2011 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG - First Drives (C&D (Prototype), CarEnthusiast,…)

The era of high-revving, naturally aspirated engines has passed its zenith at Mercedes-Benz’s AMG performance division. This October, the 2011 S63 AMG will get an entirely new 5.5-liter V-8 fed by a third-generation direct-injection system from Bosch and two Honeywell turbochargers. Mercedes will offer two stages: The base S63 AMG will have 536 hp and produce 590 lb-ft of torque between 2000 and 4500 rpm. The optional Performance package increases turbo pressure from 15 to 19 psi, raising output to 563 hp with 664 lb-ft available between 2500 and 3750 rpm.

The new engine, internally called M157, replaces the M156, a naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V-8 that produces 518 hp in the current S-class. This high-revving powerhouse, with its racing-inspired integrated bedplate, was launched a mere five years ago. It can rev up to 7200 rpm, as opposed to the new engine's 6800-rpm max, and its torque peak of 465 lb-ft is reached at a late 5200 rpm. In other words, it's a supersized version of a classic sports-car engine.

With Greater Power Comes Greater Efficiency

But the new engine is a far more efficient unit. It is derived from Mercedes’ upcoming, turbocharged 4.6-liter V-8, which will power the S550 beginning this fall. Compared to the outgoing 6.2-liter S63 AMG, the mileage of the new 5.5-liter V-8 is in another league. While you get 16 mpg in the old car in the European cycle, Mercedes says the new version returns 22 mpg. Zero-to-62-mph acceleration improves from a claimed 4.6 seconds to 4.5 (4.4 with the Performance package), while top speed stays the same at a governed 155 mph, or 186 mph with the Performance package. We’ve already achieved a 4.5-second run to 60 mph with the current S63, so we expect the actual figures to be in the low fours.

The outgoing model's seven-speed automatic is replaced by the seven-speed AMG Speedshift MCT gearbox. It's the same unit that you find in the SL63 AMG and E63 AMG, and is basically a variation of the seven-speed automatic with the torque converter replaced by a wet start-up clutch. It can blip the throttle on downshifts and comes with the seemingly inevitable engine stop-start function.

Replacing One Good Engine With Another

We drove a prototype, which felt positively production-ready. The difference in character compared to its predecessor is noticeable, although both engines are fantastic. The 6.2-liter offers a more sensitive and delicate throttle response—it feels like it's wired to your brain and allows the car to instantly charge forward. Acceleration is perfectly linear, and we love the aggressive, racing-like snarl of the 6.2 engine.

The new turbocharged engine, on the other hand, pins you into the seat with even more authority—and we drove the lesser version sans Performance package. It's got a dark, reassuring, and voluminous growl complemented by the muted hiss of the turbos as you press on. There is some very slight turbo lag; not annoying, just different from the old car. Gearshifts are quick, superior to and sportier than the previous gearbox’s. While the new S63 AMG is even faster than the current model, its character is less extravagant and more in line with the expected behavior of a very fast but somewhat portly luxury sedan.

And that's what this S-class, at about 4900 pounds, still is. The S63 AMG is a very confident car and its limits are high, but in an AMG, we'd prefer firmer steering and a suspension that offers more feedback on the condition of the road surface. The S63’s stability-control system can be switched to a supposed "off" position, but we had the distinct feeling that the electronic nanny was still watching attentively. From all of this, we deduce that Mercedes believes a lot of S63 customers go for the car because it's a step up from their neighbor's S550, and not because they are truly interested in its performance capabilities.

While the S63 AMG keeps its moniker (now more misleading than ever), it can be distinguished from its predecessor by the angular dual exhaust tips left and right. We are told that there will also be a new wheel design. On top of that, it will get some new safety equipment such as a lane-departure-prevention system with brake intervention, which will be offered in all 2011 S-class models.

For the U.S. market, the S63 is once again long-wheelbase only, and the price will stay very close to the current model's base figure. But putting it into your garage will be less expensive than before, as it now avoids the dreaded gas-guzzler tax. Eco-warriors, take note: as far as this 186-mph sedan is concerned, there is little ground for lamentation anymore.

Caranddriver.com

Radical sedan renders the S65 AMG obsolete IMO. Now bring on the coupe.


M

The S65 in its current guise is indeed obsolete. But the V12 engine can live on if Mercedes does put the 7-speed or 9-speed or whatever speed tranny in to improve the V12 engine's performance delivery. Still, nothing compares to the AMG V12 engine from 100mph on. The relentless surge of speed in the three-digit speed range is where the V12 thrives.

Remember, the S63 is not a competitor of the S65. The S65 competes against the BMW 760iL and the Bentley Conti Flying Spur.

Actually its time for a new V12 and transmission. Something I don't think Mercedes is willing to invest in for AMG. If anything they'll do a new V12 based on the new V6/V8 engines for the next S600, but I think the AMG V12 is dead. Especially if the new 5.5L AMG V8 can reliably make 700hp.


M

This care truly is awesome, and really does put a huge threat to the S65.

Monster of a car..
I like this torquey brutal AMG engine like the old 55Komp engines

Great car. It indeed does bring back the monstrous boosted V8 performance, and MODDABILITY that the 55K motors have.

Personally, putting the MPG difference aside, I love N/A motors, kind of an art-form to me, more-so than boosted motors. As well, you can not beat the sound of a wicked N/A V8, especially M-B's 6.2L. Not to mention, *usually* the reliability factor weighing in favor of the N/A motors.

All that small stuff aside, the performance of this car, both economically and sportily, smashes any AMG motor before it. Incredibly efficient.

What does piss me off though, is the stupid "S63" name. M-B's lost their way with that badging, as it should reflect what the car truly is. Right now, the Marketing Managers are naming the car, not the Engineers.

I think they're desperately trying to grasp onto how BMW has locked in legendary names such as "M3/M5", so due to all the recent designation changes, they're trying to keep it at an untrue "63" number.

Should just go back to the 55 designation IMO. More legendary and more panache than the short-lived 63's anyway.

What a gorgeous behind that car has.:icondrool

I love this car a lot. I'm glad you all do as well, cos that means I'm not nuts. LOL
But I absolutely love all of it

///AMG63TwinTurbo

I am very excited. The 5.5TT plus the MCT transmission will be the equivalent of a second face lift on the S63. Hopefully a "TwinTurbo" will accompany the ill badged AMG63 on the fenders.

The fact that it is still being called "S63" is a marketing glitch.

They apparently thought it would be perceived as a downgrade if the new model was called S55 again. 63 now more than ever is simply an emotive badge bearing no technical specification whatsoever. If that is the biggest complain this car will get, it will be a heck of a car.

It's certainly the biggest (and perhaps only) complaint I have with the car.

Model numbers generally have to keep on increasing. (just like computer display cards, ATI 3800 series --> 4800 series---> 5800 series...). If they hate the 63 name, they will have to come up with a completely new naming system. (unlikely)

once they used 63, they just can't go back.
People will wonder why AMG come up with something new that is 'less' powerful than before:t-crazy2:

Possible that internal designation is S63 superior to S600.

In ever-evolving marketing variables of today, they may 'downgrade' from the S63 badge if focus groups yield a finding that prospective customers are turned off from the high engine capacity implied, which makes them feel uneasy reconciling their environment creds with their purchase. A rose by any other name from AMG is still a torque monster...

New S55 AMG video (at least to me ):

Nice video! It is so nice to look at.

I agree with you on the fact that it should be called a 55,

though I must admit I did just prove Mercedes point:

I got an e-mail update with just what you wrote "New S55 AMG video (at least to me" instantly picturing the W220 S55, and thinking maybe you posted a video of a new S55 you got that is new to you.

Maybe S55T, or S55TT or something. :t-hands: