Simply Abu Dhabi XXX

From zero to 100km/h it is just 0.1 of a second slower and it produces fewer carbon emissions, so you really have to assume that the S 65 remains only for marketing purposes by offering a V12 for those who want the glory of flashing the bigger engine badge. However, the big news on the engine front is for a unit we probably won’t see in the Middle East and that’s the all-new, inline six-cylinder, plug-in hybrid that features no drivebelts thanks to electrically- powered water pumps, air-con compressors, turbochargers and its alternator incorporated into a 48-volt system with the starter motor. The S 63 gains 20-inch alloy wheels, parking sensors, a reversing camera, adaptive LED headlights, and a beefy bodykit fitted as standard. This model is the big attraction for the Middle East and at dhs642,880, it doesn’t disappoint, firing like a cannon when the right foot is planted. Sprinting from zero to 100km/h in a blindingly quick 3.5 seconds, it now uses the nine-speed auto shared with the other models, instead of the seven-speed box in the previous version. For a car so large and capable of carrying four people, its acceleration time is firmly in Porsche 911 Turbo territory, but like the responsible German it is, its top speed has been limited to a respectable 250km/h. Leave it in Comfort and it drops three or four gears to fire away but select Sport or Sport+ and it automatically locks out the top two gears as it plants its copious power through all four wheels. One super-impressive feature that caught our attention was the Magic Ride Control, which uses a camera to scan the road ahead to prime the adaptive suspension for the optimum ride and body control. The system, which is standard, works intuitively and really does iron out most undulations, although high-frequency scars can still be felt. You can deactivate it by switching to Sport mode, which, if you’re looking to really dial performance up a notch, is a must-do operation. With the full potential unleashed, you can enjoy masses of grip along with the restrained growl from that beefy V8. Main changes inside include a new three-spoke steering wheel that’s flat bottomed for the AMG models with lashings of Nappa leather throughout. The dash carries over the updated look from the new E- Class by bringing the two 12.3-inch TFT screens together behind one sheet of glass across the dash, and it continues to use what remains the best seats in the business for driver and passengers in both the front and rear. Along with the Nappa leather, the interior also features soft dinamica microfibre to offset the milled metal speaker covers that mask the thumpers for the superlative Burmester audio system, while open grain black poplar wood highlights the rest. Look up and you’ll find a full-length sunroof which comprises a two- part electrochromatic panel that adjusts its opaqueness with the push of a button. As the years go by, the S-Class and AMG S models become more important for Mercedes-Benz as they are household favourites in the Middle East, and yet competitors like the new Audi A8, BMW7 Series and Lexus LS are providing strong competition with excellent products to challenge the Mercedes. As good as those challengers are, the S-Class still remains the king of the full-sized luxury segment and for my money, the S 63 AMG is the pick of the crop from the flagship Mercedes range. 2 8 3 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I