Anything with an Mercedes-Benz S-Class badge will be expensive; combine it with an AMG designation and you’re looking at a big-ticket item. As such, the S 63 tested here cost £149,165 after options.
That prices it similarly to the Aston DB9 and Bentley Continental GT V8 S and makes it substantially cheaper than a Ferrari FF. Only the latter could compete with the S 63’s usability – but that doesn’t take running costs into account.
Even with its new V8, the Bentley is slightly slower, thirstier and less efficient than the S 63, although it does have four-wheel drive and a better soundtrack.
However, the S 63’s biggest rivals will most likely be from within its own stable. For £30k less, the S500 offers a subtler alternative, or, if money is no object, the S 65, with its 621bhp V12, should prove to be even more exclusive. In any instance, be wary of ticking the options boxes.
