Used 2019 Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-AMG S-Class

Although based on the flagship S-Class lineup, the 2019 Mercedes-AMG S63 and S65 transform this stately luxury automobile into a performance machine every bit as enticing as a Porsche Panamera Turbo, but with a more adult-friendly rear seat. Of course, unlike in the big S-Class (reviewed separately), with the AMG models you’ll definitely want to be the one doing the driving because the S63 and S65 deliver scorching straight-line performance backed up by brilliant handling. The AMG twins feature hand-built, twin-turbocharged engines, a V8 for the S63 and V12 for the S65. They also come in coupe and convertible form, outfitted with Mercedes-Benz’s finest features and highest price tags.

Think of an S-Class full-size sedan, and you’ll likely imagine wafting along in serene comfort and quiet. These AMG versions can absolutely do that, especially when the Dynamic Select driver-adjustable mode is set to Comfort, but they also have a not-so-secret aggressive side. With 603 horsepower and an AMG-specific all-wheel-drive system, the S63 is blisteringly fast. We’re talking to the tune of 0-60 mph in 3.4 seconds. And this isn’t a motorcycle; it’s a nearly 5,000-pound executive car. Beyond this lightning-quick acceleration, the Mercedes-AMG S63 also boasts deceptively deft handling when Sport or Sport+ mode is selected. The V12-powered S65 is a beast all its own. Though it has more power and four additional cylinders, it’s actually slightly slower off the line than the S63. This mainly is due to it being rear-wheel drive (RWD), and thus having only two patches of rubber clawing at the ground vs. four in the all-wheel-drive (AWD) S63. Beyond hustling, the Mercedes-AMG touts all the noteworthy driving attributes of the standard S-Class, even those that involve driving on its own. We were impressed with the S-Class’ semi-autonomous capability, in which it can pace the car ahead and keep you in lanes while your hands merely rest on the steering wheel.

When it comes to exquisite automotive interiors, you can put the S-Class in the top-5 category, and that includes its sinister AMG siblings. Leather, wood and sumptuous seating designs impress from the moment the door swings open, followed by the fragrance put forth by the Air Balance system. The standard 12.3-inch infotainment screen and matching digital instrument cluster further distinguish the AMG S-Class cars. On the S63 and S65 Coupe and Cabriolet, rear-seat legroom is rather tight, as one would expect, but due to their enormous size are still more accommodating than most big coupes. The sedans offer the option of 2-person rear seating with individual bucket seats with heat and a massaging feature, plus an extendable footrest on the passenger side.

The revised 2019 Mercedes-AMG S-Class sedan, coupe and cabriolet retain the basic lines of their standard Benz counterparts, but all boast unique and more aggressive details that enable them to stand out. Exclusive lower bodywork, gaping front fascias, big 20-inch wheels and AMG badging provide details to the larger story. As we mentioned, most eyes will be familiar with the S-Class sedan’s shape. Still fresh are the Mercedes-AMG S-Class coupe and fabric-top cabriolet, introduced just a few years ago in their latest form. Don’t let the 2-door designation deceive you. At just under 200 inches, they are roughly a half-foot shorter than the AMG S-Class sedan but still massively elegant and imposing in their own right.

ENERGIZING COMFORT CONTROL
Unique to Mercedes is a system designed to reduce driver fatigue and drowsiness. The system has various settings, one that plays mood-altering music, another that adds fragrance to the cabin via the car’s climate control. There’s also a seat massage setting and even one that prompts you through stretching exercises while sitting being the wheel.

SPLIT-PERSONALITY
In racing parlance, we call the 2019 Mercedes-AMG S63 and S65 “sleepers.” That’s because despite their rather conservative exteriors and opulent interiors, both cars deliver impressive on-road performance, with enough horsepower to run circles around some 2-door supercars.

The standard roster for the entry-level (if you can call it that) Mercedes-AMG S63 sedan includes a hand-built engine from AMG, additional AMG enhancements to the brakes, limited-slip differential and adaptive suspension plus AMG badging and exterior styling cues. Nappa leather seating is standard, as are heated, ventilated and massaging front seats, hands-free power trunk lid, electric soft-close doors, a power rear sunshade, 12.3-inch infotainment screen with navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility and a 1,190-watt, 26-speaker Burmester audio system. Standard safety systems include autonomous emergency braking, lane keeping and even a drowsiness monitor.

Options for the S-Class are extensive and extravagant. From a rear-seat refrigerator to in-car Wi-Fi and massaging rear seats, there are myriad ways to make a flagship vehicle even better and accustomed to your tastes. Among the more recommendable features is the Driver Assistance Package with proactive safety features like active lane-keeping assist, active blind-spot monitoring and enhanced active cruise control (the package is standard on S65 models). If you want to show you are as serious about stopping as you are about going, these Mercedes-AMG models offer high-performance carbon-ceramic brakes to the tune of nearly $9,000.

The 2019 Mercedes-AMG S63 models use a handcrafted 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine that boasts over 600 horsepower. All-wheel drive (or 4Matic) is standard on these models and enables a 0-60-mph time in the 3-second range. The even pricier Mercedes-AMG S65 models are among the few new cars still offering a V12. In this case it’s a twin-turbo 6.0-liter unit. Compared to the V8, it doesn’t have that much more horsepower — 621 vs. 603 — but grants locomotive-like torque of 738 lb-ft. Unlike the S63, the Mercedes-AMG S65 models are rear-wheel drive (if you must have a 12-cylinder car with all-wheel drive, you can find it in the BMW M760i or Bentley Flying Spur). The S63 uses a 9-speed transmission, while the S65’s power is routed through a 7-speed unit. Fuel economy isn’t exactly thrifty. Almost ironically, both have a start/stop system that shuts off the engine at idle. Restarts, especially for the 12-cylinder, can be abrupt. We found ourselves quickly deactivating the feature during our tests.

4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 (S63)
603 horsepower @ 5,500-6,000 rpm
664 lb-ft of torque @ 2,250-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/26 mpg (sedan), 17/27 mpg (coupe), 15/24 mpg (cabriolet)

6.0-liter twin-turbo V12 (S65)
621 horsepower @ 4,800-5,400 rpm
738 lb-ft of torque @ 2,300-4,300 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 13/22 mpg (sedan), 13/21 mpg (coupe), 14/21 mpg (cabriolet)