As Mercedes-Benz’s
S-class gets a refresh for 2010, the high-performance AMG models will be updated as well. Official press pictures will be released during the Shanghai auto show later this month, but the automaker’s German-market
online configurator has spilled the beans early.
If you found previous AMG versions of the S-class to be too discreet, you’ll be happy to know that the package has been sharpened considerably. The front fascia has been altered to make room for a large center air intake. The circular fog lights also have been removed, while the outer air intakes now integrate LED light strips. The S63 and S65 are distinguished by their badging, wheel choices, and front grilles. As to the grilles, the V-8–powered S63 wears five slim, horizontal bars, while the V-12 S65 displays three double strips, just like the S600. The quadruple exhaust tips are larger on the S65, and each pair meets in the middle. The taillights also feature new LED elements. We were hoping that AMG would move the shifter from the steering column to the center console where it belongs, as was done for the 2010 E63 AMG, but that’s not the case.
Corruptive Power
Both models remain among the most outrageous choices in the upper-luxury segment. The S65, with its 604-hp, twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter V-12 producing 738 lb-ft of torque from 2000 to 4000 rpm, is more powerful than the
2010 BMW 760i/Li, as well as the 2009 Bentley Continental Flying Spur Speed. The S63 AMG is a bit tamer, with a naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V-8 producing “just” 518 hp and 465 lb-ft. Nevertheless, chances are you won't encounter anything faster on your commute, and the burly V-8 makes all the right sounds, too. In the S63, you get a seven-speed automatic transmission; the S65 uses a five-speed automatic—necessary to handle the mountains of torque—but it never leaves you wanting for more gears.
Pity the Mercs’ top speeds are governed to 155 mph—raising the limiter to 186 mph is an option, although we suspect most S-class AMGs are seldom used to their full potential. The Bentley, however, is ungoverned up to its 201-mph terminal velocity, and we can report from our testing that the German-engineered Briton even lets you set the cruise control at that speed. Of course, the S63 and S65 also frequently get neutered by their own stability-control systems, which have to work overtime under a heavy right foot.
Formidable Price, Too
Both models will likely stay long-wheelbase-only for the U.S., but the S63 AMG is available in Europe in short-wheelbase form as well. Since the changes are largely cosmetic, we don't expect prices to increase much. The 2009 S63 AMG costs $135,225; the S65 AMG rings in at $202,825. Should you seek an even more exclusive Benz, we expect face-lifted CL-class coupes in the not-too-distant future.
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2010 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG / S65 AMG Revealed
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