The new S-class is by all accounts the best luxury sedan ever, and now that Mercedes has announced more details after the original press release we thought we’d take a closer look at it. Despite the technological tour de force that the S-class is, its hard to look past the AMG built engine that pumps out 525hp (386kW) and peak torque of 630Nm. This is controlled by a 7G-TRONIC transmission that has F1 style flappy paddles and three settings – sport, comfort, and manual. To help such a big sedan handle better, Mercedes has fitted it out with Active Body Control, which has been further tuned by AMG for better sport settings. Te system greatly reduces body roll and allows the S63 to corner like a much smaller car. It’s also kitted out with the usual AMG bodykit that makes it look more aggressive.

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The other interesting detail is the inclusion of an analogue clock “modeled on the design of the “IWC-Ingenieur” series in the centre console.” A couple of years back Bentley did the same thing with Breitling by including a clock with the famous brand on the dash (pictured). It was only later that buyers discovered that the clock wasn’t really a Breitling, but one that was pulled from the Volkswagen parts bin, so it was about as real as those “100% exact copy” replica watches pitched to you by email. Bentley claimed that the clock was made after “extensive consultation with Breitling to determine the correct proportioning, size and style of the font and needles.” We suspect this “IWC” clock is more of the same.

Click ahead for more high-res real life photos of the S63 AMG and a press release with more details.

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

Mercedes-AMG GmbH: Two dynamic and exclusive flagship eight-cylinder models

* CL 63 AMG – powerful Coupé with high-tech appointments

* S 63 AMG – sporty luxury Saloon in two body variants

* AMG 6.3-litre V8-engine with 386 kW/525 hp and 630 newton metres

* AMG sports suspension based on Active Body Control and AMG high-performance composite braking system based on ADAPTIVE BRAKE

Paris, Sep 28, 2006

Mercedes-AMG is presenting two top V8 models in the form of the CL 63 AMG and S 63 AMG. Dynamic progress is guaranteed by the 100% AMG-developed 6.3-litre V8-engine with a peak output of 386 kW/525 hp and 630 Newton metres of torque. The exclusive nature of the unique AMG high-performance cars is amply demonstrated by their high-tech appointments: standard equipment includes AMG bodystyling, AMG light-alloy wheels, an AMG sports suspension based on Active Body Control, an AMG high-performance braking system, a dedicated AMG interior and the preventive occupant protection system PRE-SAFE® – with the new PRE-SAFE® brake and DISTRONIC PLUS available as options. The CL 63 AMG and S 63 AMG are the current highlights of the 2006 strategic model initiative by Mercedes-AMG – with ten brand-new AMG high-performance cars to date.

The heart of both top-of-the-line eight-cylinder models is the 100% AMG-developed AMG 6.3-litre V8-engine. From a displacement of 6208 cc, this high-revving, naturally aspirated engine delivers an output of 386 kW/525 hp at 6800 rpm and a maximum torque of 630 Nm at 5200 rpm. This gives the AMG powerpack a higher specific output and specific torque than any other series-produced naturally aspirated eight-cylinder engine in the world. Accordingly the eight-cylinder unit from Affalterbach has a fulminating performance potential: both AMG models will accelerate to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds, and the maximum speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h. This unique combination of a fast-running design and a large displacement achieves the best of both worlds: exhilarating high-revving flexibility accompanied by high pulling power at low engine speeds.

AMG 6.3-litre V8-engine with high-tech motor racing features

Made entirely from high-strength aluminium, the V8 naturally aspirated engine is packed with a wealth of fascinating racetrack technology that reflects AMG's rich motorsport heritage. The vertical arrangement of the intake and exhaust ports together with the sophisticated new variable intake manifold featuring two integral throttle flaps results in superlative cylinder charging. The use of bucket tappets in the cylinder heads paves the way for a stiff valve train and therefore high engine speeds. Variable camshaft adjustment, an extra-rigid closed-deck crankcase and cylinder walls with a revolutionary new LDS coating are further attributes of this ultra-sophisticated V8 engine made by Mercedes-AMG.

The AMG SPEEDSHIFT 7G-TRONIC transmission with DIRECT SELECT gearshift is the perfect complement to the dynamic power. In true Formula One style, the seven-speed automatic transmission can be operated using the AMG shift paddles on the steering wheel. There are three transmission modes – "S" (Sport), "C" (Comfort) and "M" (Manual) – each of which has different shift characteristics and speeds, and can be selected using a switch on the centre console. The different modes also modify the accelerator response and the spring/damper settings of the AMG sports suspension.

AMG sports suspension based on ABC and an AMG high-performance braking system

The suspension and braking system of the CL 63 AMG and S 63 AMG are a highly impressive high-tech package. The AMG sports suspension based on Active Body Control (ABC) all but entirely eliminates the body movements that occur when moving off, cornering and braking. Bends are negotiated with far less roll; the body roll caused by fast evasive manoeuvring is effectively suppressed. 8.5 and 9.5-inch wide 19“ AMG light-alloy wheels in a new four-spoke design, with wide-base tyres in size 255/40 (front) and 275/40 (rear), not only fill the striking, flared wheel arches perfectly, but also ensure outstanding road contact. Two completely new AMG light-alloy wheels in size 8.5 and 9.5 x 20 inches – one of them using a particularly lightweight forging technology – are available as optional extras.

The completely newly developed AMG high-performance brakes based on the ADAPTIVE BRAKE system set new standards in terms of stopping power, sensitivity and fade resistance. A new twin sliding calliper is used for the front brakes, the kind of innovation people have come to expect from AMG. This brand new technology combines the advantages of a floating-calliper brake – lower heat transfer to the brake fluid and significantly improved ride comfort due to the way the brake pads are located – with the performance of a large fixed-calliper brake. Large composite brake discs at the front and rear ensure the shortest stopping distances even under the highest loads.

Dynamic and exclusive styling inside and out

The two AMG models give the impression of high-performance athletes in bespoke suits – though with differences in their characteristics. The new AMG bodystyling combines superbly with the pronounced, flared wheel arches to produce an air of poise and self-assurance. In the CL 63 AMG and S 63 AMG, the muscular AMG bumper with its round foglamps set in chrome rings, large air intakes and side vents leaves a lasting impression. The striking AMG radiator grille exclusive to the CL 63 AMG features two horizontal chrome louvres and numerous vertical slats in black – with another athletic touch provided by the titanium-painted lenses of the bi-xenon headlamps.

The pronounced contours of the AMG side skirts continue the line of the front bumper to the rear, where the AMG rear apron with its black insert emphasises the width of the car even further – and with a sporty, diffused look in the case of the CL 63 AMG. Visual and acoustic highlights are provided by the two chrome twin tailpipes of the AMG sports exhaust system. Another distinguishing feature is the “6.3 AMG“ lettering on the front wings.

This sporty and exclusive styling is continued in the interior. The extensive standard appointments include PASSION leather upholstery and multicontour AMG sports seats with their own cross-piping design and massage function. In the S 63 AMG the side seat bolsters are upholstered in particularly soft natural leather. The AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel with its specially designed rim and AMG shift paddles of aluminium with “up“and “down“ lettering is another visual and tactile delight. The AMG instrument cluster displays the AMG main menu with the “RACETIMER“. Another eye-catching feature in the interior is the exclusive analogue clock modelled on the design of the “IWC-Ingenieur“series in the centre console. The overall picture is rounded off by AMG entry sills of brushed stainless steel.

New standards in active and passive safety

The CL 63 AMG and S 63 AMG also set new standards where active and passive safety are concerned: their standard appointments include PRE-SAFE®, the preventive occupant protection system. PRE-SAFE® recognises situations conducive to an accident at an early stage and activates a number of protective systems as a precaution. In the CL 63 AMG the unique Intelligent Light System is also standard to make driving at night even safer.

Mercedes-Benz has made this system even better with the new PRE-SAFE® brake and Brake Assist PLUS (BAS PLUS). These two systems are radar-based and warn the driver of an imminent rear-end collision with visual and audible signals, automatically initiating a partial braking response if the danger is acute. Mercedes-Benz also offers BAS PLUS and PRE-SAFE® brakes in conjunction with the optional DISTRONIC PLUS proximity cruise control for both these top-of-the-range AMG eight-cylinder models.

The market launch of the CL 63 AMG and S 63 AMG in Mercedes-Benz sales offices and dealerships will commence in January 2007. The S 63 AMG comes in two body variants: a particularly lively, 130-millimetre shorter version is available in addition to the more prestigious version with a long wheelbase.