No AMG Sport Option on a S600 ???
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,240
Likes: 5
From: New Jersey
E550 4MATIC
Anyway it doesn't matter, both are excellent and expensive cars. At this point we're just arguing about which car is the flagship in our eyes--not something that is very important.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,436
Likes: 6
300ce
I don't agree. AMG cars are a speciality product of Mercedes-Benz, not the flagship cars. Depending on the model class they might be (C, E, CLK, CLS, ML) but not on the S, SL, and CL which have 600 cars. I would say 65 AMGs are the flagship of the AMG range, and the 600 is the flagship of the regular Mercedes lineup.
Anyway it doesn't matter, both are excellent and expensive cars. At this point we're just arguing about which car is the flagship in our eyes--not something that is very important.
Anyway it doesn't matter, both are excellent and expensive cars. At this point we're just arguing about which car is the flagship in our eyes--not something that is very important.
Ted
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,240
Likes: 5
From: New Jersey
E550 4MATIC
...........I forgot. I thought Mercedes and AMG are one company. SRT8 and Dodge/Chrysler, M and BMW, etc. The Grand Cherokee STR8 is not the flagship in the Cherokke line up. Yep, I forgot. But you are right this is not really important. The main point is that apparently the S600 no longer can come with an AMG kit like ut used to. I think it is because Mercedes wants to mentain sales of the otherwise S63. What do you think is the reason?
Ted
Ted
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 4,278
Likes: 377
From: San Jose area
'19 E63S sedan
Mark Ramsey, the new MBUSA AMG product manager (replacing Rob Allan), responded as follows to the question, posed last night in the AMG Private Lounge:
The S600 was developed and equipped with a target towards comfort, luxury and performance. The V12 is a fully equipped with no options available.
We had overlooked the marketing gimmick of "fully equipped with no options," which MBUSA would have to abandon to add a Sport kit to the configuration. Of course, you can upgrade the wheels so this anwer isn't completely satisfying.
The S600 was developed and equipped with a target towards comfort, luxury and performance. The V12 is a fully equipped with no options available.
We had overlooked the marketing gimmick of "fully equipped with no options," which MBUSA would have to abandon to add a Sport kit to the configuration. Of course, you can upgrade the wheels so this anwer isn't completely satisfying.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,846
Likes: 291
From: Dallas TX
2013 650i Coupe, 2010 IS250 AWD, 1999 S500
Yes we all have forgotten about the no-option status of the S600, a whole new marketing twist for Mercedes. What I don't get though is why the much more expensive S65 AMG still has options.
M
M
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 4,278
Likes: 377
From: San Jose area
'19 E63S sedan
.Seriously, it's probably because the SLR and Maybach experiences taught them that price is a factor, even for these cars. Add all the options (except 4-place seating, which you can argue makes as much sense in an S600, but is really a special case) and the S65 is over $192K. That's quite a hike from the W220 S65 and I think they feared the market not supporting it. Making some rear-seat goodies (I'm sure some S600s are chauffeured, but a chauffered S65 is a crime against nature) and Distronic (not high on the list for a lot of aggressive drivers) optional is as good a way to keep the MSRP down as any.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 972
Likes: 28
From: DFW
BMW M850i Gran Coupe
"63" On Order
Who the hell cares about a 1/4 mile time in a luxury car!
If you think a 1/4 mile time is going to decide who buys what in this class then you're the one that hasn't a clue as to what you're talking about. The S63 is a different driving experience, both in power delivery and sound compared the nearly silent S600. I don't see what is so hard to understand about that. You're talking about a 1/2 second to a full second difference in the quarter mile on full size luxury cars and you think that is going to make a difference to buyers in this class? Come on now, that is plum ridiculous. Buyers in this class don't drag race. Sure some might track their cars to see what they'll do, but that isn't the focus of a car of this size and cost. Putting a body kit on the S600 isn't going to make the S63 a flop, Mercedes S-Class buyers aren't the simple as to now know the differences between the two cars beyond how they look.
Like I said before you're splitting hairs about a 1/2 to 1 second difference in the 1/4 mile times for a 2 ton luxury cars, ridiculous. A S600 isn't going to handle or drive the same way as a S63 and vice versa so again putting a similar AMG kit on the S600 isn't going to kill the S63.
M
If you think a 1/4 mile time is going to decide who buys what in this class then you're the one that hasn't a clue as to what you're talking about. The S63 is a different driving experience, both in power delivery and sound compared the nearly silent S600. I don't see what is so hard to understand about that. You're talking about a 1/2 second to a full second difference in the quarter mile on full size luxury cars and you think that is going to make a difference to buyers in this class? Come on now, that is plum ridiculous. Buyers in this class don't drag race. Sure some might track their cars to see what they'll do, but that isn't the focus of a car of this size and cost. Putting a body kit on the S600 isn't going to make the S63 a flop, Mercedes S-Class buyers aren't the simple as to now know the differences between the two cars beyond how they look.
Like I said before you're splitting hairs about a 1/2 to 1 second difference in the 1/4 mile times for a 2 ton luxury cars, ridiculous. A S600 isn't going to handle or drive the same way as a S63 and vice versa so again putting a similar AMG kit on the S600 isn't going to kill the S63.
M
Let me however explain, why I have ordered a CL63, rather than the CL550 or the Cl600:
I wanted the "sport package", unavailable on the CL600, optional for $5600 on the CL550 or included on the CL63.
I wanted the Exclusive leather with Alcantara trim, standard on the CL600, unavailable on the CL550, but standard on the CL63.
I heard the "63" engine a few months ago, and it reminded me of my 66 Pontiac GTO. The "600" is certainly quicker, torqier, but quieter. I thought it might be fun to have a little exhaust burble coming out of those 4 exhaust tips. Plus, I liked the look of those paddle shifters, especially since the console gear selector is now gone.
My other reasons for ordering the CL63 vs. the S63 are less important in this thread, but I thought I would share the fact that there are indeed "63" buyers out there, waiting for delivery.
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 516
Likes: 0
From: Oakville, ON
'12 ML350
I heard the "63" engine a few months ago, and it reminded me of my 66 Pontiac GTO. The "600" is certainly quicker, torqier, but quieter. I thought it might be fun to have a little exhaust burble coming out of those 4 exhaust tips. Plus, I liked the look of those paddle shifters, especially since the console gear selector is now gone.
My other reasons for ordering the CL63 vs. the S63 are less important in this thread, but I thought I would share the fact that there are indeed "63" buyers out there, waiting for delivery.
My other reasons for ordering the CL63 vs. the S63 are less important in this thread, but I thought I would share the fact that there are indeed "63" buyers out there, waiting for delivery.
I was deciding between the E63 AMG and the S550 and ultimately chose the S550 for the room and practicality it offered for me and my family. But that engine under the bonnet in the E63 was something else and I really enjoyed the test drives and using the paddles running up and down through the ratios (but that gearbox is very ill suited for the paddles with response like molasses, my brother's brand new Audi S6 has the paddles and the gear changes are near instantaneous with throttle blips, hopefully the S63 will have a better suited box for the paddles)...and I would've chosen the S63 for the best of both worlds if it were available. I'm still a big fan of normally aspirated motors and the old adage rings true for me: there is no replacement for displacement.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,846
Likes: 291
From: Dallas TX
2013 650i Coupe, 2010 IS250 AWD, 1999 S500
As an S-Class buyer for many years I have to agree with you. I enjoy the power as much as the next guy, but whether the car is an 11 or 12 second vehicle really isn't going to matter much, except for seldom used bragging rights. My "racing" these days is limited to long entrance ramps so anything S550ish and over is plenty fast for this 50 year old.
Let me however explain, why I have ordered a CL63, rather than the CL550 or the Cl600:
I wanted the "sport package", unavailable on the CL600, optional for $5600 on the CL550 or included on the CL63.
I wanted the Exclusive leather with Alcantara trim, standard on the CL600, unavailable on the CL550, but standard on the CL63.
I heard the "63" engine a few months ago, and it reminded me of my 66 Pontiac GTO. The "600" is certainly quicker, torqier, but quieter. I thought it might be fun to have a little exhaust burble coming out of those 4 exhaust tips. Plus, I liked the look of those paddle shifters, especially since the console gear selector is now gone.
My other reasons for ordering the CL63 vs. the S63 are less important in this thread, but I thought I would share the fact that there are indeed "63" buyers out there, waiting for delivery.
Let me however explain, why I have ordered a CL63, rather than the CL550 or the Cl600:
I wanted the "sport package", unavailable on the CL600, optional for $5600 on the CL550 or included on the CL63.
I wanted the Exclusive leather with Alcantara trim, standard on the CL600, unavailable on the CL550, but standard on the CL63.
I heard the "63" engine a few months ago, and it reminded me of my 66 Pontiac GTO. The "600" is certainly quicker, torqier, but quieter. I thought it might be fun to have a little exhaust burble coming out of those 4 exhaust tips. Plus, I liked the look of those paddle shifters, especially since the console gear selector is now gone.
My other reasons for ordering the CL63 vs. the S63 are less important in this thread, but I thought I would share the fact that there are indeed "63" buyers out there, waiting for delivery.
M
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,846
Likes: 291
From: Dallas TX
2013 650i Coupe, 2010 IS250 AWD, 1999 S500
I gotta agree with you on the 6.3 litre motor, what a monster...
I was deciding between the E63 AMG and the S550 and ultimately chose the S550 for the room and practicality it offered for me and my family. But that engine under the bonnet in the E63 was something else and I really enjoyed the test drives and using the paddles running up and down through the ratios (but that gearbox is very ill suited for the paddles with response like molasses, my brother's brand new Audi S6 has the paddles and the gear changes are near instantaneous with throttle blips, hopefully the S63 will have a better suited box for the paddles)...and I would've chosen the S63 for the best of both worlds if it were available. I'm still a big fan of normally aspirated motors and the old adage rings true for me: there is no replacement for displacement.
I was deciding between the E63 AMG and the S550 and ultimately chose the S550 for the room and practicality it offered for me and my family. But that engine under the bonnet in the E63 was something else and I really enjoyed the test drives and using the paddles running up and down through the ratios (but that gearbox is very ill suited for the paddles with response like molasses, my brother's brand new Audi S6 has the paddles and the gear changes are near instantaneous with throttle blips, hopefully the S63 will have a better suited box for the paddles)...and I would've chosen the S63 for the best of both worlds if it were available. I'm still a big fan of normally aspirated motors and the old adage rings true for me: there is no replacement for displacement.
M
Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 202
Likes: 1
2007 S600. 2005 Carrera GT. 2007 Range Rover SC. 2008 BMW X5. 1967 SS Chevelle.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,266
Likes: 3
From: Texas
2005 E55
Let me throw in this possibility - maybe MB will add the sport option in a year or so. Some manufacturers phase in options over a period of time. It looks like to me that they do it to get repeat sales from the ones who wished they had the options, but they weren't available when they bought the vehicle in the first place. Just an idea, but think it is possible?
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 277
Likes: 0
From: SE FL
2007 S600
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,240
Likes: 5
From: New Jersey
E550 4MATIC
Let me throw in this possibility - maybe MB will add the sport option in a year or so. Some manufacturers phase in options over a period of time. It looks like to me that they do it to get repeat sales from the ones who wished they had the options, but they weren't available when they bought the vehicle in the first place. Just an idea, but think it is possible?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,436
Likes: 6
300ce
As an S-Class buyer for many years I have to agree with you. I enjoy the power as much as the next guy, but whether the car is an 11 or 12 second vehicle really isn't going to matter much, except for seldom used bragging rights. My "racing" these days is limited to long entrance ramps so anything S550ish and over is plenty fast for this 50 year old.
Let me however explain, why I have ordered a CL63, rather than the CL550 or the Cl600:
I wanted the "sport package", unavailable on the CL600, optional for $5600 on the CL550 or included on the CL63.
I wanted the Exclusive leather with Alcantara trim, standard on the CL600, unavailable on the CL550, but standard on the CL63.
I heard the "63" engine a few months ago, and it reminded me of my 66 Pontiac GTO. The "600" is certainly quicker, torqier, but quieter. I thought it might be fun to have a little exhaust burble coming out of those 4 exhaust tips. Plus, I liked the look of those paddle shifters, especially since the console gear selector is now gone.
My other reasons for ordering the CL63 vs. the S63 are less important in this thread, but I thought I would share the fact that there are indeed "63" buyers out there, waiting for delivery.
Let me however explain, why I have ordered a CL63, rather than the CL550 or the Cl600:
I wanted the "sport package", unavailable on the CL600, optional for $5600 on the CL550 or included on the CL63.
I wanted the Exclusive leather with Alcantara trim, standard on the CL600, unavailable on the CL550, but standard on the CL63.
I heard the "63" engine a few months ago, and it reminded me of my 66 Pontiac GTO. The "600" is certainly quicker, torqier, but quieter. I thought it might be fun to have a little exhaust burble coming out of those 4 exhaust tips. Plus, I liked the look of those paddle shifters, especially since the console gear selector is now gone.
My other reasons for ordering the CL63 vs. the S63 are less important in this thread, but I thought I would share the fact that there are indeed "63" buyers out there, waiting for delivery.
..........Looks like Mercedes was dead on in deciding not to offer the AMG sport package for the S and CL600 but to offer it for the S and CL63. This buyer would have bought a CL600 but bought a CL63 instead. Everything about a CL63 purchase is visual and auditory. MB knows it and has chosen to keep the Cl and s600 from looking and sounding like the 63. Germancar1, you may wish to chime in.
Ted
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 4,278
Likes: 377
From: San Jose area
'19 E63S sedan
Is this correct? The Exclusive leather/alcantara interior was limited to the V12s in the past. It wasn't available on S55 or CL55 models. Has this changed? I know that the interior of my (W220) S65 is quite an upgrade from my previous S55.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,846
Likes: 291
From: Dallas TX
2013 650i Coupe, 2010 IS250 AWD, 1999 S500
..........Looks like Mercedes was dead on in deciding not to offer the AMG sport package for the S and CL600 but to offer it for the S and CL63. This buyer would have bought a CL600 but bought a CL63 instead. Everything about a CL63 purchase is visual and auditory. MB knows it and has chosen to keep the Cl and s600 from looking and sounding like the 63. Germancar1, you may wish to chime in.
Ted
Ted
M
