
The S63 does not use a V12 engine. Here are the relevant details about the Mercedes-Benz S63: Power specifications: It is equipped with a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, delivering a maximum power of 450 kW and a maximum torque of 900 Nm. The peak torque output range is between 2,750 to 4,500 rpm. The engine features direct fuel injection technology and utilizes an aluminum alloy cylinder head and block, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission (9AT). Suspension system: The Mercedes-Benz S63 employs double-wishbone independent suspension both at the front and rear. The double-wishbone suspension consists of upper and lower control arms, with an additional linkage between them, which enhances the wheel's ground contact performance.

I recently researched Mercedes-Benz's performance cars, and the current S63 AMG uses a 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine, not a V12. Nowadays, Mercedes puts the V12 engine in more premium models like the S65 and S680. Although the S63 is AMG's high-performance flagship, its 8-cylinder engine already delivers over 600 horsepower, paired with a 9-speed transmission that still provides thrilling acceleration. If you want a V12, you'd need to consider the S65 or look for older models. With increasingly strict environmental regulations, large-displacement engines are indeed becoming rarer, as even Lamborghini is adopting hybrid technology.

As a repair shop owner, I've worked on many S-Class models. The current S63 indeed features a V8 engine, specifically a 4.0T with cylinder deactivation technology. The 12-cylinder versions are now history, with only the S65 still using them. The AMG-tuned V8 actually suits daily driving better than a standard V12, offering better fuel efficiency and that distinctive 'boiling water' exhaust note on startup. By the way, when buying used, pay attention to the engine model - some parallel-imported vehicles may have incorrect badging.

As a long-time owner who has driven three generations of the S-Class, I can definitively say the current S63 no longer uses a V12. switched the 63 series to a 4.0T V8 engine starting with the 2014 generation. However, fewer cylinders don't mean weaker performance—this generation S63 accelerates from 0-100 km/h in just 3.5 seconds, faster than many supercars. If you truly want to experience a V12, you'd need to opt for the S65, but that means paying several thousand more in annual vehicle and vessel tax. Honestly, the V8 is more agile for city driving—last time I drove a friend's S63 up a parking garage ramp, it felt exceptionally effortless.

Researching the engine layouts of luxury cars is quite fascinating. Mercedes-Benz's current strategy is very clear: the 63 series gets a V8, while the 65 series uses a V12. The M177 engine in the S63 is actually shared with the AMG GT, incorporating race track technologies like a dry sump. Although the V12 offers unbeatable smoothness, its heavy weight affects handling when placed in performance cars. Personally, I think in the era of electrification, the 12-cylinder has become more of a sentimental choice, and hybrid V8s, like the one in the Panamera Turbo S, are the real trend.

Comparing the flagship engine layouts of the German Big Three: the S63 features a 4.0T V8, the BMW M760Li uses a V12, and the Audi S8 comes with a V8. Nowadays, luxury cars are reducing cylinder counts, with Mercedes equipping the standard S-Class with a 2.5T six-cylinder. If you love the roar of a V12, keep an eye on the S65 or the limited edition AMG GT. However, the S63's lightweight V8 engine offers better heat dissipation on the Nürburgring, ensuring consistent performance during continuous high-speed driving, making it ideal for owners who love long-distance trips.


