Lifestyle: Motoring – Mercedes Benz unveils S 63

MERCEDES Benz has unveiled details of its latest high performance AMG, the S 63 coupé.

The stunning looking two-door promises to be as exciting to drive as it to look at – and while no prices have yet been announced, there’s sure to be a waiting list once the model is launched in the UK at the end of this year.

The coupé will receive its world premiere at the New York International Auto Show next month – and it is already set to be one of the stars of the show.

Mercedes says, in the typically bombastic language used by car marketers these days, that the “dominance and sensual purity combine to lend the vehicle irresistible presence and effortlessly superior sportiness”. For once, this may not be overstating things.

The manufacturer says that equally impressive is the combination of high driving dynamics, ambitious lightweight construction and groundbreaking efficiency.

The car’s heart will be the most powerful member of the BlueDIRECT engine family, the AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine, which boasts an output of 585 hp and 900 Nm of torque. Despite this performance, Mercedes claims the car will have a remarkably low fuel consumption.

It will also feature a world-first in the shape of the curve tilting function, part of the MAGIC BODY CONTROL suspension system, which Mercedes says is designed to further enhance both driving pleasure and comfort.

Tobias Moers, Mercedes-AMG chairman, said: “The new S 63 AMG coupé is another exciting AMG dream car in the luxury segment. Mercedes-AMG is putting the pedal to the metal again in the new year. Our model initiative is set to continue at blistering pace in 2014.”

The car will be 65kg lighter than the model it replaces, due largely to the lightweight construction techniques being utilised. This is despite the uprated output and higher specification standard equipment.

Weight saving features include a lightweight lithium-ion battery, AMG forged light-alloy wheels and a weight-optimised AMG high-performance composite braking system.

Furthermore, the entire outer skin and the front end of the body are made of aluminium. The reduced weight improves driving dynamics and cuts fuel consumption, while the low power-to-weight ratio of 3.41 kg/hp will help the car achieve 0 to 62 mph in 3.9 to 4.3 seconds, depending on model variant. It will have an electronically limited top speed on 155mph.

BMW crowned king of the company car pool

THE power-mongers of the company car pool, fleet managers have voted the BMW 5 Series New Company Car of the Year.

In a double coup for the German manufacturer, BMW has also been named Fleet Manufacturer of the Year in the Fleet News Awards.

Most of the awards are voted for by panels of experts, whose discussions are audited by Deloitte to ensure the judging process has been fair and unbiased.

Of the two headline award wins, Fleet News editor-in-chief Stephen Briers said: “The BMW 5 Series has been freshened with a broader range of diesel versions which reduce running costs, but one thing that hasn’t changed is its peerless driver appeal. The 5 Series remains the benchmark in the sector.”

The BMW 5 Series, revised in summer 2013, also won Best Executive Car, while the manufacturer’s i3 – recently roadtested by TheBusinessDesk.com – took the Best Ultra-low Carbon Car Award.

BMW was also chosen as the Green Fleet Manufacturer of the Year.
Skoda picked up two awards; one for the Octavia estate as Best Estate Car and the other for the Yeti as Best Crossover.

Volvo’s latest Drive-E engine allowed the S60 and V60 to wrestle away the Best Premium Car trophy from the BMW 3 Series, while the Seat Leon beat the Volkswagen Golf into second place for the Best Lower-medium Car.

The Vauxhall Insignia was judged Best Upper-medium Car, with the Peugeot 208 taking the Best Small Car title.

Citroën’s Grand C4 Picasso was awarded Best Seven-seat People Carrier, while the Land Rover Discovery won Best All-round 4×4.

Mercedes-Benz picked up two awards; the S-Class took the Best Chauffeur Car award, while the company was also judged to be the Most Improved Fleet Manufacturer.

Drive safe.