Driven: Mercedes-Benz lobs fresh two-door S-Class
BY JUSTIN HILLIARD | 3rd Aug 2018
MERCEDES-BENZ Australia/Pacific has this week ushered in its facelifted S-Class Coupe and Cabriolet ranges, with most of the luxury two-doors receiving dramatic five-figure price cuts.
Replacing the S500, the S560 starts from $314,900 before on-road costs in Coupe form, down $12,026, or $336,900 in Cabriolet guise, down $20,026.
However, it is the S63 Coupe and Cabriolet that have copped the largest price drop, now kicking off at $370,500 (-$43,926) and $399,900 (-$44,526) respectively.
The S65 is $7474 dearer in Coupe form ($508,900), although in Cabriolet guise it is $926 cheaper ($520,500).
Speaking to journalists at the S-Class Coupe and Cabriolet national media launch in Victoria, Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific public relations and product communications manager Jerry Stamoulis confirmed that there are no stock shortages for the fresh line-ups.
“There are orders, but there’s no waiting list,” he said. “Traditionally with S-Class Coupe … a lot of the customers do like to order certain colours for exteriors, interiors, rather than taking something that’s already pre-ordered.”
The S63 has adopted Mercedes-AMG’s 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine, punching out 450kW of power and 900Nm of torque – 20kW more than the outgoing 5.5-litre unit could muster.
As a result, the S63 Coupe can sprint from standstill to 100km/h in 4.2 seconds, while its claimed fuel consumption on the combined cycle test is 9.0 litres per 100 kilometres.
Australian-market S63s continue to be rear-wheel drive, as versions sold overseas with Mercedes-Benz’s 4Matic all-wheel-drive system are still not produced in right-hand drive.
The S560 runs a less potent tune of the bent eight, producing 345kW and 700Nm – up 10kW on its 4.7-litre predecessor – which enables a 4.6s triple-figure sprint time for the Coupe version while it drinks 8.5L/100km.
The S63 continues to use a 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine that pumps out 463kW from 4800 to 5400rpm and 1000Nm from 2300 to 4300rpm. In Coupe form, it hits 100km/h in 4.1s, tops out at 300km/h and sips 12.0L/100km.
While the S560 and S63 are now matched to a nine-speed torque-convertor automatic transmission, the S65 continues to use a seven-speed unit.
When questioned why Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific opted against offering the global-market, V6-powered S450 and S500 variants locally, Mr Stamoulis explained that sales volume came into play.
“The V8s have been the biggest sellers over the past model,” he said. “With the new V8s and the way that we’ve specified the vehicles, we’re confident the V8 is the right option for that model.”
The S-Class’ suite of advanced driver-assist systems has been expanded with the addition of traffic sign recognition and route-based speed adaptation, which uses satellite navigation data to autonomously slow the vehicle down before it goes around bends, junctions or roundabouts.
All variants add OLED tail-lights, Pre-Safe Sound audible collision warning, upgraded interior ambient lighting, Energising Comfort Control mood settings, dual 12.3-inch displays, a Comand 5.5 infotainment system and wireless smartphone charging. Cabriolet versions feature a Warmth Package (heated centre armrest, doors and steering wheel) for the first time.
The S560 also picks up an Active Curve driving mode, active multi-contour front seats, an AMG Line exterior package and 20-inch AMG alloy wheels as standard equipment.
Meanwhile, the S63 adds Mercedes-AMG’s now-signature Panamericana front grille, an AMG Performance steering wheel, the AMG Driver’s Package and an AMG Sports suspension.
The S65 now features adaptive LED headlights with Swarovski crystals and Night View Assist Plus infrared imaging.
Exclusive designo Nappa leather upholstery has been included on both the S560 and S63, while their Coupe versions pick up a fixed panoramic sunroof. The former also adds Magic Body Control active suspension alongside the S65.
Sales of the S-Class Coupe and Cabriolet have taken a significant hit this year, with 41 examples sold to the end of June this year – a 30.5 per cent decrease over the 59 deliveries made during the same period in 2017.
2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class pricing*
| S560 Coupe (a) | $314,900 |
| S560 Cabriolet (a) | $336,900 |
| S63 Coupe (a) | $370,500 |
| S63 Cabriolet (a) | $399,900 |
| S65 Coupe (a) | $508,900 |
| S65 Cabriolet (a) | $520,500 |
*Excludes on-road costs