Hi, I am considering a 2024 S63 and had some questions I'd love to get everyone's thoughts on

1. Potentially a stupid q but i need some thoughts here - How different would a S63 be to drive from a G63? I know they are different cars but debating between S63 or a Maybach. I don't want it to feel like a G63 and if it does I'd rather get a Maybach

2. Went to a local dealer and they were asking $15k over market. Are folks seeing these being sold at or below MSRP? Is that realistic to think that they can be sold at MSRP or lower?

3. Does anyone know if the S63 being a plug in be eligible for carpool stickers in california? I don't see it on the CA eligible list yet but curious to know if someone has insights here

 

S63 vs G63...could not possibly be more different lol

 

They are totally 2 different cars and comparison may not be " apples to apples". If we were to compare, a S63 is so much more fun to drive than G63. It's more refined, the exhaust note is better, and is more agile. Both vehicles that are superb in their own right.

 

My opinion is that G Wagens are uncomfortable and ride like the TRUCKS they are. They make almost zero sense anywhere other than off road, which is where 99% of the buyers will never take them. Where I live, G63’s are literally everywhere. They have become fashion accessories for wealthy soccer moms.

 

I think the OP is trying to compare S63 to Maybach (still two very different vehicles IMHO). OP is using G63 as a relative point that he seems to be familiar with, trying to figure out whether the S63 is closer to G63 or Maybach (I think). Otherwise, a luxury sports sedan to a luxury truck comparison, I too would agree, would not make much sense.

Having said that, I too would like to hear the response to this question from the experienced folks as some other guy who is potentially between the two (although leaning S63). Especially on ride quality differences (suspension etc.).

 

Yes this is right. I am trying to debate between a maybach or a S63. I really like the quietness of the maybach but the S63 is much better to look at and comes in with a plug in hybrid system. The maybach has also announced a plug in but no news if it is going to launch in the US.

Also, any idea on the price here? Dealer in bay area was asking $15k above msrp but seeing there are so many available curious to know what others think

 

You are a bit off-track comparing an S63 to a Maybach. The S63 is an AMG and as such the focus is on performance, not comfort or luxury. Even the hybrid aspect is all about performance. From the suspension to the engine, it's about performance. While still technically an S Class, where it relates to the G63 is that an AMG has inherently increased NVH. The suspension is firmer, noise is higher, road feel etc. everything is higher. There's intentionally less isolation from the outside world. The transmission in the S63 for example is very different from even the G63. The MCT transmission in the S63 doesn't use a torque converter. It uses a wet clutch instead. Similar to a double-clutch transmission. This makes slow speed driving rougher than with a torque converter, but more responsive and provides a feel and feedback more similar to a manual transmission. Again, it's about increased performance and making it more of a driver's car, not comfort. The computer controlled clutch can be jerky at times if you are not on top of your throttle inputs, especially in stop&go traffic and slow speed driving. This transmission is actually better if driven in manual mode most of the time. I drive my AMG in manual mode 90+% of the time. In the W223 S63 things are now assisted by the hybrid system, which itself has a two-speed transmission, which you will feel when it shifts and again it's not about efficiency or electric driving. It's all about performance. There will just be a lot more feedback from the machine under your butt in an AMG. A Maybach is the complete opposite. Its intention is to isolate you even more than the regular S Class.

 

I own both & they are quite different.The G63 is quite luxurious but it drives like a luxury truck, it’s a statement vehicle & it’s wonderful to own. Do not listen to . It’s a bit nosier on the inside but had the best driving position of any vehicle I’ve ever owned. The S63 is ultimate luxury with performance attached. The G63 has a ton of room in the trunk & the seats fold down. The S63 barely holds two golf bags & you have to use the pass thought for the long woods. They are different experiences but are phenomenal vehicles. Don’t listen to anyone that hasn’t actually owned one. The G63 is misunderstood.

 

I concur with the above (currently have both the S580 and G63). The G63 is a beast and is not comfortable for long daily commutes or if stuck in traffic etc routinely. It is however a car that makes you feel you can go anywhere. Build quality is fantastic. The insulation etc for noise is excellent but you will still hear harsh wind on the highway and of course the cool exhaust. The trunk is bigger but it’s small in the cabin and kind of tight. The stereo system is ok. But I’m nit-picking here for you, it’s a very fun car and in my opinion the epitome of an SUV. I don’t care for any other SUV unless it’s a G. It will hold value very well. Permanently spoiled.

Now the S is quite the opposite. It is as if you have a spa on wheels. Quiet, refined, dynamic, flies more under the radar. Depreciates like a rock, but then again it is effortless in everything it does. The only place it cannot go is off-road. The 4D stereo is fantastic when you are stuck in bad traffic. The car has adaptive AI which if you learn to use correctly makes your driving experience super smooth. When I shut the door to that car, I exclude the rest of the world. Some of the material choices inside are a little suspect unless you get a high level trim. The s63 makes the drive slightly firmer, the handling goes up several notches and power is up of course. The Maybach goes the other way in the S lineup. Still powerful, handles a little worse but that’s not why you get a Maybach.

If it’s just you driving, get a S class and load it up all the way (except be careful with low profile wheels, avoid, just get higher version 20’s). If you don’t own a sports car and want the perfect sedan, get the S63. If you haul people around and you want them to fall asleep in the back and don’t care about a parking space big enough, get the Maybach. The trunks for all these cars are small. If you are an I don’t give an crap type of guy and want to be unstoppable at the expense of comfort, get the G63.