2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG S 63 Coupe

Be it the devilish grille or the heavenly cabin, nothing about this Mercedes-AMG asks for attention instead commands it. That power to dominate comes from a biturbo V8 capable of spewing 603 hp and 664 lb.-ft. torque. What makes this coupe special though is the way it balances its right to tear down tracks with the responsibility to cruise continents.

 Sure, other coupes in this segment, like the BMW M8 Competition and Audi R8, are worthy too and also less expensive than the $171,400 AMG S63. However, they might be missing out on some or the other aspect of being an overall package, which this Mercedes-AMG coupe definitely does not.

The AMG S63 Coupe is that variant of the Mercedes-AMG S-class which offers you more power than the AMG GTR and levels of comfort like the bigger AMG S65 sedan. It boasts a beefed-up 4.0-liter AMG V8 alongside a 4-passenger cabin, which adds purpose to this Merc’s wreck-lessness.

Furthermore, the special treatment from AMG alters pretty much the entire feel of this S63 coupe. Besides AMG-specific body styling and performance upgrades, the AMG S63 all gets nifty features like Eco start/stop system, front seats with massage function and a COMAND system that can be operated through a touchpad controller.

Trim	AMG S63 Coupe
MSRP (AWD)	$171,400
Key Features	Panorama roof
	DINAMICA headliner
	12-way power front seats
	Dual-zone automatic climate control
	12.3-inch central display
	Heated/ventilated front seats
	AMG Head-up display
	13-speaker Burmester surround-sound system

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The Mercedes-AMG S63 is an extremely well-rounded package. It includes in itself all the necessary features that make it adequately functional. There are several optional features to be had too though. While the Warmth & Comfort package adds features like heated rear seats, the Driver assistance package makes this Merc almost impenetrable.

The sculpted hood of the AMG S63 coupe serves as the window to what powers this beautiful beast, beyond which lies the same hand-made 4.0-liter Biturbo V8 that powers the raging AMG GTR. Only this AMG coupe is considerably heavier, so its V8 is beefier.

At 603 hp and 664 lb.-ft. torque, the AMG S63 is as menacing as it is beautiful. All that power and torque from the AMG 4.0-liter V8 travels to all corners of this coupe via the efficient and effective AMG SPEEDSHIFT 9-speed multi-clutch automatic transmission.

Models	Mercedes-AMG S63	BMW M8 Competition	Acura NSX	Audi R8
MSRP	$171,400	$146,000	$157,500	$195,900
Engine	4.0L biturbo V8 AMG	4.4L twinpower turbo V8	3.5L Premium unleaded V6	5.2L FSI dual-injection V10
Drivetrain	AWD	AWD	AWD	AWD
Transmission	9-speed automatic MCT	8-speed automatic M Steptronic	9-speed automatic	7-speed S tronic
Power (hp @ rpm)	603@5,500	617@6,000	500@6,500	602@8100
Torque (lb-ft @ rpm)	664@2,750	553@1,800	406@2,000	413@6,700

The many coupes in this segment offer just as many powertrain choices, none of which are as big as Audi R8’s 5.2-liter V10. However, the 617 hp BMW M8 Competition coupe’s 4.4-liter V8 is the most capable.

How fast is the Mercedes-AMG S63 Coupe?

The 4.0-liter biturbo V8 of the Mercedes-AMG S63 coupe has been handcrafted by engineers at AMG to reward its owners with extreme outputs of power and torque when set in Manual, Sport or Sport+ modes of the AMG Dynamic Select. Those modes also enable the AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system to send all of the engine’s torque to the rear two wheels. Consequently, with lightning fast upshifts and tides of torque sent to the rear wheels, the AMG S63 thunders ahead like a proper dragster.

Model	Mercedes-AMG S63	BMW M8 Competition	Acura NSX	Audi R8
0-60 MPH (sec)	3.4	3.0	3.0	3.2
Quarter Mile (sec)	11.6	11.2	11.2	11.2
Top Speed (MPH)	190	200(est)	191	200
Engine	4.0L biturbo V8 AMG	4.4L twinpower turbo V8	3.5L Premium unleaded V6	5.2L FSI dual-injection V10
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/yr)	8.9	10.4	8.4	11.0

The only thing keeping the AMG S63 coupe’s 4.0-liter V8 from unleashing its true potential is the heft it has to carry on its shoulders. This clearly shows on a straight line as this AMG is left behind by all the other coupes that are relatively lighter.

What about the braking performance of the Mercedes-AMG S63 Coupe?

The composite disc brakes with 6-piston fixed calipers upfront and single-piston floating calipers at the back are well aware of this AMG’s weight and the kind of performance it offers. Keeping that in mind, they offer the kind of feedback required to effectively bring this coupe to a halt.

Model	Mercedes-AMG S63	BMW M8 Competition	Acura NSX	Audi R8
Brake Rotors Front (in)	15.4	15.6	14.5	15.0
Brake Rotors Rear (in)	14.2	15.0	14.2	14.0
Curb Weight (lbs)	4700	4295	3878	3572
60-0 MPH (ft)	109	N/A	101	95

While reaching a standstill the weight of the vehicle plays a very key role, and the Audi R8 V10 Performance Coupe is the lightest of all. Thereby, it is also the quickest to come to a halt.

What about its driving dynamics?

The Mercedes-AMG S63 is a total delight on the track and more so off it. Its handcrafted AMG 4.0-liter biturbo V8 has been carefully engineered to deliver the kind of performance you ask for. Its 9-speed multi-clutch transmission, which AMG refers to as Speedshift, alters overall feel and feedback of this Mercedes in accordance with its choice of drive modes. At the same time, the 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system sends upto 100% of the engine’s power to the rear, which is usually split 50/50, to complement the same.

In Manual, Sport and Sport+ modes of the AMG Dynamic Select, this Mercedes coupe rewards the driver with eye-batting upshifts and rev-matching downshifts for a more sportier feel. On the other hand, in Comfort mode the AMG S63 transforms into a sedate tourer. Regardless of choice of drive mode, the AMG 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive unit judiciously alternates power sent to the wheels for requisite acceleration and handling on practically any surface.

It would not be wise to expect any car as performance-oriented and as heavy as the AMG S63 coupe to be just as fuel efficient. If it were not for its intelligent all-wheel drive unit and versatile 9-speed MCT, this Merc could have been even more extravagant.

Model	Mercedes-AMG S63	BMW M8 Competition	Acura NSX	Audi R8
MPG (City)	17	15	21	13
MPG (Highway)	27	21	22	20
MPG (Combined)	20	17	21	16
Fuel Capacity (Gallons)	21.1	20.1	15.6	19.3
Range (City/Hwy/Combined) (mi)	359/570/422	302/422/341	328/343/327	251/386/308

That, however, does not affect this AMG’s practicality. Its fuel tank is big enough to makeup for the lack of slight lack in efficiency and enables it to offer best-in-class range.

The AMG treatment not only makes the S63 more engaging but also elevates the level of elegance on the inside of this Merc. Even the 4-passenger cabin, much like its AMG V8, has been hand-made to combine modern design theory with pinnacles of comfort, and abundance of premium materials and contemporary features surround the insides of this Mercedes-AMG.

At the same time, wide, well-cushioned thrones wrapped in Nappa leather upholstery hug occupants to accentuate the level of indulgence. Even the availability of roominess all-around is more than accommodating for the class. The pure pillar-less profile and panoramic roof make the AMG S63 equally airy and open too.

Model	Mercedes-AMG S63	BMW M8 Competition	Acura NSX	Audi R8
Seating Capacity	4	4	2	2
Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)	40.0/51.4/41.7	38.9/57.2/42.1	38.3/57.6/42.8	38.5/59.1/40.9
Rear Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)	36.7/57.0/33.4	33.6/46.9/29.5	N/A	N/A

The BMW M8 Competition and AMG S63 are the only coupes to even include a second row. Though the Bimmer’s second row is nowhere close to that of the AMG S63 in terms of vastness.

Does it come loaded with tech inside?

As a Mercedes with an AMG badge, the AMG S63 is high on power, performance and technological features. It gets a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster besides an equally big high-resolution central display. That 12.3-inch display can be operated via a touchpad controller or another touch control buttons on the right end of the steering wheel. The screen displays clear and crisp fonts and images and the linear-style menus are quite comprehensive.

These menus include:

• Navigation
• Apple CarPlay
• Android Auto
• Bluetooth
• HD radio
• SiriusXM

What about utility?

The overall length and long wheelbase of the Mercedes-AMG S63 coupe frees up enough space on its inside. This not only allows it to comfortably accommodate four people but also improves practicality. The AMG S63’s boot is big enough to comfortably carry most belongings in it.

Model	Mercedes-AMG S63	BMW M8 Competition	Acura NSX	Audi R8
Cargo Capacity (ft3)	14.1	14.8	4.4	8.0

The BMW M8 Competition coupe may have an impractical second row but its trunk is the biggest segment. At 14.1 cubic feet, though, the AMG S63’s trunk is also fairly spacious.

Creature comforts on offer in the Mercedes-AMG S63 Coupe

Besides a well laid-out cabin with that always makes occupants feel welcome, the AMG S63 coupe also gets an array of comfort and convenience features that further contribute to this Merc’s many attributes, like:

• Mercedes me connect assist services
• Remote start via Mercedes me app
• 64-color LED ambient lighting
• ENERGIZING comfort
• Heated/ventilated front-row seats
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Steering wheel with touch control buttons

Everything about this Mercedes-AMG from its aircraft-inspired air-vents up front to the trapezoidal quad-exhausts in the rear is so stately yet so in-your-face that you will not help but wonder if this Mercedes-AMG was created by the hands of angels and demons alike.

An approaching AMG S63 displays its large jet-wing airflow-channels, highlighted in thin matte silver chrome trim, above which lies an equally big AMG grille. That grille with the AMG badge is surrounded by LED headlamps on both ends. Together they make the AMG S63 look as if it were mocking other insignificant creatures around it as those air-vents sucked the life out of them.

Compared to that mean appearance, its sides are a lot cleaner. As the flared fenders with matte chrome inserts complement the chiseled and sweeping hood, the pillar-less profile, gently rising shoulder line and arched roof give this Mercedes-AMG its breathtaking coupe profile. Things at the back look even more rad thanks to a sculpted valance housing the four exhaust outlets.

Model	Mercedes-AMG S63	BMW M8 Competition	Acura NSX	Audi R8
Curb Weight (lbs)	4700	4295	3878	3572
Length (in)	198.9	191.8	176.0	174.3
Width (in)	75.3	75.1	73.3	76.4
Height (in)	56.2	53.6	47.8	48.8
Ground Clearance (in)	4.9	N/A	3.7	N/A
Wheelbase (in)	115.9	111.3	103.5	104.3

No other coupe in this lineup is as hefty as the AMG S63. In fact, it is bigger than some of the sedans in the market. Despite all that bulk, the AMG S63 hustles as if it were a sportscar.

What are those eye catching features?

The various AMG-specific external design elements that give this Merc its formative styling are:

• Jet wing air-vents
• AMG-specific grille
• LED headlamps
• Swooping roofline
• 20-inch AMG 5-spoke wheels
• Pure pillar-less profile
• Sculpted rear valance
• Trapezoidal quad-exhaust tips

Any car carrying a heavy portfolio as the Mercedes-AMG S63 coupe will most-definitely have all the features necessary to ensure all-round safety of all its occupants, and the AMG S63 does not disappoint. The safety features aboard this Merc are:

• Car-to-X communication
• Mercedes-Benz Emergency call
• Active brake assist
• Attention assist
• Blind spot assist
• Lane keep assist
• Rear-cross traffic alert
• Active parking assist
• 10 airbags
• ABS
• Electronic stability program
• Magic Vision Control
• Rain-sensing windshield wipers

Mercedes-AMG S63 Coupe vs. Audi R8 V10 Performance

Both these cars are on the more expensive side of this coupe face off, and while one is the car that Tony Stark drives, the other might just be him. The Mercedes-AMG has everything under its belt to make the R8 its sidekick. The only thing that the R8 can do better is outrun the AMG S63 to be the real hero but it’s tough even for the Flash to beat Superman. The addition of an extra row could be reason enough to prefer the AMG S63 over the R8. So only one coupe can allow you to take three extra people with you and shuttle them towards the horizon in heavenly luxury.

Mercedes-AMG S63 Coupe vs. BMW M8 Competition Coupe

No two things can be the same. They can, however, be very similar and that is the case with the BMW M8 Competition and Mercedes-AMG S63. Both these coupes are much like raging Germans with an outlook towards tranquility. Though the AMG S63 neither compromises on performance nor practicality. Yes, the BMW M8 Competition is more powerful but AMG S63 is that much more ahead of it in every considerable aspect.

The Mercedes-AMG S63 is as dynamic as coupes can get. It is sophisticated and menacing at the same time. While its AMG 4.0-liter V8 is capable of shifting landscapes, its wide thrones will make you want to sit back and watch. Some might say that at over $170,000 this Mercedes-AMG is asking for too much but it is not. The level of refinement and elegance is simply top-notch and that asks for no compromises anywhere.