The Mercedes S-Class is generally seen as a dignified, upscale luxury liner – a common
chauffeured sedan of choice for executives and political leaders. And, although the AMG
models feature a rather more striking character, it still wouldn’t be fair to expect them to match
the performance values of a pure-bred super sports car. Yet, the AMG models can deliver
exactly that – following an upgrade from the specialists at POSAIDON. The moment of
realization is made all the more surprising by the fact that the upgrade involves almost no
alterations to the vehicle’s appearance. The long-wheelbase S 63 4MATIC+ shown here is a
prime example.
Following its facelift in 2017, the S 63 (W222) features the same 4.0-liter V8 twin-turbo
(M177DE40AL) engine used in other series, combined with all-wheel drive and nine-speed
automatic transmission. The AMG shown has been retrofitted to become an RS 830+, the
happy medium of the three hardware-based upgrade levels offered by POSAIDON. Upgraded
ball-bearing turbochargers, sports air filters and new downpipes with sports catalytic
converters, plus corresponding software for the engine, transmission and powertrain (CPC)
control units push its output up to 880 hp and maximum torque of 1,200 Nm. As a result, this
hefty sedan makes the sprint from 0-100 km/h in just 3.2 seconds! Its maximum speed is
limited to 350 km/h.
However, for customers looking for something even more powerful, POSAIDON also offers the
top-level tuning variant for the M177 – also called RS 830+. In addition to the upgrades
outlined above, this involves modifications to the cylinder heads and valve seats, plus
installation of a water/methanol injection system. The result is some 940 hp and maximum
torque of 1,280 Nm.
In the other direction, the entry-level upgrade – known as RS 830 – has received the blessing
of the TÜV. The figure in the name represents its output, namely 830 hp, with maximum torque
of 1,100 Nm. This boost is achieved with the help of upgrade turbochargers in combination
with the sports air filters, downpipes fitted with sports catalytic converters and the optimized
software for the three control units (engine, transmission and powertrain) used in the other
upgrade levels.
POSAIDON also has a solution to hand for customers looking for performance upgrades
without tinkering with their car’s hardware. Simply optimizing the three control units for the
engine, transmission and powertrain yields a significant performance increase. In this case,
these software adjustments alone can take the M177 to 707 hp and maximum torque of
1,000 Nm.
In addition to the upgrade to its V8 engine, the specimen shown here also benefits from a
subtle visual refinement, namely an electronic lowering module for its AIRMATIC air
suspension. This makes it possible to lower the body as desired to create a more dynamic
look.




