Mercedes S63 AMG CAR review

Hang on a tick – didn’t you drive this last week?

No, that was the CL63, the coupe version of the S-class driven here. But I can understand your confusion. Mercedes has just taken the wraps off two of its mighty AMG cars in quick succession. Both big, bold, brisk and terrifically composed. The S63, which arrives here next March with a price tag around the £103,000 mark, is powered by AMG's hand-assembled but now almost ubiquitous 6208cc V8. Which means 525bhp at 6800rpm, 465lb ft at 5200rpm, a 911-beating 0-62mph time of 4.6 seconds and 155mph limited top speed. All wrapped up with some pretty serious AMG hardware.

It looks the business…

Yes, good point. With its lowered suspension, huge 19-inch alloys, vast dustbin-lid brake discs and beefy body kit, there’s a distinct air of body builder about the S63. And this is where the S63 hits its first – although arguably only – real problem. It’s no looker. Yes, yes, it’s mean and muscular and will turn heads. But of grace, proportion and resolution there is little to be seen. Those flared wheelarches and blunt nose may be loved by the Americans and Chinese, but I can’t help feeling that this generation S-class will age ever so quickly compared to its beautifully proportioned predecessor.