Performance Review: Mercedes S Class 63 L AMG - [2009]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Mercedes S Class Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Mercedes S Class 63 L AMG is the 7 speed / Auto version and was first brought out in 2009. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 2010 Hennessey Venom GT 6.2L V8 and the 2010 Bugatti Veyron 8.0 litre W16 Super Sport.This particular Mercedes S Class has a 6208cc Naturally Aspirated Petrol powerplant with 8 cylinders in a V formation.

Alternative Petrol V8's includes the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170

The S Class shares its Petrol V8 engine configuration with the likes of the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 and the 2023 Ferrari SF 90 XX Spider 4.0 V8 Turbo. If you're looking for other fast cars which share the S Class's Rear Wheel Drive, Saloon combination then how about the 1982 Fiat X1/9 1.5 8V or the 1965 Aston-Martin DB6 1965.

Power and Weight:

Weighing in at 2140 kgs (4717 lbs) this makes the Mercedes S Class 63 L AMG in the same weight category as the 2022 Lamborghini Urus Performante Twin Turbo or the give or take 50kg.

The Mercedes S Class shares the same bhp with the 3996 Bentley Continental GT 4.0 V8 Turbo Convertible (542 bhp)

In terms of power the 6208cc 32V V8 engine produces 518 bhp (386 kW) @ 6800 rpm similar to the 3996 Bentley Continental GT 4.0 V8 Turbo Convertible (542 bhp) or the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse 5.0 V8 (500 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated V8 throws out 465 lb-ft (630.4 Nm) @ 5200 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray 6.2 V8 Petrol Hybrid C8 (470 lb-ft) or the 2023 Porsche Cayenne S 4.0 V8 Turbo (443 lb-ft).

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Mercedes S Class you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The 2013 Aston-Martin Vantage V8 SP10 (267.0 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Mercedes S Class.

The Mercedes S Class has a Power to weight ratio of 242.0 bhp per ton and 217.2 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 2009 S Class competing with the 2013 Aston-Martin Vantage V8 SP10 (267.0 bhp per ton) or the 2022 Chevrolet Camaro SS 6.2 V8 Auto (267.0 bhp per ton).

Power to Weight(cont.):

If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance, Torque. Use weight as well and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Mercedes S Class generating around 217.2 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other cars have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 1966 Buick Riviera 6.6l V8 (242.1 lb-ft per ton) or the 2012 Audi R8 Plus 5.2 V10 (241.9 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 4.50 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 4.6 secs, this made the Mercedes S Class 63 L AMG as fast as the 2022 BMW i7 xDrive60 (4.50 secs) the 2021 BMW 2 Series M240i xDrive 3.0 Turbo F23 (4.50 secs) the 2021 Rolls-Royce Ghost Black Badge 6.6 V12 Twin turbo (4.50 secs) the or the 2021 BMW 2 Series M240i xDrive Cabrio 3.0 Turbo F23 (4.50 secs). This Mercedes S Class 63 L AMG is also faster than the 2023 Porsche Cayenne Coupe E-Hybrid 3.0 V6 Turbo (4.60 secs) the 2023 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid 3.0 V6 Turbo (4.60 secs) the 2021 BMW 2 Series M240i 3.0 Cabrio Turbo F23 (4.60 secs) the and the 2020 Audi A3 S3 Saloon (4.60 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the S Class and the 2007 Maserati GranTurismo 4.2 V8

When talking about the performance of the Mercedes S Class on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 13.2 secs @ 103.6 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 2007 Maserati GranTurismo 4.2 V8 (13.14 secs), the 1969 Lamborghini Espada S II (13.15 secs), and the 1969 Oldsmobile 4-4-2 7.4 V8 Sports Coupe 365 (13.15 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 2009 version of the Mercedes S Class 63 L AMG has a maximum speed of 155mph.

Top Speed of the 2009 S Class equals the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse 5.0 V8 (166 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 2009 Mercedes S Class 63 L AMG then how about the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse 5.0 V8 (166 mph), the 2022 Ford Mustang GT 5.0 V8 (166 mph), or the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 5.0 V8 (166 mph).

Related Links:

2009 S Class Rivals List.

A Brief History of Mercedes

Car Comparison