Size and speed

Mercedes-amg has updated the ludicrously fast and sumptuously luxurious S63. Jack Evans takes it for a spin

Mercedes has brought a refreshed S-class into the market. With updated looks and new safety technology, it’s an attempt to bring the big, ultra-luxurious saloon into 2017. We’ve driven the top-of-the-range, fire-breathing AMG S63. It’s packing the same twinturbocharged V8 as found in the C63 and E63, with more than 600bhp and a staggering 900Nm of torque. It transforms the car from a standard saloon into one that can hit 60mph in under four seconds – frankly astounding for a car of this size. miss it approaching. Inside, the S-class is more luxurious than ever. It benefits from the widescreen display that we’ve seen on the E-class, and there’s a solid feeling to the cabin. There’s a huge amount of space inside the S63. The seats in the front offer plenty of shoulder room, and the rear is more than spacious enough – which is good, considering the S-class’s appeal to those who would rather be driven than drive themselves.

standard cars into real performance machines as AMG. The S63 is no different, with its engine, gearbox and suspension all extensively worked upon and tuned. The engine is responsive and even light changes in throttle travel are greeted with changes in pace, while the nine-speed gearbox shifts crisply. It’s remarkable that a car of this size feels quite so light on its feet, and it corners with an impressive lack of body roll. There’s no denying that the S-class is a luxurious car. It comes with front seats that are heated, vented and feature a massage function. The new 12.5-inch screen is clearer and more user friendly than before, while all of the leather feels of the highest quality. On top of this, the S63 packs blistering performance. However, prices for the S63 are expected to start at £125,690 – and that’s a huge amount of cash for a car which, in all respects, never set out to be the last name in performance. It’s an impressive package, but one that will not be for everyone.