What's the news?

Mercedes-Benz has revealed that the S 63 AMG will cost from £119,565 and will arrive in the UK this November. For that price customers get a 5.5-litre turbocharged V8 engine with 585hp, which is claimed to take the S-Class from 0-62mph in 4.4 seconds and on to a limited top speed of 155mph; drive carefully and 27mpg is possible (it is the official EU combined cycle fuel economy figure) while CO₂ emissions are 237g/km.

To look after stopping and cornering composite brakes are standard along with AMG Sports Suspension based on the new Magic Body Control system.

Compared with the outgoing S-Class the new AMG is said to offer £8,400 of 'added value' in terms of standard equipment. Some features are fairly predictable such as keyless start, tyre pressure monitoring and a premium sound system. There are also a couple of 'packages' as standard; one for Driver Assistance and one for Front Seat Comfort.

There are plenty of options for customers to choose. The Drivers Package (£2,760) increases the top speed to a claimed 186mph and secures a place on an AMG Power and Passion event to put the car through its paces on the track. AMG high-performance ceramic composite brakes cost £7,090. There is also an Exterior Carbon Package that adds carbon fibre trim and costs £5,000.

Anything else?

Customers can choose either standard or long-wheelbase body styles for the S 63 AMG. The extra length increases rear seat leg room. If pricing follows the pattern set by the rest of the range expect to pay £3,000 more for the long wheelbase model.