Mercedes-Benz has again used Motorclassica, Australia’s premier car show, to reveal a new model, this time the S-Class coupe. It’s not due for release until early 2015, but certainly created plenty of interest.
It’s the second year in a row that the German maker has elected to launch or preview a new model, and perhaps points to the future of Motorclassica as an Australian jump-off event for high-end exotic cars.
Mercedes-Benz provided the display car to whet the appetites of S-Class buffs. An S63 AMG coupe, top of the line model within the S-Class coupe range, the coupe is powered by a 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine that produces 430 kW of power and 900 Nm of torque – massive numbers by any gauge. The cost: around $400,000.
After being unveiled the car was mobbed. And no wonder. It’s a stunning looking big coupe that has been called a dream car, dominated externally by lines that are nothing short of classic, yet exciting visually, a rarity in today’s mass produced motoring world. The car comes with an option of AMG’s AWD system. In a world first it also has Curve Tilting Function as part of Magic Body Control, where the body leans into corners to enhance drive both comfort and road grip.
The new S63 AMG is 65 kg lighter thanks to a number of factors. These include a new lightweight Lithium-ion battery, AMG forged alloy wheels and weight-optimised AMG high-performance braking system. The body is all-aluminium as is the front end of the vehicle. The benefits of the weight loss compared to the previous model are even better dynamics and fuel savings.
The S63 AMG coupe covers the 0-100 km/h sprint in 3.9 to 4.3 seconds depending on model variant. Engine power is up by 30 kW and a massive 100 Nm of torque, but using less fuel at a combined fuel consumption of 10.1 litres/100 km. It did not look out of place sitting in the middle of many of Australia’s finest classic cars from decades past.
The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class coupe replaces the CL-Class coupe. In Mercedes-Benz history this category started as SEC and then evolved into CL and now S-Class coupe. All have been based on the Mercedes S-Class large sedans, so the new name reflects the true platform on which it is based, rather than being promoted as a spin-off model with its own identity.
