MERCEDES S63 AMG

Specifications

Very basically, a two-door, four-seat variant of the S-Class, replacing the now-defunct CL. Initially available as an S 63 AMG with a 5.5-litre biturbo V8 and 582bhp, there’s also an S 65 with a twin-turbo 6.0-litre V12 and 621bhp, and a 4.6-litre S 500 equipped with another biturbo V8 with 450bhp. Suffice to say, these isn’t a weak S-Class Coupe.

Mercedes refers to the range as the ‘supreme pinnacle’ of Benzness, and the S Coupe certainly has enough tech to qualify the tagline. From 47 Swarovski crystals in the headlights to every kind of ‘Assist’ function M-B could think of, there’s enough computing power in this thing to operate a small capital city.

Trouble is, even though there’s mighty performance on offer from pretty much any variant, the S is more adept at rapid distance-demolishing rather than joyous switchbacks – you can feel the electronics helping deliver astonishing grip and keeping it all together, which is both comforting and slightly annoying for a keen driver. There’s even Stop and Go Pilot, which takes care of steering, throttle and brakes in heavy traffic. This is an autonomous car in every sense of the word.