The scenery whizzes by, the Mercedes-AMG S 63 Coupe’s dampers work hard to iron out the bumpy road surface which varies from disturbingly bumpy to absolutely terrible and back in a matter of milliseconds. There is no way this sort of automobile was intended to cope with this sort of surface. Even so, the S 63 munches miles, paring through the ruckus, devouring the straights, and sweeping through the bends with ease. The AMG performance steering wheel, even with its variable ratio capabilities, feels firm and heavy-weighted. It can be blunt at times; palms holding the alcantara in a gentle grasp just enough to guide it. Even under braking, it doesn’t require a firm grab and the large rotors and fat calipers do a decent job of shedding speed. Carbon brakes are also available if you don’t want things getting too hot. That’s entirely possible with the speeds this thing is capable of. However, what it’s really about is putting the “grand” in “grand touring”.
The multi-way adjustable seats are wrapped in supple perforated leather and feature heating and cooling. The controls for the lumbar are integrated into the COMAND system and require navigating through the vehicle settings to the seat menu. The displays are twin large wide-screen units. There is a slew of other experiences on offer, from the ambient lighting, premium sound system, and massage seats to the soothing Energizing Comfort Control that harmonizes audio, fragrance, seat massage, and climate control to influence the mood. There is a lot going on under the bonnet and then some more in the transmission tunnel, but you’re above that — literally — and the excitement is kept in check.
In Comfort mode, the engine note is restricted to a minor thrum audible only if you listen for it. The turbo-whistle fits that description as well. It’s not about attacking corners because, even without the 4MATIC system, it weighs two tonnes. There is a lot of weight to be managed, but it’s quite low down and the deluge of torque, often barely contained, is more than what is physically needed to handle that weight. The V8 also features active cylinder deactivation. It can run on four cylinders to save fuel when foot leaves pedal. This is, again, extremely smooth and operation goes about undetected. The S 63 goes into “Gliding Mode” when speed and momentum are sufficient to coast. Overall, I saw about five kilometres to the litre in the city and as much as nine on the highway. Commendable when the peak output is what it is. For instance, coasting at 100 km/h requires 1,200 revs in ninth gear (a 0.60:1 ratio) and about 70 Nm — not even a tenth of the peak torque.
The Mercedes-AMG S 63 Coupe has got the lot on offer, though. At Rs 2.6 crore plus tax, don’t think otherwise. The three-stage ESP, the selection of Comfort, Individual, Sport, Sport+ and Race modes, a Race Start function, the AMG Track Pace app, and a lot more electronics allow the extraction of as much performance as one dares. At just over half of what it’s capable of, those 285-section rears will be screaming for mercy and they sure won’t last too long doing most of what the S 63 wants to. It’s thrilling, yes, but there’s more than a hint of overkill and, as such, my foot required a mental chastity belt. Voluntary excess? It is. Oh, it so is. Indulge at your whim and fancy.
Need to Know – Mercedes-AMG S 63 Coupe
Price: Rs 2.60 crore (ex-showroom)
Engine: 3,982-cc, V8, twin-turbo, petrol, direct injection
Max Power: 612 hp @ 5,500-6,000 rpm
Max Torque: 900 Nm @ 2,750-4,500 rpm
Transmission: Nine-speed, dual-clutch automatic, rear-wheel drive
Suspension: Multi-link front and rear, adaptive damping
Weight: 1,990 kg
Performance:
Power:Weight: 307.54 hp/tonne
Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 5.3 seconds
Top Speed: 250 km/h (limited)
Efficiency: 5.0 km/l city, 9.0 km/l highway; 6.0 km/l overall
