Seems AMG has been busy of late, what with the new A45 and CLA45 both making their debuts in 2013, and now this, the crowning glory of the stunning new S-Class range (until the S65 arrives, of course).
And what a new S-Class it is. Smooth, confident, accomplished, packed to the rafters with technology and – as we found out when we drove it – better than ever before. This AMG version then, uses the same 5.5-litre twin-turbocharged V8 doing the rounds in Merc's Big Cars – E63, CLS63, et al. – to great effect.
As mentioned, it gets 577hp and a whopping 664lb-ft of torque, which means it will out-accelerate a manual Porsche 911 Carrera 4S. That's genuine pace. The twin-turbo “M157” unit is hand-built by one man – as per AMG's rules – and comes complete with an aluminium crankcase, direct injection, an air-to-water intercooler and a lightweight composite oil pan.
Elsewhere on the new S63, you'll find an AMG sports exhaust with special flaps that automatically open and close depending on the transmission selection on the seven-speed ‘box. In “controlled efficiency” mode (“C”), they're closed, but switch over to “Sport” (“S”) or “Manual” (“M”) and you're highly likely to scare the neighbour's Labrador.
Oh, and like the new E63 AMG, the S63 is available as a four-wheel-drive, too, the 4Matic.
It's fitted with “magic body control” that – unfortunately – doesn't involve a miniature Paul Daniels on the dashboard telling you to slow down, but instead sensors that detect the road surface and adjust the suspension accordingly. “Comfort” and “Sport” modes are available for the chassis and steering, and you can work out what each one does.
Underneath the 19in lightweight alloy wheels (or optional forged alloy 20s) sit horrendously big carbon ceramic brake discs (420mm up front. 420mm!) that are “fade-resistant” and display “higher thermal stability”. We suspect energetic use of these brakes will display “higher intestinal instability”.
There's a new front apron and splitter, side sill panels with 3D inserts in silver chrome, lots of AMG lettering, a black rear diffuser with chrome trim and, of course, a pair of twin exhaust pipes. Inside there are new AMG sports seats, lots of lavish leather, an AMG sports steering wheel, TFT colour display and, erm, some more AMG lettering.
Naturally, you can lose quite a significant portion of your time flicking through the options list, which includes a chauffeur pack, a “first-class” rear suite, an air-balance pack, coloured calipers and AMG carbon fibre exterior/brake packs.
Prices to be confirmed in due course, closer to its sale date later this year. The previous generation cost just under £114k, so expect something similar.