Joining the ‘standard’ 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe and Cabriolet models at Frankfurt will be the refreshed AMG S63 Coupe and Cabriolet and AMG S65 Coupe and Cabriolet.
Most importantly, the facelifted S63 models ditch Mercedes-AMG’s twin-turbo 5.5-liter in favor of the latest 4.0-liter biturbo V8 with 603 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque. This new engine is mated to the AMG Speedshift MCT 9G transmission and a variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ transmission, allowing the new S63 Coupe and Cabriolet to reach 60 mph (96 km/h) in a blistering 3.4 seconds. Top speed of both models sits at a limited 186 mph (300 km/h).
The S63 Coupe also incorporates the AMG Cylinder Management cylinder deactivation system which deactivates cylinders two, three, five and eight when they’re not needed.
As for the refreshed S65 Coupe and Cabriolet, they continue to be powered by the firm’s handcrafted twin-turbo 6.0-liter V12 delivering the same 621 hp and 738 lb-ft as the current car. Rear-wheel drive is standard alongside a seven-speed transmission. Naught to 60 mph is dealt with in 4 seconds flat.
The most striking visual difference between the new models and the old ones is the adoption of the brand’s Panamericana grille, first used on the AMG GT R. Like the non-AMG models, OLED taillights are standard for both the S63 and S65 and new wheels are also on offer. The 16-spoke, 20-inch wheels of the S65 Coupe and Cabriolet are of particular interest and feature spokes that appear to twist to the center of the wheel hub which AMG says creates the illusion of them being bigger than they actually are.
None of the facelifted S63 or S65 models are light so good braking systems are obligatory. The entire range therefore include composite brake discs measuring 15.4-inch at the front with 6-piston aluminium calipers and 14.2-inch at the rear with single-piston calipers.
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