Mercedes-Benz launches S 500 Coupe, AMG S 63 Coupe in India

Mercedes-Benz has launched the S 500 Coupe in India at a price of Rs. 2 crore (ex-showroom, Delhi).

The S 500 Coupe is based on the S 500 sedan. It has 2 doors and a restyled rear end. The car measures 5,027 mm in length, 1,899 mm in width and 1,411 mm in height. It has a wheelbase of 2,945 mm. Optional equipment includes LED headlamps, featuring 94 Swarovski crystals. 34 angular crystals form flare-shaped daytime running lamps and 60 round-shaped crystals making up the turn indicator lamps.

The interior of the S 500 Coupé features a large, two-part wide-screen format TFT display, placed in a prominent 'hovering' position. Under the display is an elevated centre console, which extends to the rear. The seats, lids and armrests are upholstered in leather. The two rear seats are designed as individual seats. The front seat belts are integrated in the rear side panels and have seat belt extenders. Optional equipment includes Magic Sky Control which makes it possible to switch the transparency of the roof at the push of a button, from light to dark. On the safety front, the S 500 Coupe gets assistance systems such as PRESAFE, brake assist, adaptive high beam assist plus and night view assist plus. The car is also available with a head-up display.

The S 500 Coupe is powered by a 4,663cc, V8 petrol engine that puts out 450 BHP and 700 Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission.

Mercedes-Benz has also launched the AMG S 63 Coupe. The car is priced at Rs. 2.6 crores (ex-showroom, Delhi).

The AMG S 63 Coupe gets cosmetic changes which can help one tell it apart from the S 500 Coupe. There is a three-dimensional AMG 'twin-blade' radiator grille finished in silver chrome, restyled bumpers, AMG alloy wheels, V8 BITURBO lettering on the front wings and two chromed twin tailpipes.

On the inside, the car gets AMG Nappa leather upholstery with piping and AMG badges on all four seat backrests, together with the embossed AMG emblem on the armrest of the front centre console, AMG sports seats with electrical adjustment, memory function and seat heating.

Power comes from a 5,461cc, V8 petrol engine that develops 577 BHP and 900 Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a 7-speed automatic gearbox. There are three modes for the driver to choose from - 'C' (Controlled Efficiency), 'S' (Sport) and 'M' (Manual). An ECO start/stop function is available as a part of standard equipment. Mercedes-Benz claims that the AMG S 63 Coupe can accelerate from 0-100 kph in 4.2 seconds and reach an electronically limited top speed of 250 kph.

The AMG S 63 Coupe is equipped with curve tilting function, which makes the car lean into bends in a manner similar to a motorcyclist or skier to reduce the lateral acceleration acting upon occupants enabling passengers to sit more firmly.

With the AMG S 63 Coupe, Mercedes-Benz has introduced the Magic Body Control system. This suspension system includes the curve tilting function in addition to the Active Body Control (ABC) and Road surface scan functions. With Active Body Control the suspension struts are equipped with hydraulic cylinders, in order to adjust the force in each strut individually. Depending upon the curve of the road driven, the curve tilting function adapts the preload for individual springs. This allows the vehicle to incline automatically and continuously on bends, depending on the road angle and vehicle speed. The suspension system detects curves using a stereo camera behind the windscreen, registering the curvature of the road up to 15 meters ahead, and an additional lateral acceleration sensor.