The new and improved for 2011, Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG made its online debut a week after the presentation of the facelifted CL63 AMG luxury coupe. The two cars share the same AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo, which replaces the naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8 unit, albeit with different output numbers.
In the 2011 S63 AMG, the hand-built 5.5-liter V8, which combines direct petrol injection with bi-turbocharging and a start/stop system, pushes out 544HP at 5,500 rpm and 800Nm /590 lb-ft of peak torque between 2,000 and 5,500rpm. If you opt for the AMG Performance package, these figures are increased to 571HP and 900 Nm / 663.8 lb-ft.
Power is transferred to the rear wheels by the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed automatic transmission.
The high-performance German saloon accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) in 4.5 seconds, and has an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h (155mph). With the AMG Performance package, the 100 km/h mark is reached in 4.4 seconds while the top speed raised to an electronically limited 300 km/h (187mph).
Despite an increase in output of 19HP and 170Nm for the basic engine, and 46HP and 270Nm for the V8 with the AMG Performance package, over the outgoing naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8, Mercedes says with a combined fuel consumption of 10.5lt/100km (22.4mpg US), the new S63 AMG is 3.9lt more economical than the previous model. Likewise, CO2 emissions have been reduced by almost 30 percent at 244g/km.
The updated for the 2011 model year S63 AMG is distinguished on the outside by the "V8 Biturbo" lettering on the mudguards and the new 19-inch alloy wheels fitted with 255/40 or 275/40 R19 tires.
Inside, there's a revamped instrument cluster with an "AMG V8 Biturbo" starting screen, while the standard PASSION leather upholstery has been enhanced with new, contrasting color stitching.
The re-powered S63 AMG will be offered in both short- and long-wheelbase versions with pricing in Germany set at €143,752 and €151,368 respectively. The AMG Performance package costs €9,401. The market launch is planned for the end of September.