9 Things to Know About the 2018 Mercedes-AMG S 63 – THE SHORT LIST

The Mercedes-AMG S 63 is a roadgoing rocket that has left me utterly gobsmacked. Why? Well, there are many reasons.

For starters, this super-sedan offers supreme luxury, more technology than the Consumer Electronics Show and enough straight-line speed to make racing for pinks a profitable side gig. For a full review of this flagship four-door make sure to follow the link below.

SEE ALSO: 2018 Mercedes-AMG S 63 Review

But it’s not just the obvious things that make the S 63 so special. It’s loaded with outrageous features and technology, enough to warrant a standalone story in fact!

And we start with this car’s heart and soul, because it hand-built AMG 4.0-liter V8 cannot be ignored. Here it’s the most powerful iteration of this delightful engine offered to date. Curiously, this powerplant is under square, meaning its bore is less than the stroke, something that generally helps deliver more torque at lower engine speeds and improves thermal efficiency. Surprisingly, those relatively long crank throws don’t inhibit its ability to spin. Redline is a heady 7,000 RPM.

Point No. 8 is speed, which is closely related to the preceding one. Even though it clocks in at around 4,800 pounds (2,180 kg) the S 63 accelerates like a jet fighter on full afterburner. It can blast from zero to 60 in just 3.4 seconds, which makes it faster than the V12-powered Mercedes-AMG S 65 sedan, essentially the same car but one that’s about $82,000 more expensive. In either case, top speed is 186 miles an hour (300 km/h).

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Mercedes-AMG’s Race Start feature is now offered on the S 63, helping you easily AND repeatably get to 60 in less than four seconds. It’s also simpler to access. Just make sure the car is warmed up and in either Sport or Sport+ mode, then stand on the brake pedal, bury the accelerator and hold on tight. The engine spins to its optimal launch RPM, which can be tweaked for different traction conditions by clicking the paddle shifters up or down. Finally, just release your left foot and say goodbye.

On the subject of driving modes, this AMG offers four: Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual, the latter of which lets you adjust different vehicle parameters to your liking. But one feature of note, Comfort mode actually helps improve fuel economy.

It offers a sailing function that disconnects the engine and transmission when you lift off the accelerator pedal. At speeds between 37 and 99 miles an hour the car will glide along effortlessly with the engine dropping to idle, reducing consumption. When more giddy-up is needed, simply tip into the throttle again and it seamlessly reconnects the drivetrain so you can get on your way.

But what if you want the real McCoy instead of the stuff produced by LEDs? Well, that’s no problem because the S 63 is crowned by a MASSIVE sunroof that both tilts and slides to let the fresh air – and plenty of light – into this car’s large cabin.

For an additional $4,950 you can also get Magic Sky Control, a variable transparency glass panel that goes from dark to light at the push of a button. It’s unclear why you’d ever actually need this feature, especially since there’s also a power-retracting fabric shade, but it’s an incredibly cool parlor trick.

Point No. 2 is seat adjustability, which is absolutely BONKERS in this AMG-ified S-Class. As you’d expect in a Mercedes-Benz, basic changes like adjustments to the lower cushion or backrest are made up on the door panels, but there’s so much more to play with! You can choose from a range of massage functions; where and how intensely the seat heaters operate; the lumbar is adjustable in every conceivable way; the car’s bolsters will inflate while going around turns to help support your body; the door panels and center armrest are also heated.

There’s even something called Energizing Comfort, which ties the climate-control and sound systems in with the, massagers and ambient lighting. Basically, the car can run through a series of functions to support driver wellness, to perk you up if you’re feeling drowsy or even relax you on a long trip.

Before divulging what is arguably this car’s most amazing feature, there are a few other bells and whistles worthy of honorable mention.

And let’s start with the ambient-lighting system. It can shine in one of 64 different colors and offers three-zone adjustability: front, rear and the bits around the infotainment system, all for maximum customizability.

Next up, there’s a perfume-injection system that can periodically squirt a bit of eau de Benz into the air so your car always smells showroom fresh.

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All three of the power-operated rear sunshades can be controlled from the driver’s position. As chauffeur, you can also adjust the front passenger seat and lower the rear headrests for better rearward visibility.

Speaking of sightlines, the backup and surround-view cameras are super crisp, giving you a clear, mostly undistorted view of practically everything around the vehicle. Our test car was also equipped with night vision, a $2,260 option that seems pretty handy, particularly in poor visibility.

Wrapping things up, there’s also adjustable air suspension, a heated windshield, matte-finish paint job and a carbon-fiber spare-tire well that saves nine pounds. NEAT!

But what is the 2018 Mercedes-AMG S 63’s most unbelievable feature? Well, truth be told it’s not that amazing, but the refrigerator center console is A STEAL at just $1,100. After a long day of being chauffeured, it’s perfect for enjoying a nice chilly NON-ALCOHOLIC libation.

Beyond that, you can upfit the rear seats with much of the same out-of-this-world amenities as the fronts. The ones fitted in our test car tilted and reclined; offered heating, cooling and massage; and even had separate climate-control zones. If you’re uncomfortable in the S 63 it’s not Mercedes-Benz’s fault!