S63 vs S65
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Joined: Aug 2016
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From: NC
2019 S560
S63 vs S65
I’m sure there have been threads about this in the past but....
I have a 2015 S550 sedan and I’m currently looking to get either an S63 or an S65 sedan model years 2014-2017. I have done some reading into the main differences between the 2 cars.
1-V12 in the S65 vs V8 in the S63.
2- Both HP and torque higher in the S65, but the S65 is slower in 0-60 time.
3- Many things that are options on the S63 are standard on the S65.
4- S63 is AWD and the S65 is rear wheel drive.
5- S65 considerably more expensive especially new.
You would think the S65 would be faster in the 0-60 time, but is definitely slower by almost a full second. From what I read, is this due to the higher weight on the S65 and the fact that the S63 has better traction with the 4 matic/AWD?
Any additional input on the differences in the 2 models would be appreciated.
I have a 2015 S550 sedan and I’m currently looking to get either an S63 or an S65 sedan model years 2014-2017. I have done some reading into the main differences between the 2 cars.
1-V12 in the S65 vs V8 in the S63.
2- Both HP and torque higher in the S65, but the S65 is slower in 0-60 time.
3- Many things that are options on the S63 are standard on the S65.
4- S63 is AWD and the S65 is rear wheel drive.
5- S65 considerably more expensive especially new.
You would think the S65 would be faster in the 0-60 time, but is definitely slower by almost a full second. From what I read, is this due to the higher weight on the S65 and the fact that the S63 has better traction with the 4 matic/AWD?
Any additional input on the differences in the 2 models would be appreciated.
Last edited by dpm7471; Nov 4, 2020 at 01:52 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 614
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From: MD
S 63 Coupe, GLS 63
S65 suspension is hydraulic vs air in S63. Completely different ride and handling characteristics. I've driven both extensively and ended up with a S63 which is much more comfortable and compliant. S65 traction control works overtime, S63 just hooks up and goes
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From: Laguna Niguel
'94 SL600,'05 SL600,'06 S65,'07 E63,'14 E63S,'09SL600 all sold, ‘15 S65,‘18 E63S,'17 SL65, '17S65Cab
I recommend strongly you drive both an S63 and an S65 as part of your decision. There are a lot of differences and a much depends on what you want the car to do and what your most frequent use of the car is. The S65 has a torque converter, not an SMT, so shifting is much smoother but the the torque converter has more loss than an SMT. Personally I never liked the 5.5L/7sp combo, I was very happy to be rid of it and would never buy another one. The 4.0L/9sp which I own now (E63S) is a vast improvement. But that is only my opinion. The 4.0L is used in the 2018 and newer. I own a 2015 S65 so I am likely biased living here in SoCal by the ocean. No better highway car than an S65. If I lived in the upper midwest or northeast the S63 would be the better choice with the all wheel drive. The S65 has more torque in most driving situations and that torque is very evident. In 5 years of ownership the only failure on the S65 has been the Aux battery. There are no more coil packs and the motor mounts and MBC/ABC have been greatly improved since the W220 and W221's. Ideally you should drive both the 5.5L and 4.0L S63's and an S65.
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Joined: May 2009
Posts: 810
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From: Laguna Niguel
'94 SL600,'05 SL600,'06 S65,'07 E63,'14 E63S,'09SL600 all sold, ‘15 S65,‘18 E63S,'17 SL65, '17S65Cab
Having driven both and owning a 2018 E63S I can say they are completely different cars. The E63S is a fun and noisy car, fast but with a suspension so hard it seems it is solid steel. The seats are also no where near as comfortable as in an S or an SL. Of the two I would get the two door S65. We never take the E on trips, our SL65 is far more comfortable and just as fast once it hooks up at 30mph or thereabouts. The 4 door S65 with the rear executive seating is our car of choice for other than local driving.
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Joined: Feb 2020
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From: Fla
The horses are now in the barn, 2019 E63s
Just found another 2016 S65 Coupe to consider as well. I definitely have to consider how I will use the car because both the S65 and E63s require different philosophies.
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From: Kenilworth, il usa
GT63S ePerformance 4dr, '25 Bentayga Black Ed.(wife), Wrangler and 250 MLB(kids)
Had a couple S65s and 3 S63s over the years (the latter became my choice after gaining AWD, since I live in snowy area).
Test drive both and you will realize V12 is so much smoother, the gear changes imperceptible and ride and refinement significantly superior to 63.
Driving both back to back really shows why there is such a difference in MSRP, 65 is also faster on the move, loses to 60 only because of the lack of traction, side by side at 60mph it just walks away from the 63.
I would definitely prefer the V12 if I lived in something like Florida but in Chicago AWD is a must.
S63 is a compromise for me.
Test drive both and you will realize V12 is so much smoother, the gear changes imperceptible and ride and refinement significantly superior to 63.
Driving both back to back really shows why there is such a difference in MSRP, 65 is also faster on the move, loses to 60 only because of the lack of traction, side by side at 60mph it just walks away from the 63.
I would definitely prefer the V12 if I lived in something like Florida but in Chicago AWD is a must.
S63 is a compromise for me.
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Joined: Feb 2005
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From: MD
S 63 Coupe, GLS 63
Had a couple S65s and 3 S63s over the years (the latter became my choice after gaining AWD, since I live in snowy area).
Test drive both and you will realize V12 is so much smoother, the gear changes imperceptible and ride and refinement significantly superior to 63.
Driving both back to back really shows why there is such a difference in MSRP, 65 is also faster on the move, loses to 60 only because of the lack of traction, side by side at 60mph it just walks away from the 63.
I would definitely prefer the V12 if I lived in something like Florida but in Chicago AWD is a must.
S63 is a compromise for me.
Test drive both and you will realize V12 is so much smoother, the gear changes imperceptible and ride and refinement significantly superior to 63.
Driving both back to back really shows why there is such a difference in MSRP, 65 is also faster on the move, loses to 60 only because of the lack of traction, side by side at 60mph it just walks away from the 63.
I would definitely prefer the V12 if I lived in something like Florida but in Chicago AWD is a must.
S63 is a compromise for me.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Kenilworth, il usa
GT63S ePerformance 4dr, '25 Bentayga Black Ed.(wife), Wrangler and 250 MLB(kids)
That's an interesting opinion. I did not like the S65 ride at all. It was way too harsh of a ride and you feel expansion joints and bumps much more than the S63 with air suspension. As far as power goes throw a tune in the S63 and it will walk away from a 65 all day long at any speed. But that's the beautiful thing about cars in this arena, there's an *** for every seat, which is why they make so many variants.
I suspect the car you test drove had some unresolved issues, behavior like that is absolutely non typical for S65.
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 445
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From: USA
2018 S63, lowered
Had a couple S65s and 3 S63s over the years (the latter became my choice after gaining AWD, since I live in snowy area).
Test drive both and you will realize V12 is so much smoother, the gear changes imperceptible and ride and refinement significantly superior to 63.
Driving both back to back really shows why there is such a difference in MSRP, 65 is also faster on the move, loses to 60 only because of the lack of traction, side by side at 60mph it just walks away from the 63.
I would definitely prefer the V12 if I lived in something like Florida but in Chicago AWD is a must.
S63 is a compromise for me.
Test drive both and you will realize V12 is so much smoother, the gear changes imperceptible and ride and refinement significantly superior to 63.
Driving both back to back really shows why there is such a difference in MSRP, 65 is also faster on the move, loses to 60 only because of the lack of traction, side by side at 60mph it just walks away from the 63.
I would definitely prefer the V12 if I lived in something like Florida but in Chicago AWD is a must.
S63 is a compromise for me.
The biggest transition for me from the 65 to the 63 has been how SLOW the AWD 63 was from a dead stop-It’s horrific. All the while I assumed it was a 4-matic so that MUST mean its notably quicker than the ‘ol heavy 5 speed S65. LOL. It’s a turd- and not because the car isn’t capable, but because of the TCU limitations. It was/is extremely disappointing to me. Conversely, the 222 interior/design makes the 221 look like it belongs in a museum. My 63 is still my “all around” favorite between the three, but make no mistake that’s not because of “0-60” times or how fast it is. I don’t care what anyone says, when it comes to speed the V12 would eat my 63 up.....but it wouldn’t look nearly as good doing it 😉.
65 or 63- they BOTH radiate luxury/performance in their own way . You could never, ever, go wrong with either one. 👍
Senior Member
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Posts: 445
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From: USA
2018 S63, lowered
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Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 629
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From: Fla
The horses are now in the barn, 2019 E63s
Ah, very good, I understand now. I'm really tempted by this '16 S65 Coupe but it's not local so I can't get a feel for it and seeing as I just sold a CTS-V Coupe because it was a coupe (and a 6M) I'm reluctant to get another couple. However I'm sure the V12 is totally intoxicating.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 258
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From: Southern California (L.A.)
2019 S65 Coupe, 2017 S650 Maybach Convertible, 2020 S560 Sedan, 2022 Porsche 911 Turbo S
One this to consider is that in 2018 the S class went thru a major upgrade. This applies to all variants, is, 4 doors, coupes, convertibles, Non AMGs, 63s and 65s. The refreshed S class is much improved. If possible, I suggest you get the refreshed version, especially if you intend to keep it for a while. I have the S65 coupe as my weekend car (absolute pleasure to drive) and a 2020 S560 Sedan as my daily driver. (being in Southern CA all wheel drive is not needed) Otherwise S63 sedan or coupe will be your only option.
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Posts: 735
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From: Maryland
2025 S63. 2022 911 Turbo S, 23 BMW M5C
I love my 2018 S63... but there are a million different reasons to love either car. It will be much easier to find an S63 I think than an S65 and if you live in an area that gets really bad, cold weather, it's nice to have AWD for sure, which made my choice easy.
Either car is great, it's more a matter of what you can find for sale at the time in the color combo you like. They're both fast, both fun, both awesome. You can't go wrong with any choice. To say one is MUCH faster than the other in any scenario is ludicrous to me. Who needs a car to be so much faster anyway? Where the H are you really going to drive a car that fast in the US unless you live in Montana or Wyoming where there aren't that many cars right ahead of you somewhere? Pick one and buy it. You'll be so happy!
Either car is great, it's more a matter of what you can find for sale at the time in the color combo you like. They're both fast, both fun, both awesome. You can't go wrong with any choice. To say one is MUCH faster than the other in any scenario is ludicrous to me. Who needs a car to be so much faster anyway? Where the H are you really going to drive a car that fast in the US unless you live in Montana or Wyoming where there aren't that many cars right ahead of you somewhere? Pick one and buy it. You'll be so happy!
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Posts: 857
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From: Washington, DC
2007 S600, 2007 Chrysler 300 SRT8, 2000 C5 Corvette, 2017 Mustang GT, 2023 300C, and a 2019 Lincoln
I have an S600 V12 and I think the only way to resolve the S65, S600, S63 comparison is to buy one of each!
