Sport" and "Progressive". In addition, the AMG menu was expanded considerably. Among other things, it can display the engine and transmission oil temperature, lateral and longitudinal acceleration, engine output and torque, boost pressure, tyre temperatures and pressures as well as the current vehicle set-up.

4.0-litre V-8 biturbo engine with twin-scroll turbochargers

The AMG 4.0-litre V-8 Biturbo engine in the S63 4MATIC+ Cabriolet and Coupé comes exclusively in the highest performance stage to date rated at 450 kW (612 hp). The peak torque of 900 Nm also represents a new maximum. It is available across a wide rev range between 2750 and 4500 rpm, and thereby provides a sense of superior poise. The sprint from standstill to 100 km/h takes just 3.5 seconds, and the fulminating acceleration continues until the electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h is reached (with AMG Driver's Package: 300 km/h).

The further advanced AMG 4.0-litre V-8 Biturbo engine utilises well-proven twin-turbo forced induction, with the two chargers not located outside on the cylinder banks, but rather between them in the V of the cylinders. The advantages of the "hot inside V" are a compact engine design, spontaneous response of the turbochargers and low exhaust emissions thanks to optimal airflow to the near-engine catalysts.

Two twin-scroll turbochargers provide even better fresh-mixture cylinder charge. The results are a higher output, more torque already at low engine speeds, and a very spontaneous throttle response.

'AMG Cylinder Management' cylinder deactivation system

For maximum efficiency, Mercedes-AMG has equipped the V8 engine in the S63 4MATIC+ Coupé with the AMG Cylinder Management cylinder deactivation system. In the partial-load range, cylinders two, three, five and eight are deactivated, which significantly lowers the fuel consumption.

When the driver has selected the "Comfort" transmission driving mode, the cylinder deactivation system is available in the wide engine speed range from 1000 to 3250 rpm. The AMG main menu on the instrument cluster informs the driver whether the cylinder deactivation system is in use and whether the engine is presently operating in the partial or full-load range. The transition from four to eight-cylinder operation is immediate, fast and imperceptible, so that the passengers do not experience any loss of comfort whatsoever.

Short shift times, high efficiency: the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9G transmission

For the first time the S63 4MATIC+ Coupé and Cabriolet have been fitted with the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9G transmission, which convinces with extremely short shift times, lightning reactions to shift paddle commands, a double-clutching function and fast multiple downshifts. A wet start-off clutch replaces the torque converter of the production model. This saves weight and improves the response to the driver's accelerator pedal input, particularly during acceleration and load changes. It also allows the RACE START function.

The extremely high torque of the S65 Coupés and Cabriolets is transferred by the tried and trusted AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 7G transmission. It delivers convincing tailor-made dynamics and high variability. Whether automatic or initiated by the driver using the steering wheel paddle shifters, upshifts or downshifts are affected quickly and instantly. Especially in the "Sport+" and in manual driving modes, the transmission is very fast and responsive.

Fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive

The LHD versions of the S63 4MATIC+ Coupé and Cabriolet come as standard with fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive. This intelligent system combines the advantages of different drive concepts: The fully variable torque split between front and rear axle, another first, ensures not optimal traction. What is more: The driver is also able to rely on high handling stability and a high level of safety under all conditions, in the dry, in the wet or in snow. The transition from rear-wheel to all-wheel drive and vice versa is seamless, because the intelligent control is integrated into the overall vehicle system architecture.

An electro-mechanically controlled clutch connects the permanently driven rear axle variably to the front axle. The best possible torque split is continuously computed according to the driving conditions and driver's input. The Performance Coupé and Cabriolet can therefore be driven in a continuously variable way from traction-oriented all-wheel drive to purely rear-wheel drive. Transitions are seamless and based on a sophisticated matrix. Alongside traction and lateral dynamics, the all-wheel drive also improves the longitudinal dynamics for even more powerful acceleration.

The RHD versions of the S63 Coupé and Cabriolet feature the new engine and the new transmission, but are only available with rear-wheel drive. The S65 Coupé and Cabriolet also feature rear-wheel drive.

Specially developed suspension for maximum lateral and longitudinal dynamics

The S63 4MATIC+ Coupé and Cabriolet and the S65 Cabriolet are equipped with AMG RIDE CONTROL+ suspension with adaptive damping adjustment. Customers can preset the damping to "Comfort", "Sport" and "Sport Plus" â€' from relaxed long-distance comfort to dynamic sportiness. Rebound and compression are set independently of each other, which optimises the adaptation to the driving status and the quality of the road. The freely programmable mapping furthermore allows a wide spread between minimum and maximum damper forces. The difference between the comfortable and sporty suspension setting is thus more refined and is subjectively even more perceptible - depending on the particular driving situation.

The specific front axle kinematics, including a higher wheel camber, bigger stabiliser bar and more rigid subframe mount at the rear axle are another new feature. These measures optimise the agility of the S63 4MATIC+ Coupé and Cabriolet when a dynamic driving style is employed.