2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe first drive review
Imagine the most comfortable lounge chair you’ve ever sat in.
Then imagine it can launch from 0-100km/h in just 4.2-seconds.
That, in a nutshell, is the Mercedes-AMG S63 Coupe. Both opulent and outrageously powerful the S63 Coupe fuses the best of the three-pointed star and its AMG hot rod division to sit at the pinnacle of its line-up.
Like the S-Class sedan range that was upgraded at the end of 2017 there are a number of new features for the Coupe - and the biggest of those reside under the bonnet.
The regular S560 replaces its 4.7-litre V8 with the newer and more efficient 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine. This is the same engine used in the S63 as well as the C63, GLC63 and GT and in the S560 it’s tuned for 345kW of power and 700Nm of torque.
The S63 also has the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 but it has been pumped up to 450kW and 900Nm.
- Opulent cabin.
- Prodigious power.
- Clever technology.
- Expensive to buy.
- Expensive to maintain.
- Still only comfy for two.
Is it right for me?
On the surface both the S560 and the S63 may sound like an ideal car - luxurious, powerful and comfortable - but in reality it will appeal to a small group of people.
That’s because the S-Class Coupe is a very particular kind of car - and rather expensive. It may be very powerful but it’s far from a sports car, so it won’t appeal to enthusiasts who love carving corners. And for all its creature comforts and size (it’s more than five-metres long) it’s still a 2+2 seater coupe, so it’s not really a practical four-seater luxury car.
Can I afford it ?
The other, more relevant, reason this won’t appeal to everyone is the price. Not surprisingly, the upper reaches of the Mercedes-Benz range doesn’t come cheap.
Pricing for the S560 starts at $314,900 for the Coupe and $336,900 for the Cabriolet, while the S63 range starts at $370,500 for the hard-top and $399,900 for the soft-top (all prices exclude on-road costs).
What do you get for your money?
While they may not be cheap, they are well equipped with loads of both luxury goodies and the latest in technology to justify the asking price.
New additions to the updated S560 include dynamic seats, AMG 20-inch alloy wheels, wireless smartphone charging, ambient lighting and Mercedes’ Energizing Comfort Control (a system that can change the climate, lighting and seat massage function to improve your mood, or so Mercedes claims).
That’s on top of the usual equipment that includes Nappa leather upholstery, keyless entry and ignition, digital radio, TV tuner and a 590-watt, 13-speaker Burmester sound system.
New additions to the S63 for this 2018 update include the now signature AMG Panamericana grille, AMG steering wheel, ambient lighting and Energizing Comfort Control package.
How much does it cost to maintain?
Not only is the S-Class Coupe and Cabriolet an expensive car to buy it’s also costly to maintain. It’s covered by Mercedes’ capped price servicing program but for the S560 the first service costs $596 and the second and third $1192.
It’s gets even worse for the S63 with visit one costing $736 before it ramps up to an eye-watering $1472 for the next two check-ups.
Is it well built?
At least you get quality for you money, as it’s hard to find fault with the way either the S560 or S63 is put together. Mercedes started building cars first and the years of practice have clearly paid off with vehicles screwed together with precision.
From the perfect panel gaps, to the sound of the door closing, to the refinement of the Cabriolet’s folding roof everything about the S-Class Coupe has a quality feel.
What are the Standout features?
The performance also speaks to the quality and craftsmanship of the S-Class Coupe. The S63 accelerates with an effortless rush that belies its size. It’s hard to fathom that such a large and pampering car can be so quick until you’ve experienced it for yourself.
What does it have that others don't?
The on-road presence of the S560 and S63 is something few cars can match, certainly none this side of a Bentley Continental GT. It looks stylish, sleek and graceful but at the same time brutish and imposing.
How practical is it?
Inside it shares much with the S-Class Coupe in terms of its design and finish. It’s opulent and elegant in keeping with its position in the range and price tag.
However, with only two doors it isn’t as spacious inside as its four-door sibling. Rear space is impressive for a coupe/cab with respectable kneeroom, but the swooping roofline eats into headspace for adults which ultimately makes a really big two-seater car in practical terms.
Is it comfortable?
For those two front-seat occupants though it’s the lap of luxury. The seats themselves are trimmed in high quality leather that’s soft to the touch and the chairs offer great support.
The Energizing Comfort Control system can operate the massage, heating and ventilation functions in the seats as well as altering the air-conditioning, fragrance settings and ambient lighting in the car for six 10-minute routines to alter the mood of the occupants.
The six settings are Freshness, Warmth, Vitality, Joy, Comfort and Training (which has three sub modes - muscle relaxation, muscle activation and balance).
It may seem like a bit of a gimmick but it underlines the length Mercedes-Benz is going to to make their range-topping models feel special as the luxury stakes continually get raised.
Easy in, easy out?
Accessing the front seats isn’t difficult thanks to the large doors, but climbing into the back is hard to do gracefully. The front seats can move themselves out of the way, but despite the large door opening it’s still a tight aperture to climb into the rear seats. For all its size and stature it’s still hamstrung by the same issues of any two-door coupe.
Space and versatility?
Another typicalproblem encountered by the S-Class Coupe is it’s 400-litre boot. That’s about on par with what you get in a compact SUV, so it’s hardly the kind of generous luggage room you’d expect from such a big luxury car. Still, there’s enough room in both the hard-top and Cabriolet to get a long weekend’s worth of luggage loaded though.
What's the engine like?
As mentioned earlier, the engine really is the star of the show. The 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 may be used across several models in the three-pointed star’s lineup but just by tuning it differently it has managed to give each car its own character.
Even in cars as similar as the S560 and S63 the difference in power and torque makes for a suitably unique driving experience.
Then there’s the noise. The barks and growls from the fine-honed V8 simultaneously seem out of place in such a refined car and yet perfectly suited to the nature of the S560 and S63 as Mercedes most special offerings.
How much fuel does it consume?
Another remarkable performance from the new V8 is the fuel economy. Mercedes claims the 345kW version in the S560 uses 8.5-litres per 100km and the 450kW monster in the S63 can sip as little as 9.0L/100km.
Unfortunately those are theoretical bests and any serious use of your right foot will send those numbers into the mid-teens (if you can restrain yourself quickly again). But it’s nice to know that if you can manage to drive them sedately you could probably see single digit returns.
Is it enjoyable to drive?
In some ways whether you love the S-Class Coupe depends on what kind of driving you enjoy.
If you think the S63 is going to give you the same raucous thrills as a C63 Coupe or even the GT then you’ll be disappointed. As mentioned at the start, neither the S63 of the S560 are made to cut up switchback roads with precision.
What they do very well though is eat up large distances in great comfort. Whether the highway or via country roads both the S560 and S63 will do it comfortably and with ease. The suspension soaks up any and all bumps so you feel cocooned inside the plush cabin.
In fact, at times, the S-Class feels like it can drive itself - because it can. Not only does it have the same mild-autonomous functionality for steering and speed found in the E-Class it also includes Mercedes’ new Route Based Speed Adaptation. It can detect an upcoming curve and slow the car without the driver’s input. So, for example, as you approach a roundabout the car knows it’s coming so will apply the brakes and then accelerate back up to normal speed as it exits, leaving the driver to look after the steering. It’s a well integrated system that adds to the easy feeling you have behind the wheel of the S-Class Coupe.
Does it perform as you expect?
It may not be for everyone but those fortunate enough to drive the S560 or S63 won’t be disappointed. It’s everything you expect from something at the top of the Mercedes tree - luxurious, technologically advanced and extremely powerful.