Mercedes S-Class AMG. Emotional pleasure
The Mercedes S-Class AMG is a powerful sports version of the light executive car produced by Mercedes-Benz (Germany) since 1999. It is available in sedan, elongated sedan, coupe and convertible variations, can be either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. In 2020, Israeli buyers could purchase the third generation of this model after the 2017 restyling. The fourth generation was expected to be released in 2021 (as of 2020).
The flagship Mercedes S-Class is one of the best-selling luxury sedans in the world, competing with the BMW 7, Audi A8, Jaguar XJ and Lexus LS. All the S-Class models are produced in short- and long-wheelbase modifications (with the ‘L’ prefix), in sedan, coupe and convertible bodies, with petrol, diesel and hybrid engines. Moreover, all generations, starting from the fourth one, have high-performance modifications from the Mercedes-AMG Division.
The first generation
It was produced from 1999 to 2005, while its restyling took place in 2002. In 1999, Mercedes acquired AMG Studio, specialized in the production of powerful automotive modifications, and from that moment Mercedes-Benz started releasing its AMG versions on an official basis. Based on the fourth generation of the S-Class (W220), the first S55 AMG could boast of a sports suspension and brakes and was equipped with a 5.4-liter V8 petrol engine that developed 360 hp. Later, the 8-cylinder engine acquired a charger, which helped to increase its output to 500 hp.
In the early 2000s, the manufacturer introduced the S63 AMG and S65 AMG versions equipped with a V12 engine. The S63 AMG was equipped with a 6.2-liter 444 hp engine. The most powerful modification, S65, was equipped with a 5,980 cc V12 engine and two turbines with a 1.5 bar boost pressure. As a result, the engine power reached 612 hp, and the torque was 1,200 Nm at 2,000 rpm, but due to the limitations of the automatic transmission, the maximum torque was electronically limited to 1,000 Nm.
The second generation
It was produced from 2006 to 2013, while its restyling took place in 2009. The second S-Class AMG was based on the fifth generation S-Class (W221). The AMG S63 and S65 top-end versions were equipped with a 6.2-liter 8-cylinder engine producing 525 hp and a turbocharged 6-liter V12 engine producing 612 hp, respectively. In 2008, Mercedes-AMG developed its own AMG SpeedShift MCT 7-speed planetary semi-automatic transmission. The abbreviation ‘MCT’ stands for ‘multi-plate clutch technology’. It was a unique design combining the planetary gearbox used in traditional automatic transmissions with a clutch similar to that used in manual transmissions. This transmission reacts extremely spontaneously, dynamically and does not suffer from the losses typical of a torque converter, thus ensuring fuel efficiency.
In 1999, Mercedes acquired AMG Studio, specialized in the production of powerful automotive modifications, and from that moment Mercedes-Benz started releasing its AMG versions on an official basis.
The transmission is equipped with a 7-speed gearbox, a re-gas function and 4 operating modes: ‘C’, ‘S’, ‘S+’ and ‘M’. The minimum switching time is 0.1 seconds (‘S+’ mode). The driver can change gears either by using the selector lever or by pushing the paddle shifters on the steering wheel. The new Race Start function provides maximum acceleration and optimal traction of the drive wheels. The AMG SpeedShift MCT was first used on the SL63 AMG supercar in 2008. The S65 AMG was equipped with an AMG SpeedShift MCT transmission with Direct Select function. Since 2009, the S63 AMG has been equipped with a 7-speed 7G-Tronic AMG SpeedShift, while the S65 AMG has been equipped with a 5-speed AMG SpeedShift.
The third generation
It was produced from 2013 to 2020, while its restyling took place in 2017. The new AMG was based on the sixth generation of the W222 S-Class. The S63 AMG was equipped with a 5.5-liter V8 engine producing 585 hp and 900 Nm of torque. The fuel consumption of the powerful modification was 10.1-10.3 liters per 100 km. For the first time in the history of the brand, a new version of a Mercedes-AMG car used the AMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive system. A little later, the manufacturer presented the S65 AMG car, equipped with a powerful 6-liter V12 bi-turbo engine producing 630 hp and 1,000 Nm of torque. The model was released in March 2014. In 2015, the manufacturer released a convertible version of the Mercedes S-Class simultaneously with its AMG modification.
A restyled version of the flagship S-Class Model 222 sedan was released in 2017. At the same time, Mercedes-AMG division presented its S63 4Matic+ and S65 modifications. The powerful S63 was equipped with a 4-liter V8 twin-turbo engine known from other cars of the company, producing 612 hp and 900 Nm. It was paired with a nine-speed proprietary 9G-Tronic SpeedShift MCT transmission. Thanks to these upgrades, the S63 AMG accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.5 seconds. The S65 AMG has not changed.
With the new Mercedes AMG S63, you lead the way. Your car does the rest: the rapid acceleration is accompanied by the powerful bass of the AMG Performance exhaust system with adjustable flaps and twin tailpipes. A luxury car just cannot be more emotional. And you can fully enjoy this emotional pleasure.
The entire sideline towards the rear of the car emphasizes its luxurious dynamics. The special front face design with a high-gloss chromed grille and the AMG front apron with Jet-Wing in black demonstrate an unrivaled performance potential. The large air intakes integrate the two cross members, thereby optimizing engine cooling. Just look at this car, and you won’t be able to ignore its charm.
