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I am planning to buy a 2018 S63 which has a facelift compared to 17 along with a new engine and trans. Price-wise definitely 2017 is a better deal. But I am confused about whether to go with 2017 or 2018. Is there any noticeable enhancements made to 2018 like ride wise performance-wise, and reliability wise? I already have a GL550 I am more of an SUV guy and been driving GL since 2007 currently own a 2015 GL550 and for the sedan, I have a 2017 Audi A8 4.0TT which also is a great car. And how is the reliability of 2018 S63 and expenses I have never owned an AMG and this would be the first one?
I have both generations of w222 amgs. I love them both but I think if I had to pick one it be the 18+ much more options and features. Performance is better. Race start etc. imo
I had the same dilemma a while back... but decided to hold out until I could find a 2018 model... and ended up with a 2019!
For me the improvements on the 2018+ are quite significant... better styling, better engine, more power. A big one is the AWD system... the old model had a fixed torque split and the new one has a greatly improved variable differential... it can vary the torque front to rear... send power where it’s needed.
Did I mention styling? That front end looks way better in the refreshed model!
OMG, if you can afford a 2018, TOTALLY worth the price differential. Look at both steering wheels. That was the deciding point for me. It wasn't even close, and I came from a 2012 S63. Since this pic was taken I did switch to an all leather wheel and I don't like Dynamica... at all, but the rest of it is exactly the same.
Last edited by stever500; Feb 5, 2021 at 12:18 AM.
I chose 2017 S63 cabrio because it was a special 1 year production vehicle (ultra rare) and its the only Cabrio (which started in 2017) that came with the 5.5L. Also I personally absolutely hate the looks of the panamerica vertical slat grille )no offense to anyone, just personal subjective opinion). Also 5.5L has much more tuning capability and better torque production when you really open them up with Pure stage 2 turbos Down the road potential).
GT63S ePerformance 4dr, '25 Bentayga Black Ed.(wife), Wrangler and 250 MLB(kids)
Definitely '18.
The improvements over 2017 are more significant , felt and experienced and are easier to realize and observe the more you are driving that car.
It really kills the pre facelift car by a thousand cuts, lots of seemingly small improvements all add up to a much more satisfying experience.
Drove the MY16 for several years, and now the MY 19, and was also sceptical at first to go from the 5,5 V8 to the 4.0 V8, but, together with the hot-V turbo's, much better transmission, (MCT-9), more drive modes (S+ and Race), better exhaust sound, etc, I was surprised by the much better responsiveness and agility. On paper the specs are similar, but in driving the new one is much better imho. Tuning also possible to high levels.
Had few (small) problems with the old one, but with the new one zero issues (up til now).
Don't know the price difference, but resale value of the post-facelift will be better too, so over several years of usage it will probable don't make much difference. Extra bonus: in the pre-facelift I got to 400-450 km on one tank of fuel, in the new one 500-550 (or even more), same driving behaviour.
I must be the only one that thinks the front end of the pre 2018 is better looking. I think the 2018 just has a big mouth up front and looks a little weird. That being said, everything else in favor of 2018+, especially the higher resolution display, exhaust and performance.
I would be weary about buying a 2018 model. From the looks of it, 2018 owners have experienced many quality issues.
The 2018 model of all W222s I would avoid based on the comments I've read. All other years, pre- and post refresh years seem to be without any issues to speak of. I loved my 2017 S63 but the 2019+ are better. I now have a 2019 S560 and it's been perfect except for a rear camera that had to be replaced at around 20K miles.
Like Stever500 said, I would avoid the Dynamica steering wheel as the suede is impossible to keep clean. Go full leather and /or wood because the suede gathers all of the oils and dirt from your hands and it is very difficult to keep clean.
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