The high-performance luxury sedan has a massive price tag in Europe.
Production of the new Mercedes-AMG S63 E Performance is underway, with wealthy clients now able to place an order for the luxurious super limo. As you'd expect, the new range-topper of the S-Class lineup comes with a hefty price tag; European customers are expected to fork out €208,392.80 (approximately $227,220) before options.
That's a lot of money for any car, even one as complete as the S63 E Performance. In fact, you could pick up a new Bentley Flying Spur for similar money, and that's arguably more prestigious than the AMG. However, the S63 does justify its price tag through sheer opulence and attention to detail. Before we get into what it offers, let's look at the available options.
Exterior embellishments include the AMG carbon package (approx. $6,356), Night Package (approx. $1,230), 21-inch AMG forged wheels (approx. $4,150), darkened AMG grille (approx. $580), and a panoramic sunroof (approx. $2,110).
Other nice-to-haves include Nappa leather AMG seats (approx. $450), AMG ceramic high-performance brakes (approx. $9,730), and an AMG Driver's Package (approx. $2,465). The last option increases the top speed from 155 mph to 180 mph.
This means a fully-equipped S63 will set buyers back more than $250,000. But even the "base" model is comprehensively equipped. As standard, customers receive a Burmester 3D Surround Sound system with Dolby Atmos, active ambient lighting, 20-inch wheels, several driver safety assists, pre-entry climate control, and more.
Revealed last year, the mighty AMG S63 debuted as the most powerful production S-Class of all time, thanks to an electrified 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine that kicks out combined outputs of 791 horsepower and a staggering 1,055 lb-ft of torque. Performance is impressive, and the hefty 5,720-pound Benz can hit 60 mph in just 3.3 seconds.
According to Mercedes, the S63 has an all-electric range (AER) of 20.5 miles. When the vehicle arrives in America, EPA AER estimates will most likely be more conservative and match real-world figures.
Despite the sporting persona, the S63 is claimed to strike a fine balance between supreme comfort and agility. Air suspension and AMG Active Ride Control are standard, along with active rear-axle steering. To commemorate the introduction of the hotted-up plutocrat's express, Mercedes has introduced a launch edition.
The Edition 1 receives 21-inch forged wheels, Manufaktur Alpine Grey paint, and model-specific Nappa leather with red contrast topstitching. Exterior trimmings are finished in dark chrome or high gloss black, which accompanies the black-chromed AMG exhaust pipes. Other exclusive touches include red brake calipers and an AMG-branded silver-chrome fuel filler cap.
This model also receives a tailor-made AMG indoor car cover with an "Edition 1" pattern.
Inside, you'll find the black leather with the aforementioned red stitching, which is enlivened by the black carbon fiber trimmings and several other sporty touches. As you'd expect, the Edition 1 logo is engraved into the center console, further setting this model apart from other S63s.
Getting back to the price, $250,000 is a lot of money, but then again, the S63 E Performance is a lot of car. Not only is it faster and more luxurious than its German rivals, but it's muscling up to the Rolls-Royce Ghost and Bentley Flying Spur, beating both when it comes to onboard technology. The Brits fight back with superior perceived quality and badge prestige, though.
Expect local S63 E Performance pricing to be lower in the USA when the car arrives later this year. We've seen this with the new C43 AMG, which is pricier in Europe than it is in America, where it starts from just under $60,000.
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