I'm struggling a little in the choice of what to replace my 2015 S63 with... a 2020 S63 Coupe or GT63S 4-dr. As I would spec them the prices are quite similar, both just under $200k with CCBs. Figured I'd share some of my thoughts and questions in case any others debating these two cars..

As I already have a two seat supercar, I want available rear seats for my daily for flexibility (hence why I excluded the GT C Coupe, which is also missing the HUD I like), but don't require four doors as rear seats will see rare use. The executive rear seat package of the GT63S is really nice, though. Both are large, heavy, and great looking cars with the S63 Coupe more elegant and the GT63S more aggressive. The small fake front fender vent on the GT63S is an embarrassing design element from AMG, they need to get rid of it or make it larger but functional. It seriously is my biggest gripe with the car, which is sad being a minor cosmetic thing.

Seems the 2018+ S63 has the exact same 4MATIC+ hardware, 9sp MCT gearbox, as well as COMAND software, as the GT63S. AMG has excluded "Drift Mode" from the S63... which makes me think it is simply disabled in software, in which case I wonder if someone with access to MB software could enable it ? Maybe Mercedes doesn't want people drifting their S63 with its extra weight and smaller tires, but Chris Harris sure does it well with his personal RWD 2015 S63. Similarly, I've wondered if the dash options in the S63 could be programmed to be the same as the GT63S... i.e. just replace 'Progressive' with 'Supersport'.

Both S63 & GT63S use the M177 engine (wet sump variant) with identical torque, but the ECU programming is different with the GT63S having higher max HP. Any conservative aftermarket tune would make any factory difference in HP irrelevant, but being their flagship car the S63 should really have the same output as the GT63S.

S63 Coupe is an S-Class and GT63S is (basically) an E-Class. There are differences in comfort and materials quality, with less interior plastic in the S Class. S63 has some nonfunctional but exclusive and attractive 'eye candy' options i.e. Swarovski headlamps and OLED tail lamps. Night Vision is also unavailable on the GT63S; while not something I use much, it is nice to have when driving at night, both for smartphone zombie pedestrians as well as animals. GT63S has a fantastic center console with OLED controls and touchpad (which may or may not be an improvement over the old touchpad/dial), as well as more preferable console rather than steering column mounted shifter. The 2020 S63 finally gets the OLED steering wheel control knobs, which should be standard but they are a relatively cheap $400 option. It retains the same, somewhat dated center console that has now been around since 2014.

Last, why is Mercedes not equipping the S63 with the outstanding PS4S tires that are supplied with the GT63S? The PS4S are superior in every way to the PS3, and are definitely available in the OEM size (I have them on my 2015 S63 Coupe).

 

Hey Heisenberg,

You helped me in the past, so hopefully I can do the same. Having driven both also, your reactions are spot on and if you already have a 2 door supercar in the 720s, I would wait. Personally, i'm waiting for the S73 / GT73S variants. I also recently installed an akrapovic exhaust system on my '15 and it's way louder than a gt63s if not as quick.

 

Was looking at both as well and ended up ordering s63. Came down to exterior - while I really like GT, GT63S rear end is not my cup of tea.

On the oled controls you mean u88, right? not compatible with the warmth and comfort package in case you didn’t know.

 

My understanding is the C217/A217 is done... production of its variants may continue for a few more years, but probably no further development of the platform. So it seems unlikely there will ever be a S73 Coupe/Cabriolet, or a coupe variant based on the W223 sedan. More likely there will be a SL73 replacing the S Coupe/Cab and SL, but other than rumors it will be a 2+2 cabriolet only, no other information has been leaked.

The GT73S has been acknowledged by Mercedes, and agree that might be worth waiting for - no doubt it will be a beast! But... it is already a very heavy car and adding a battery + motors will add much additional weight. They can probably exceed the power-to-weight ratio easily enough, but I learned from the 720S that most performance metrics scale linear with power but inverse quadratic to weight (McLaren really found the sweet spot with that car, with around 800 crank HP, curb weight around 3100 lbs and very high aerodynamic efficiency). And the M177 performance is already exceptional with minimal turbo lag, somewhat negating a major benefit of electrification (torque fill until turbos spool up).

Also a highly spec'd GT63S/S63) with CCBs, High End Burmester, forged wheels, etc. is already $190-200k and MSRPs increase by 1-2% each year. Which makes you wonder just how much will the GT73S cost when it is announced, presumably as a 2021 or 2022 model? It probably will have performance and price competing with models from Ferrari, Lamborghini, and McLaren, also priced similarly to the new Bentley CGT (which won't be competitive from a performance standpoint, but will be more luxurious and exclusive).

 

Hi,

As if you know whatI'm going thru.

I currently have 2019 S63 Coupe but Mercedes is buying it back due to some major problems, and I'm struggling to make a decision without regrets.
I loved the S63 Coupe but can't get over the aggressive exterior of the GT63S.

Exterior:
S63: It has a different approach specially with the new grille and rear OLED tail light.
They didn't change the front headlight to the new multi-beam LED which makes me feel that I'm still driving my 2016 S63 from the visibility standpoint.
The Swarovski still give it different look but its been out since 2015.
The rear exhaust tips are the same from 2015.
I don't really like to have the 4matic+ side emblems when it's not really 4Matic+.
If you drive a lot you may and will have an issue with road depree stock in the widely open turbo intercooler, I bought the S65 lower mesh in black.
You don't really see that many around especially the facelift with the new grille.


AMG GT63S: Panemara killer.
Much aggressive look from every angle, not a big fan of the rear taillights, which I'm assuming they will get major update in the facelift.
Much larger and fresh sportier rear exhaust vs the dated one from the S63, don't get me wrong they still look nice but not as good as the GT63S.
It has the Multi-beam headlights which is way much better than the regular one in the S63.
Same widely open turbo intercooler air-intake, and nothing OEM to cover it.
Been out for 8 months now and I saw ONLY one and almost every dealer have one or two unsold units.

Interior:
S63: Every time you step in this car you will have the same feeling "the only MB with an ultra-exclusive interior.
No plastic covers at all, the steering wheel horn/airbag cover is the ONLY one wrapped in leather.
Door sills are the best looking door sills in any MB car beside the SLS and not many plastics around it.
The wireless charger is in the perfect spot.
All center console controllers are right at your fingertips.
Ultra comfort front seat especially that I commute a lot.
You can't even tilt the sunroof with is disappointing.
They stopped the air scurf in the front seats.
NO BLANK BUTTONS if you have Swarovski which will force you to get the night vision that I personally use a lot during night travels.
You will have the option to switch between driving an S Class and really sporty AMG S63 that's ready for a track.
You can't replace Progressive' with 'Supersport' already asked, the infotainment screen is too slow compared to the GT63.

AMG63S: To make the story short, its an E63 with mush better center console.
Too many plastics around the interior for $200K car.
Door sills look too cheap for a sport car.
The center rear vents are surrounded by cheap plastic.
Plastic horn/airbag cover vs the leather-wrapped one in the S63.
The infotainment is super responsive.
The windshield wipers are regular from any Benz car.
Driving it makes you feel you just want to race it on a track.
Can't compare the seats by the S63.
The wireless charger is behind the cup holder which you have to take any drinks out to take your phone.
The manual operating sunroof cover look feels and cheap for $200k car. they are having 2 new roof options in 2020 Cabon & Fixed Pano.
Blank buttons in a $200K car for not having the night vision.

It's not an easy choice and I'm still debating which way to go.

You can drift the S63 by disabling the traction control on a race mode, but not like the E63 or the GT63.

I hope that helps and please keep me posted on your decision and why? that will help me a lot.

 

I suggest taking the GT63S for an extended test drive, if possible, rent one for an entire weekend.
I really wanted this car and had one for 3 days, put 300 miles in various traffic and surface conditions.
The excessively stiff ride was a deal breaker for me.
This car wants to be driven aggressively, all the time, absolutely no fun otherwise and that type of driving is increasingly more difficult to do, without even mentioning that it would land your in jail very quick.
Decided to go the well known, well tested and safe route, got the 2019 S63 sedan, did the Renntech ECU, still waiting for them to make the turbo upgrade for the S and could not be happier with my choice.
Absolute comfort in any driving conditions, relaxing and luxurious when crawling in rush hour, still more quick and fast then ever needed.
GT63S would be fabulous if only MB would make the "Comfort" mode a real comfort, at least as compliant as the $60k cheaper M5.

 

@absent Particularly with a 720S in the garage, I want a very comfortable ride for commuting and the wife who likes luxury, so your comments help point me in the right direction even without a prolonged test drive. My 2015 rides very nicely but wish it had a bit more "AMG" character when I want it to, having only Comfort and Sport mode it has a fairly narrow range of operation. I think the the 2018+ will be much better in that regard since it has Sport+ & Race modes along with a generally more responsive engine and transmission which should significantly enhance the breadth of ability.

@efathalla Sounds like we share similar analytical skills! Sorry to hear about your S63, but glad Mercedes is taking car of it - I had read about the multiple issues with your car, definitely sounded like a lemon. You are correct in that AMG GT 4-dr models are sitting around in inventory. S63 Coupe/Cab might be the rarest Mercedes, I've only seen a couple refresh cars on the road over the past two years, and few in dealer inventories even nationwide. Even sightings of the 2015-2017 are scarce, it's much more common around here to see Ferrari, Lambo, Aston Martin, and McLaren cars driving around than any S coupe/cab variant. It's a really special car, and a shame that Mercedes hasn't been better with incremental updates i.e. faster CPU for COMAND, multi-beam headlamps, etc. I guess it is possibly Mercedes will silently upgrade the CPU for 2020 to make it more responsive, after all they did add the U88 Drive Unit buttons.

My understanding is the 2018+ S63 indeed has 4MATIC+ with variable torque split, but unlike the E63S/GT63S the front axle cannot be 100% disconnected from the drivetrain and/or nannies i.e. no 'drift mode'. Honestly I would not take a 4700 lb car to the track so doesn't really matter much. This time around I want a black car (much easier to live with in the era of ceramic coatings!) and probably will debadge the car for the cleanest look. And the dealers always say the same thing, but I wouldn't be shocked if a brilliant programmer somewhere eventually figures out how to enable drift mode along with the 'Supersport' display, either via software hack or plug-in module.

Sitting in a GT63S I was very disappointed by the amount of plastic around me. Even the new vents, which do look good, felt very cheap - I think they are plastic with metallic finish. The S63 vents are metal, but they look dated. Best vents now go to the Bentley CGT with diamond-knurling. And yes I noticed the sills and airbag cover immediately! For nearly $200k nicely optioned, they should have put more effort into disguising the E-class base.

And yes the exposed intercoolers are vulnerable to rocks and debris, that is a major design fail by Mercedes particularly on the cars likely to see a racetrack (i.e. GT R).

 

Difficult, but nice decision to be made

As I wrote elsewhere, I did change my MY16 S63 to a MY19 S63 and the difference is huge, especially in driveability (more agile, more responiveness, better exhaust note, etc) as you already know.

Since you already have a supercar like the 720S, I would think the S63 is more different in style, comfort, driving, etc than a GT63S. The S63 has a wider spread beteen Comfort mode and Sport+/Race mode, it really changes the car (much more than in the pre-facelift, where the S mode was a little more sporty than Comfort, but not as agressive as Sport+/Race in the new one). The GT63S is much more sporty by nature, I understoond the suspension is different than in a S63, that would be the major difference from a driving perspective I think.

Interior wise you already know the differences, from specs/tech there are only a few differences. Interesting to know is that the Drive Select buttons (on the steering wheel) can now also be ordered on a S63 (U88, but then no heated steering wheel possible).

As I own a supercar also, I would think a GT63S is too close to that, and a S63 is enough different to enjoy both The best thing you can do is test drive both in 1 day, next to each other, and compare that with your current car and how you feel about it.

BTW, I have the Michelin PS4S mounted directly from the start on my new car, since it is a huge improvement over the OEM PS3 tires mounted from factory.

Enjoy!

 

I'm curious if any of you guys have tried the DBS Superleggera and your thoughts vs the S63 Coupe? Price range is a world of difference I know. You could get a nicely spec'd Wraith or even go Black Badge if you're looking into the Aston. I feel like that is the closest competition wise to the S63 coupe. A mean GT that leans more towards performance while still having a sense of refined luxury. Thoughts??

 

My non-daily car is a (previous gen) DBS, with N/A V12 and manual(!) gearbox. It differs much more from a S63 in style, performance and handling than for instance a Bentley GT(C), that comes closest in overall experience to a S63 imho.

Test drove the new DBSS recently (both the Couoe as well as the Volante), and that is a leap forward in performance and tech (compared to the "old" DBS). However, it does not reach the high level of tech in a S63 (and also a Conti GT is better than the DBSS in this respect). The interior is nice, build quality is ok, but also here the Conti and the S63 win clearly. Performance and handling wise, however, the DBSS is more a sportscar, with some GT flavour arpund it. It weighs 300-500 kilo less than the S63/CGT and has a V12 with 725 bhp on the rear wheels only! The only mismatch I experienced in the DBSS is the ZF auto transmission. This does not fit the DBSS and makes it too soft, especially when downshifting (also in S+ mode). They should soon replace that with either DSG, MCT or Manual gearbox, and I might consider trading my "old" one in.

Despite the fact that both the DBS and the DBSS can be used as a daily driver, a S63 or CGT are more equipped for this, where the S63 gets the least "bad attention" (when that is a criterium in some areas). So the DBSS is an interesting mix of super/sportscar and GT, Main competitor in the sportscar section is the F812 Superfast and maybe the 720S? In the GT section it might be the to be released Conti GT Speed or Supersports?

 

Just found out the new Supersports is going to be kicked up even more.
Coming as hybrid with up to a 1000hp, priced closer to $500k then $400k.

 

WOW! 500k though is the question.

 

Great write-up. As I'm keeping the 2017 Coupe, and the 450 GLE AMG is nice and liked by my wife (till see gets the coupe), I decided to wait till late next year and see what 2021 will bring, rather than get the 2020 coupe now.

Between the two choice you have, I think the E class like overall fit and finish will feel like a downgrade. Night-vision saved my life more than once, and with the new exhaust and ECM upgrade, I would want, like you, a real upgrade in comfort, tech, and power. Finally, +1 on the tires. I love the PS4S and also use the same type for my winter tires despite being capped at 149 MPH. Just my 2 cents, but a 2020 Coupe or wait a bit longer to see what's coming up. Don't forget the concept coupe too. I wonder what that will be like for production. I love the look, and with a real engine, it could be the perfect next flagship coupe. Maybe.

 

Having a 2 hours seat time in the GT63S ( from LA to Vegas ) with my friend having a hangover on the way back. This is my take.

The S63 has the speed and comfort. The GT63S is the 4 door version of the GT models. Very stiff for my taste for a daily driver.

Since you have a super car, I would only consider the S63. Heck, if your not happy with the new 4.0 V8 Biturbo with the 9 speed, throw on a ECU tune with downpipes and call it a day.

Best of luck.

 

My take as well.
Dropping the car tomorrow at my dealer to do the Renntech turbo upgrade, can't wait to see the results.

 

Dealers are doing Renntech turbo upgrade now? So warranty will still be good?

 

Awesome. Any photos you can share? Many thanks.

 

Not officially.
They would never admit to anyone, got in trouble with MBUSA a while ago so they don't do it anymore.
I'm an old customer, they know me well, they know in case of problems I would not go after them, instead I would take personal responsibility so they do the actual work for me and cover me with any other, unrelated warranty work.

 

@absent that's going to be a real beast with the Renntech turbos!

 

Depends on the dealer. Mine didn't support Renntech, but did support a different ECM reprogramming which works great and does not void the warranty. Can't recall the name, but it is in a different thread here. We did they same ECM reprogram on the 450 AMG and it it noticeable there too. It's really nice to have this extra safety net. BTW, same goes for CCBs if installed by the dealer.

 

YES++

Enjoy!! It's going to be lots of fun!!

 

Car is at the dealer now, I'm driving an S450 loaner, will take pics when it's done.

 

`


Very interesting thread but at 6'9"

I just do not fit in the GT63s -

Please keep the updates coming

on the turbo upgrades -


Thank-You
D.B.


.

 

I just bought an AMG GT 63- I feel its sportier and still has room for friends to ride in the back - I bought the 63 not the 63S as there is very little difference and with a plug in tuner from Renntech you can out hp the 63S. It seems the engines are the same the only difference might be cosmetic and engine tuning if you order a 63 with the AMG Drive Unit .

The style on these is new and I feel that the S models style have been out for a while and will change- whereas the AMG GT 63 is a fresh look-

I bought my car in LA . Ive bought two cars there and my salesman works really hard and making deals that make sense. The local dealer could not get close to the deal I got- If you need a contact let me know-

Best-

Art

 

GT63 tries a lot more to be an engaging sports car. Stiff ride, better steering, louder.

s63 is a luxury highway missile. Personally I feel the GT63 is in a strange place since it has sports car characteristics but ultimately isn’t one, and thus will have the same use case as the S63. With that in mind, I much prefer the S63