Pay attention, plutocrats of PH; Mercedes-Benz has announced prices for the latest
S63 AMG
. Arriving in the UK in November, it will cost £119,565. Yes, nearly £30K more than the
Jaguar XJR
reviewed here on PH today.
Is badge delete on the options list too?
And that's the starting price, before plundering the options list. A Drivers Package raises the top speed from 155mph to 186mph and also includes a place on an AMG 'Power and Passion' track event to teach drivers how to handle their 585hp, two-tonne limo. That's £2,760.
And with the additional speed that comes with the Drivers Package, the carbon-ceramic brakes are surely a must-have. The upgrade includes 420mm front discs and also adds £7,090 to the price. The AMG Carbon Exterior Package is a mere £5,000. We've not received any information on interior options yet...
However, Mercedes is keen to stress the additional standard equipment of this S63 over the previous car. There is reputedly £8,400 of 'added value for the customer' including a Driving Assistance Package, a 'Front Seat Comfort Package', panoramic sunroof and a Burmester stereo.
Even the wheel is smiling about 585hp...
The S63 will be available in long-wheelbase and 4WD variants also, but no prices are available for those as yet.
So what competition, other than the Jag, does the S63 AMG face? Though down on power with 520hp, the Audi S8 massively undercuts the Merc at £77,900. The Aston Rapide S boasts 565hp but is also £165,079. Don't forget the latest Maserati Quattroporte as well, now with turbocharged V8 power like the S63; it starts at £108,160. With the V8 not yet available, the nearest comparable Bentley Flying Spur to the AMG is the £133,200 W12. Plenty of rivals then, but the qaulity of AMG's recent cars would suggest its new flagship should be very special indeed.