AMG S-Classes: Barge Watch

Lots of cylinders, lots of power, not so much money; with a new AMG S here we look at some older ones

By Matt Bird / Thursday, 18 July 2013 / Loading comments

Heavy and fast luxury saloons suffer heavy and fast depreciation. Very few multi-cylindered petrol four-doors escape their pre-determined fate, much to the horror of their first owners and the glee of subsequent ones. Because who wouldn't want a car that's effectively brand new for much less than list price?

Twin-turbo V12 available as an AMG...

AMG's super-saloons rule the roost as far as crippling residual values are concerned; stay away from the Black Series models and the depreciation curve nearly always resembles the proverbial cliff face. Yes, the running costs may offset some (or a lot) of the saving, but the temptation remains. Ergo, with the

new S63 AMG

freshly unveiled, we thought some perusal of the classifieds was in order for some silly S-Classes.

The only AMG W220 S-Class we could find was this stunning S65L (and so technically a V220) from 2004. Its 612hp and a stupendous 738lb ft should be adequate enough, and two new tyres is certainly a useful bill to have escaped. This S65 is available in all its Green Black Metalic [sic] majesty for £24,999.

... Or as a more subtle S600

The W221 S63 AMG was launched in 2006 and powered by Mercedes' naturally aspirated 6.2-litre V8 with 525hp and 466lb ft. If your chauffeur doesn't mind sitting on the left of the car, he could be driving a

07-plate S63

for just £29,990.

But with this RHD, 2008 Flint Grey car available for £38,950, why compromise? Driver gets 525hp, passenger gets digital TV, automatic curtains and ventilated massage seats. However, having said all that, why even settle for a poxy V8?

The S65 AMG soon reappeared at the top of the S-Class range with the same engine spec as previously. But it's proved an ever rarer sight than the V8 models and had even further to fall in terms of value. This 98,000-mile 2007 Iridium Silver S65 is stuffed with toys and £120,000 less than its original list price.

V8 turbo lunacy also available

For the ultimate in subtle speed though, how about a non-AMG

S600L

? There's still a biturbo V12, here with 517hp and 612lb ft. Given it's seven years old, the 25,000 recorded miles represents minimal usage. It looks a conspicuous bargain at £27K.

In 2010, Mercedes substituted the atmospheric V8 in the S63 for a 5.5-litre V8. However, this was downsizing in the AMG fashion, so a pair of turbos upped power to 544hp and torque to 590lb ft.

The cheapest we could find was this 2012 model by virtue of its astonishing 46,000 miles. At the other end of the spectrum, this 61-plate S63 has barely been driven at 5,000 miles but is massively under its list price at £79,990.