Mercedes-Benz has confirmed that the S 63 AMG saloon will be available in Australian showrooms from next month.

This high-performance luxury sedan continues the time-honoured Mercedes-AMG tradition of bringing motor sport-derived engineering and driving dynamics to the most luxurious cars in the Mercedes-Benz stable. It partners the superlative 6.2-litre Mercedes-AMG V8 to the award-winning S-Class, the highest selling model in its prestigious segment so far this year (according to VFACTS).

“The S 63 AMG is the perfect offer for customers seeking a dynamic and sporting drive without sacrificing any of the luxury the three-pointed star is famous for,” said Horst von Sanden, managing director for the Mercedes Car Group in Australia.

“Adding this new high-performance model to Australian showrooms is the result of high customer demand in Australia for both the award-winning S-Class and the exciting range of Mercedes-AMG vehicles."

“The success of the range-leading S-Class is well established and I am delighted to be able to offer our customers even greater choice with the new S 63 AMG,” concluded von Sanden.

Australian customer interest in the precision engineered high-performance Mercedes-AMG range has surged even further since the release of the new ‘63’ series last year.

With this latest model, memorable driving is guaranteed by the 100 percent AMG-developed 6.2-litre V8-engine, which produces a peak power output figure of 386 kilowatts at 6,800 rpm and 630 Newton metres of torque at 5,200 rpm. This amazing AMG power unit has a higher specific output and specific torque than any other series-produced naturally aspirated eight-cylinder engine in the world.

Performance is equally impressive: the S 63 AMG is able to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds, with a maximum speed electronically limited to 250 km/h. This unique engine design which combines high engine speed and large displacement achieves the best of both worlds: exhilarating high-revving flexibility accompanied by high pulling power at low engine speeds.

The exclusive nature of this unique AMG high-performance car is amply demonstrated by its high-tech appointments: standard equipment includes AMG bodystyling, AMG light-alloy wheels, an AMG sports suspension based on Active Body Control, an AMG high-performance braking system based on ADAPTIVE BRAKE and a dedicated AMG interior naturally accompanied by benchmark levels of safety technology, including the brilliant preventive occupant protection system PRE-SAFE®, DISTRONIC PLUS and PRE-SAFE® brake.

The S 63 AMG joins the CL 63 AMG coupé, CLS 63 AMG sedan, CLK 63 AMG (available in both coupé and cabriolet), ML 63 AMG SUV and E 63 AMG (available in both sedan and estate) as the latest ‘63’ model in the Australian Mercedes-AMG line-up.

The new S 63 AMG will be available in Australia from the start of September this year.

AMG 6.3-litre V8-engine with high-tech motor racing features

Made entirely from high-strength aluminium, the naturally aspirated V8 engine is packed with a wealth of fascinating racetrack technology that reflects AMG's motor sport heritage. The vertical arrangement of the intake and exhaust ports together with the sophisticated new variable intake manifold featuring two integral throttle flaps results in superlative cylinder charging. The use of bucket tappets in the cylinder heads paves the way for a stiff valve train and therefore high engine speeds. Variable camshaft adjustment, an extra-rigid closed-deck crankcase and cylinder walls with a revolutionary new LDS coating are further attributes of this ultra-sophisticated V8 engine made by Mercedes-AMG.

The AMG SPEEDSHIFT 7G-TRONIC transmission with DIRECT SELECT gearshift is the perfect complement to the dynamic power. In true Formula One style, the seven-speed automatic transmission can be operated using the AMG shift paddles on the steering wheel. There are three transmission modes – "S" (Sport), "C" (Comfort) and "M" (Manual) – each of which has different shift characteristics and speeds and can be selected using a switch on the centre console. The different modes also modify the accelerator response and the spring/damper settings of the AMG sports suspension.

AMG sports suspension based on ABC (Active Body Control) and an AMG high-performance braking system

The suspension and braking system of the S 63 AMG is a highly impressive high-tech package. The AMG sports suspension based on Active Body Control (ABC) almost eliminates the body movements that occur when moving off, cornering and braking. Bends are negotiated with far less roll; the body roll caused by fast evasive manoeuvring is effectively suppressed. 8.5 and 9.5-inch wide 19“ AMG light-alloy wheels in a new multi-spoke design, with wide-base tyres in size 255/40 (front) and 275/40 (rear), not only fill the striking, flared wheel arches perfectly, but also ensure outstanding road contact.

Newly-designed AMG light-alloy wheels available in both 20- and 19-inch diameters – one of them using a particularly lightweight forging technology – are available as optional extras.

The newly-developed AMG high-performance brakes based on the ADAPTIVE BRAKE system set new standards in terms of stopping power, sensitivity and fade resistance. A new twin sliding calliper is used for the front brakes, the kind of innovation people have come to expect from AMG. This new technology combines the advantages of a floating-calliper brake – lower heat transfer to the brake fluid and significantly improved ride comfort due to the way the brake pads are located – with the performance of a large fixed-calliper brake. Large composite brake discs at the front and rear ensure the shortest stopping distances even under the highest loads.

Dynamic and exclusive styling inside and out

The S 63 AMG gives the impression of a high-performance athlete in a bespoke suit. The new AMG body styling combines superbly with the pronounced, flared wheel arches to produce an air of poise and self-assurance. The muscular AMG bumper with its round fog lamps set in chrome rings, large air intakes and side vents leaves a lasting impression.

The pronounced contours of the AMG side skirts continue the line of the front bumper to the rear, where the AMG rear apron with its black insert emphasises the width of the car even further. Visual and acoustic highlights are provided by the two chrome twin tailpipes of the AMG sports exhaust system. Another distinguishing feature is the “6.3 AMG” lettering on the front guards.

This sporty and exclusive styling is continued in the interior. The extensive standard appointments include PASSION leather upholstery and multi-contour AMG sports seats with their own cross-piping design and massage function. The side seat bolsters are upholstered in particularly soft natural leather. The AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel with its specially designed rim and AMG shift paddles of aluminium with “up” and “down“ lettering is another visual and tactile delight. The AMG instrument cluster displays the AMG main menu with the “RACETIMER“.

Another eye-catching feature in the interior is the exclusive analogue clock modelled on the design of the “IWC-Ingenieur” series in the centre console.

The overall picture is rounded off by AMG entry sills of brushed stainless steel.

New standards in active and passive safety

The S 63 AMG sets new standards where active and passive safety is concerned. Standard appointments include PRE-SAFE®, the preventive occupant protection system. PRE-SAFE® recognises situations conducive to an accident at an early stage and activates a number of protective systems as a precaution.

Mercedes-Benz has made this system even better with the new PRE-SAFE® brake and Brake Assist PLUS (BAS PLUS). These two systems are radar-based and warn the driver of an imminent rear-end collision with visual and audible signals, automatically initiating a partial braking response if the danger is acute. Mercedes-Benz also offers BAS PLUS and PRE-SAFE® brakes in conjunction with the optional DISTRONIC PLUS proximity cruise control.

The S 63 AMG will be available in standard-length wheelbase. Key details of this exciting new model are summarised, below.