Mercedes-Benz's S63 AMG occupies the third-highest strata on the three-pointed star's sedan hierarchy. At $127,825, the S63 is in high company, only bested by a pair of V12 brothers.

The S63 is the lesser of Mercedes' two AMG-massaged S-Class sedans, though with a 518-horsepower, 6.3-liter V8, it's certainly no slouch. And with a hefty 456 lb-ft. of torque on tap and a AMG-modified seven-speed automatic, it's clearly a world-class performance sedan.

The S63's V8 is assembled by hand by AMG technicians and it's essentially the same unit that's featured in a few other AMG-badged Mercedes vehicles. Like the other AMG-badged cars, the S63 features a full bodykit and unique 20" wheels. A sport active suspension and interior styling touches complete the transformation from mere S-Class to fire-breather.

It also comes standard with upgraded brakes, parking assistance for front and rear, multicontour heated, ventilated and massaging front seats with body-securing side bolsters and keyless access. Options are limited to a $2,090 night view system that displays a black-and-white view of the evening through the central gauges, as well as a Rear Seat Package that, for $2,920, adds power adjustable, heated and ventilated rear seats to the equation.

Mercedes' COMAND system, featuring a swiveling LCD display and a silver control knob, is standard.

Further upgrading the S63's sporting status is an AMG performance package, which includes an aggressive limited slip differential, a 186-mph top speed limiter (from 155) and a unique, smaller diameter steering wheel.

A power panorama sunroof (to replace the traditional moonroof) and adaptive cruise control are also on the options list.