In the long run, of course, AMG versions of the new Mercedes-Benz S-class will come and the ‘basic version’ has now been spotted on public roads. Although eight cylinders are again going to work in the nose, there is a lot of innovation in the air in terms of drive.
Although the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class is no longer a secret of course, the test car in these photos is still completely wrapped up. That should not so much hide things at the top of the car, because the biggest news is lower. At the bottom of the nose it is clearly visible that there is a thicker front bumper on this copy and at the rear four large exhaust tips further betray that this is an extra sporty S-class. If that is not enough, then the thick brake discs tell you that Mercedes-AMG is responsible for this car.
The new AMG-derived S-Class comes in two flavors; the S63 and the ‘S73’. In this case, we suspect it is the first. After all, this test vehicle lacks a tailgate. Although electric power will be available in both AMG versions, in the case of the S63, no plug will be required to power the drive. It draws its power from the well-known 4.0-liter biturbo V8 and can probably receive electrical support through a 48V mild hybrid system and EQ-Boost starter generator. For example, Mercedes-AMG already applies that in the GLS 63. If we can count on comparable performance as in that GLS, the S63 can address up to 640 hp in power. Yet again considerably more than the 612 hp of the outgoing S63.
Mercedes-AMG GT Concept (2017)
As said, as far as is known, there is also an ‘S73’ in the barrel. It goes a step further in terms of electric drive and will probably be a real plug-in hybrid. At the end of last year, Mercedes-AMG announced that the GT 4-Door will get such a powertrain and the S-class can of course not be left behind. With the AMG GT Concept from 2017, Mercedes anticipated such a supreme plug-in. It had a combination of the 4.0 V8 and an electric motor connected to the rear wheels. Together good for a system power of 800 hp. Yes, 800 hp ex-factory in an S-class. Sometimes innovation is not so bad.