3.4s, 186MPH 2018 Mercedes-AMG S63 Scores Full Drivetrain Makeover

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The revised S-Class is out today in Shanghai and the S63 is leading the pack!  The stunning musclecar of a limo gains a new engine, new wet-clutch-launch nine speed automatic and a newly engaging AWD system.  Power is up about to 603 ponies for the S63, while the S65 LWB model sticks at 621HP.

The name of the game for the new S63 is POWER.  The 3.4-second number is official for the USA run to 60-mph and is virtually fightin’ words versus Audi and BMW.  How did AMG get the time down even lower?

The autobox now has a clever wet clutch for launch engagement like a racecar, when needed.  The torque converter kicks in later for smooth shifts when outside Sport+ mode.  4Matic+ debuts in the new S63 with fully variable splits front and rear, as well as side to side. This will make it corner like a slingshot.

The looks are pretty evolutionary, with new bumpers and LEDs the main tweaks.  Up front the curl of LED DRL on the top edge of the lamps is now three individual light pipes.  All flip to amber for the indicator.

Inside, tech goes advanced with a single piece of glass for the two huge flatscreen displays in the current dashboard.  A new steering wheel banishes the droopy potty look of the current helm, mercifully.

The S65 is significantly more reserved in its speed promises.  It is rear-drive and long-wheelbase as standard.  So despite an extra 22 ponies from the V12TT, the S65 comes in at 4.2-seconds in the benchmark sprint.

As ever, it is the prestige and sound of this stellar V12 that makes ownership so enticing.  The S65 also wears a glossy bright mesh for the intakes up front, mirroring the new Maybach S680.

Both S63 and S65 top out at 186 for the most urgent of autobahn commutes!

2018 Mercedes-AMG S63

Technical data at a glance:

Mercedes-AMG S63 Sedan Mercedes-AMG S65 Sedan
Engine Handcrafted AMG 4.0L V8 biturbo with cylinder deactivation Handcrafted AMG 6.0L V12 biturbo
Displacement 3,982 cc 5,980 cc
Output 603 hp @ 5,500-6,000 rpm 621 hp @ 4,800-5,400 rpm
Peak torque 664 lb-ft @ 2,750-4,500 rpm 738 lb-ft @ 2,300-4,300 rpm
Drive system AMG Performance 4MATIC+ permanent all-wheel drive with fully-variable torque split Rear-wheel drive
Transmission AMG SPEEDSHIFT® MCT 9-speed sports transmission AMG SPEEDSHIFT® PLUS 7G-TRONIC transmission
Acceleration 0-60 mph 3.4 sec 4.2 sec
Top speed 186 mph (electronically limited) 186 mph (electronically limited)

2018 Mercedes-AMG S65