2009 Mercedes-AMG S-Class range unveiled

Following the official unveiling of the new Mercedes-Benz flagship S-Class range, AMG has also revealed its performance adaptation of the top-of-the-line luxury saloon.

With the Mercedes-Benz S 63 AMG and S 65 AMG, the in-house German tuners have taken a subtle approach to maintain the striking appearance of the S-Class while becoming slightly more flamboyant under the bonnet with two powerful new engines.

The S 63 AMG boasts the brand’s versatile 6.3-litre V8 engine (technically only a 6.2-litre, but Mercedes likes to round up) which develops peak power of 386kW and maximum torque of 630Nm, granting zero to 100km/h acceleration of just 4.6 seconds.

The performance flagship S 65 AMG asserts its dominance with an AMG 6.0-litre biturbo V12 engine delivering maximum power of 450kW and restrained maximum torque of 1000Nm, accelerating from zero to 100 km/h in just 4.4 seconds.

Both the SPEEDSHIFT 7G TRONIC of the S 63 AMG, as well as the five-speed automatic SPEEDSHIFT transmission of the S 65 AMG, are fitted with manual gearshift functionality which is carried out by means of aluminium shift paddles on the new AMG sports steering wheel.

Distinguishing the AMG variant from the rest of the S-Class range is the new, more pronounced arrow-shaped radiator grille, featuring twin chrome-plated louvers, a new front apron incorporating AMG-specific LED daytime driving lights and two transverse air outlets on each side and “6.3 AMG” or “V12 Biturbo” lettering on the front wings.

Furthermore, for keen-eyed enthusiasts the new rear apron either features a black or body-coloured insert for the S 65 AMG or S 63 AMG models respectively, along with new rear lamps with 52 LED’s in the form of a double “C” and twin chromed tail pipes.

The S 63 AMG features 19-inch multi-spoke wheels painted titanium grey with a high-sheen finish while the S 65 AMG, on the other hand, comes with 20-inch forged wheels painted in titanium grey with a mirror finish.

New standard equipment for both models includes AMG sports suspension based on Active Body Control (ABC) which provides crosswind stabilisation as well as the new Torque Vectoring Brake system which ensures complete composure while braking through a corner as an additional feature of the Electronic Stability Program.

The interior appointments are every bit as exclusive with standard leather appointments and front sports seats with climate control, massage, multicontour and driving dynamics control functions.

While the S 63 AMG is available in short or long-wheelbase versions, the S 65 AMG is only available as a long-wheelbase version. Both top-of-the-line AMG models will have their overseas market launches from June 2009.