Mercedes-Benz S63 Coupe 2018 review: snapshot

The S63 isn't even the top of the S Class coupe range at $370,500 - that distinction lies with the V12-powered, Swarovski-crystal-encrusted S65.

Powered by Mercedes' 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, the S63 luxuriates in 450kW/900Nm, with a nine-speed transmission driving the rear wheels. The AMG performance brakes are what Mercedes calls "composite", which is actually a mix of metals, so don't add "carbon" before the composite. The body is kept in check by air suspension and it rolls on 20-inch forged alloys.

As you might expect at this level, it's bulging with gear. The interior is trimmed in high-quality leather, the seats heated, ventilated and every-which-way electrically adjustable, the stereo is a 13-speaker Burmester pumping out 590 watts and all of the cabin materials are beautiful.

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Explore the 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Range

Mercedes-Benz S560 Coupe 2018 review: snapshot Mercedes-Benz S63 Coupe 2018 review: snapshot

Mercedes' 'Comand' system is along for the ride and displayed on a huge 12.3-inch slab of glass next to the digital dashboard. Featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, it's got something for everyone as well as DAB digital radio and, of course, sat nav. It also controls various functions such as the interior mood lighting.

While the S Coupe doesn't have an ANCAP star rating, you're probably pretty safe with eight airbags, ABS, stability and traction controls, forward and reverse AEB with pedestrian detection, reversing camera, crosswind assist, traffic sign recognition and reverse cross traffic alert.