Rivalry amongst German vehicle manufacturers has been rife for decades, as each brand tries to steal the hearts of consumers with their latest products. In recent times, it has become more difficult for brands to distinguish themselves ahead of their rivals, as most vehicles have progressed to a point where it simply becomes a matter of personal preference when it comes down to deciding which vehicle is the best. This is the case for most segments in the automotive industry, be it a compact crossover or a luxury SUV. However, there is a segment where one car has reigned supreme and that is the full-size luxury category, where consumers have the choice between the likes of an Audi A8, a BMW 7 Series or the Mercedes Benz S Class.
In my opinion, the S Class is and will remain “The Daddy” of the segment for reasons that have less to do with luxury or technology but rather, emotion. The aesthetics play a major role in eliciting an emotional response from onlookers, as the S63 AMG looks like a vehicle made for a magnate. From the large grill to the tasteful chrome touches around the car, it screams opulence and sophistication. It’s long, wide and sits low on the ground. The 21-inch wheels fit snugly around the body of the car and the overall impression you get is one that is knuckle bitingly good.
The interior follows the minimalistic luxury theme, with a large 12.8-inch multimedia display being the literal centre of attention. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster further modernises the cabin up front. The backseats provide ample room for three, making it perfect for moments where you’ll be driven to your next function or meeting. The Nappa leather used in the seats immediately tell you that you’re playing in the big leagues and every material you touch is of the highest quality, befitting the nameplate of the vehicle.
Throughout the generations Mercedes has kept the look of the S Class relatively minimal, and each vehicle has been a progression of the previous model. Whereas in the case of the BMW 7 series, over the decades, it’s looks have been radicalised, changing dramatically with each new model. This conservative approach has worked well for Mercedes Benz in terms of aesthetics, as the S Class, no matter the generation, is instantly recognisable, creating a timelessness to the vehicle. As a car known for its ability to waft quietly while cosseting its passengers in German luxury since the 1970’s, the turn of the century marked the beginning of the AMG variants in the S Class range. Throughout the last two decades, we have seen various iterations of fast S Classes and my time in the latest S63 AMG E Performance made me realise why this car is so loved.
Upon start up, I’m greeted with silence, something I’m not used to in an AMG product. Being an E-Performance variant means that Mercedes has employed the use of batteries to assist the engine, as well increase performance, making this AMG a hybrid. In comfort mode it moves about beautifully and with purpose but prioritises softening any bumps in the road. Ever so often one can hear the V8 engine waking up to deliver more than enough acceleration when needed. Being a large luxury vehicle, you would expect the driver to prefer simply enjoying the creature comforts offered by the vehicle, such as the massage seats which are both heated and cooled. However, knowing you have a thunderous V8 biturbo at your beck and call which produces 590kW/1430Nm is a temptation too difficult to resist and the urge to summon this power is hard to ignore.
Switching over to Sport and Sport Plus mode immediately firms the entire vehicle up, as well as awakens that lovely V8 tone, making for a sound that your neighbours won’t appreciate in the early hours of the morning. The acceleration in this vehicle is ludicrous, a car of this size should not be able to move as quickly as it does. 100km/h is reached in a mere 3.3 seconds, a time that is usually reserved for supercars. Around corners you’d swear that you’re in a much smaller vehicle because I repeat, a car of this size should not be able to move as quickly as it does.
The 4MATIC all-wheel drive system does a stellar job at distributing the power between the front and rear wheels when entering and exiting corners at speed. As a result, you’ve got a nimbleness that defies physics. Overall, after making use of right peddle you quickly realise that the Mercedes-AMG S63 E Performance is equally impressive as a luxury vehicle as it is a performance car. It’s the literal best of both worlds.
The Mercedes-AMG S63 E Performance is available for purchase in South Africa for R 4 559 290. For other regions on the continent, enquiries can be made at your nearest Mercedes Benz dealership.
Francisco Nwamba has spent over a decade at the intersection of torque and storytelling. With a sharp pen and an even sharper eye for detail, he’s written for top-tier titles including Top Gear South Africa, traversing the globe to test the world’s most coveted machines on-road, off-road, and occasionally off-script. As the former host of Ignition GT on DStv, he brought horsepower to the small screen, reviewing vehicles and interviewing guests with the charm of a car whisperer in cufflinks. Francisco brings luxury motoring to life with nuance, humour, and a little tyre smoke when necessary.
