Mercedes-Benz is presenting a superlative dream car in the guise of the S 63 Cabriolet. For the first time in its 49-year history, Mercedes-Benz’s sports car and performance brand is offering a four-seater cabriolet in the S-Class segment, which augments the product portfolio with an attractive alternative for car enthusiasts with a passion for performance and luxury. The AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine with an output of 430 kW and peak torque of 900 Nm, the acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds. The brand’s hallmark Driving Performance combined with opulent appointments and exclusive materials in the interior makes this high performance S-Class Cabriolet the ultimate dream car.
High-performance technology coupled with expressive exterior and interior design: It is immediately apparent that the new S 63 Cabriolet is built by car enthusiasts for car enthusiasts. “The new S 63 Cabriolet is another fascinating AMG dream car from Affalterbach,” says Florian Seidler, Co-CEO Mercedes-Benz South Africa and Executive Director, Mercedes-Benz Cars. “The new model demonstrates in impressive style that we are keeping our foot firmly on the gas. We are continuing our model initiative with a vengeance – in all market segments,” adds Seidler.
Intelligent AMG Lightweight Performance
The basis for the vehicle’s superior and dynamic character is provided by the particularly rigid bodyshell structure featuring innovative solutions such as the luggage compartment bulkhead made of magnesium. Furthermore, the weight has been limited by the use of a lightweight lithium-ion battery, AMG light-alloy wheels produced by means of a sophisticated forging process and the weight-optimised AMG high-performance composite brake system – all of which makes perfect sense given the fact that large parts of the shell, front section and rear end are made of aluminium.
AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine: superior and efficient
In terms of maximum output, torque and fuel consumption, the AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine remains one of the most efficient series-produced V8 engines in the world. With an output of 430 kW (585 hp) and 900 Newton metres of torque, the AMG eight-cylinder engine meets the very highest standards. And the same goes for its performance: the S 63 Cabriolet accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds and has a top speed of 250 km/h (electronically limited).
NEDC fuel consumption of 10.4 litres per 100 kilometres makes the two-door model the most fuel-efficient model in its competitive segment. Which just goes to show that performance, efficiency and environmental compatibility need not be mutually exclusive aims.
The data at a glance:
Mercedes-AMG S 63 Cabriolet*
Displacement
5461 cc
Output
430 kW
at 5500 r/min
Peak torque
900 Nm
at 2250-3750 r/min
Fuel consumption –
urban/extra-urban/combined
14.3/8.2/10.4 l/100 km
CO2 emissions – combined
244 g/km
Kerb weight (according to DIN/EC)
2110 kg** / 2185 kg***
Power-to-weight ratio
3.61 kg/hp
Acceleration
0-100 km/h
4.2 sec
Top speed
250 km/h****
*Only available with left-hand drive; ** Ready-to-drive condition (fuel tank 90% full, without driver and luggage); *** Ready-to-drive condition (fuel tank 90% full, with driver (68 kg) and luggage (7 kg));
**** Electronically limited.
Exhaust system with automatic exhaust flaps
Emotional and sporty or restrained for long distances – the S 63 Cabriolet also meets all driver wishes where acoustics are concerned: The exhaust system has automatic logic-controlled exhaust flaps in both rear silencers. When the transmission is in “C” (Controlled Efficiency) mode, the flaps remain closed in most situations, in which case the eight-cylinder biturbo engine’s sound is more understated. In “S” (Sport) and “M” (Manual) modes, the exhaust flaps open earlier and more spontaneously, especially if the driver prefers a dynamic driving style. The effect: an emotional, signature AMG engine sound.
“One Man ‑ One Engine”: a tradition of hand-built excellence
The biturbo eight-cylinder engine of the S 63 Cabriolet is fitted by hand in the hand-finishing section of AMG’s production plant in Affalterbach based on the “One Man – One Engine” philosophy. This means that each engine is assembled by a highly qualified technician who applies the strictest quality standards. This technician is responsible for everything from installing the crankshaft in the engine block and assembling the camshafts to wiring the engine and filling it with engine oil ‑ as clearly evidenced by the signature on the AMG engine badge.
Electronic documentation of the entire production process
During the assembly process, each engine undergoes a series of tests in which it is examined for oil and water leaks. The entire fuel system is likewise checked for leaks ‑ to the extent that even individual gas molecules can be detected. All the engine functions are then examined on the “cold-test bench” using simulated resistances and pressurisation as well as the very latest resonance and airborne noise measurement methods. And finally a fully automatic image processing system is used to check the delivery condition of the completed engine.
In addition to this, the assembly process is controlled and documented by the AMG Trace System. This system allows full documentation of various process parameters such as the tightening torques, angles and curves of all bolted connections, fluid levels, component and batch information, and test results.
Individuality: AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission
The AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission combines perfectly with the V8 biturbo engine. Drivers can configure their own personal set-up, depending on their driving style. There are three modes to choose from: “C” (Controlled Efficiency), “S” (Sport) and “M” (Manual). The ECO start/stop function features as standard and is activated in transmission mode “C”.
AIRMATIC air suspension
The AMG specialists have also pulled out all the stops when it comes to the suspension: The S 63 Cabriolet comes with the AIRMATIC full-support air suspension featuring ADS PLUS adaptive damping, which can be preset to “Sport” or “Comfort”. At the touch of a button, the special configurations of these two programmes enable outstanding agility and dynamics or unlimited comfort on long journeys and smooth cruising at low speeds.
Specific front axle kinematics – including a higher camber, a larger anti-roll bar and a stiffer subframe carrier on the rear axle – have also been developed for the Cabriolet. The AMG-specific elastokinematics and parameterisation of the continuously variable damper control, the lower air volume of the air suspension system and the progressive piston geometry nip unpleasant rolling and pitching in the bud.
It is also possible to raise the vehicle’s level by 30 millimetres on poor surfaces. The chassis is lowered again automatically in “Sport” mode and from a speed of 120 km/h in “Controlled Efficiency” mode.
Systematic lightweight design: AMG forged wheels as standard
The S 63 Cabriolet is equipped with forged AMG light-alloy wheels as standard. This forged design provides for extremely strong and particularly light wheels. The resultant lower unsprung masses give rise to advantages in terms of handling and spring/damper element response. In the standard specification, the S 63 Cabriolet is fitted with multi-spoke forged wheels painted in titanium grey with a high-sheen finish – 8.5 J x 19 at the front and 9.5 J x 19 at the rear, with 255/45 R 19 and 285/40 R 19 tyres respectively. Forged wheels are available as optional extras from the AMG Performance Studio, in size 8.5 J x 20 at the front and 9.5 J x 20 at the rear, fitted with tyres in size 255/40 R 20 and 285/35 R 20 respectively.
Optional AMG ceramic high-performance composite brake system
Short stopping distances and rapid deceleration are a given for the S 63 Cabriolet, which is equipped with a weight-optimised, fade-resistant high-performance composite brake system. A ceramic high-performance composite brake system is available as an option. The design, which is more than 20 percent lighter, ensures lower unsprung masses as well as enhanced driving dynamics, agility and ride comfort.
Design as an expression of sportiness and performance
The S 63 Cabriolet also boasts exciting looks to emphasise its sporty performance: The design is a stage for the exciting technology at the heart of the new dream car. Numerous exquisitely designed aerodynamic elements underscore the outstanding driving dynamics: the front end is dominated by the three-dimensional “twin-blade” radiator grille in silver chrome.
Under the radiator grille is the “A-wing”: this three-dimensional aerodynamic feature is painted in the body colour and sports the stylised “A” that is a hallmark of AMG vehicles. Large, black flics surround the outer cooling air intakes. Down below, the front splitter in silver chrome optimises the flow of air to the cooling modules. It also makes the vehicle appear closer to the road.
A similar effect is created by the side sill panels with their high-quality, three-dimensional inserts in silver chrome. Together with the lower feature line, these inserts make the S 63 Cabriolet exude dynamism even when it is at a standstill.
At the rear, the diffuser insert in high-gloss black also catches the eye straight away. The lower trim element in silver chrome is reminiscent of the A-wing at the front and provides an effective contrast. The two chromed twin tailpipes of the exhaust system with sports flaps are perfectly integrated into the diffuser insert.
Interior: beguiling luxury and sporty exclusivity
Opening the door reveals the beguilingly luxurious interior of the S 63 Cabriolet: the instrument panel almost seamlessly transitions into the doors in a wrap-around design. High-quality materials and fine workmanship are combined with a sporty, exclusive design idiom. The newly developed AMG sports seats with electrical adjustment, Memory function and seat heating offer the driver and front passenger optimum lateral support.
The three-spoke sports steering wheel with its distinctively contoured rim and perforated leather in the grip area allows perfect vehicle control. Aluminium shift paddles shorten the reaction time when changing gear and enhance dynamism. Another feature displaying the hallmark AMG look is the high-resolution TFT colour display as an instrument cluster with two animated round dials. In addition to the AMG-specific lettering and the needles in red/silver, further distinctive design features include the start-up display, the AMG logo in the speedometer with 330 km/h scale and the “V8 BITURBO” lettering in the rev counter.
As with all Mercedes-Benz Passenger cars, the Mercedes-AMG S 63 Cabriolet comes standard with the 6-years/100 000 km PremiumDrive maintenance plan.
Mercedes-AMG S 63 AMG Cabriolet R2,899,900
Photo Credit: QuickPic