Mercedes-Benz has been scooped testing the facelifted S63 AMG in sedan guise ahead of the vehicle’s launch in mid-2017.

While the updated S63 will only be a facelift rather than an entirely new car, it will bring with it a different engine. In place of the twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V8 of the current car, AMG will fit its latest 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, already in use in the C63 and AMG GT ranges and set to also be adopted by the next-generation E63 AMG.

Although it’s smaller, the new 4.0-liter will be more powerful than the existing 5.5-liter unit and will pump out in excess of 600 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque. Mated to this engine will be the firm’s latest and greatest nine-speed automatic transmission.

It is thought that like the new E63, the facelifted S63 AMG will be offered in some markets solely with an all-wheel drive system. Thankfully, rear-wheel drive should be available in right-hand drive markets.

In terms of styling, the video shows that the facelifted model won’t be dramatically different to the current car. All we expect to see are tweaked front and rear bumpers as well as restyled headlights and taillights.

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