Overview

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class AMG is a high-performance variant of the uber-luxurious S-Class saloon. It represents the very top of the line as far as Mercedes technology is concerned. Where the S-Class has always been seen as the flagship of the German firm’s arsenal, the AMG models represent the very best version of it on sale.

Whichever version you go for, it’s packed with kit, spectacularly fast and imperiously comfortable. Indeed, you’d expect it to be good considering its six-figure starting price, but what has been achieved on this latest car from Mercedes’ tuning arm AMG quite simply has to be experienced to be believed.

Impressive performance credentials

There are two versions: the V8-powered S63 AMG and the V12 S65 AMG.

Previous-generation S-Class AMGs offered well over 500bhp and absurd acceleration for such a large car and the latest S63 offers more of the same with more on top.

It’s powered by a 5.5-litre bi-turbo V8 petrol engine which churns out close to 580bhp, although the headline figure is an enormous 900Nm of torque. That gives the S63 enough shove to get from 0-62mph in 4.4 seconds despite its bulk.

Top speed, as with the majority of AMG models, is electronically limited to 155mph. Purchasing the optional Drivers’ Package resets the limiter, increasing the maximum speed to 186mph and includes a track-based driver training session.

Meanwhile, the Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG takes its power – all 620bhp of it – from a 6.0-litre bi-turbo V12 petrol engine. This offers a colossal 1,000Nm of torque and takes the car from 0-62mph in 4.3 seconds. Like the S63, top speed is limited to 155mph as standard.

‘Magic Body Control’ as standard

To match the performance, both models also been fitted with composite brakes as standard and sports suspension which uses the same ‘Magic Body Control’ system as the regular S-Class. This uses cameras to scan the road ahead and continuously adapts the suspension accordingly, enabling the body to remain as flat as possible at all times.

There’s also a sports exhaust system, which emits an exhaust note Mercedes describes as ‘thunderous’ and we term ‘hilarious’.

Both AMG models are fitted with a seven-speed automatic transmission. Claimed average fuel consumption for the S63 is 28mpg with CO2 emissions of 237g/km. The S65 manages 23.7mpg on average and emits 279g/km of CO2.