Our Top Pick: Mercedes-AMG S63 Coupe
Luxury coupe depreciation is the steep loss in resale value that high-performance, high-price grand tourers suffer over a few years, creating large gaps between their original purchase cost and later used-market prices while leaving their performance and comfort largely intact. The Mercedes-AMG S63 Coupe is the best choice for most buyers because it offers ultra-luxury comfort, brutal acceleration, and a huge depreciation curve that turns an elite flagship into a relatively attainable dream car. With a hand-built twin-turbo V8 producing 577 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque in early models, the S63 runs 0–60 mph in about 3.9 seconds. The 2018 facelift cut displacement to 4.0 liters but raised output to 603 hp with the same torque, dropping 0–60 mph to 3.4 seconds. You still get Airmatic air suspension with adaptive damping and standard all-wheel drive, so comfort and grip match the power. Depreciation has already done the painful part, leaving you a quiet, devastatingly quick grand tourer at a fraction of its original status price.
Why High-Performance Luxury Coupes Depreciate So Hard
High-performance car depreciation is far steeper than for mainstream models because these cars start expensive, fall out of fashion quickly, and scare off second owners with complex tech and running costs. The 2020 Mercedes-AMG S63 Coupe has already lost around 57% of its original value over six years, roughly a six-figure drop. A comparable Bentley grand tourer depreciates much less in percentage terms, but the S63 still delivers similar power, technology, and style with cheaper components and better parts availability. On the BMW side, a 2021 M8 Gran Coupe has seen its value drop by as much as 54% in just five years, according to pricing data, which is striking for a still-current flagship. These steep curves are bad news for first owners yet excellent for buyers who understand that depreciation is front-loaded: once the initial plunge has happened, later years tend to be calmer, while the underlying engine, chassis, and luxury hardware remain hugely capable.
Second Pick: 2021 BMW M8 Gran Coupe as a High-Value Weapon
If you want four doors and slightly sharper handling, the 2021 BMW M8 Gran Coupe is the used alternative that makes the most sense alongside the S63. Its 4.4-liter V8 delivers 600 hp in standard form and 617 hp in Competition trim, backed by an EPA combined rating of 17 mpg. In independent testing, the M8 has run 0–60 mph in under three seconds and pulled 1.02 g on the skidpad, confirming that it is a serious track-capable grand tourer. Depreciation has already chopped its value by up to 54% over five years, so used BMW M8 value is now compelling for buyers who want supercar pace without a supercar purchase price. Its S63 engine is widely tunable, with the aftermarket reporting over 700 wheel horsepower on stock internals. For an enthusiast who cares more about speed and tuning potential than ultimate cabin opulence, this is the smarter buy than a new mainstream performance sedan.
| Spec | Mercedes-AMG S63 Coupe | BMW M8 Gran Coupe |
|---|---|---|
| Engine layout | Twin-turbo V8, 5.5L (577 hp) or 4.0L (603 hp) | Twin-turbo 4.4L V8, 600–617 hp |
| 0–60 mph | 3.9 s (5.5L); 3.4 s (4.0L) | As quick as sub-3.0 s in testing |
| Drivetrain | AWD with Airmatic air suspension and adaptive damping | AWD grand tourer with high skidpad grip (1.02 g) |
| Character | Ultra-luxury coupe comfort with massive torque | Sharper four-door coupé with extreme tuning potential |
Real Costs: Maintenance, Depreciation and Daily Use
To benefit from luxury coupe depreciation, you must accept higher running costs and plan for age-related repairs. On the Mercedes-AMG S63 Coupe, expect premium pricing for tires and brake jobs, thanks to large compound-steel AMG hardware, and potentially several thousand ringgit if the Airmatic air suspension needs strut replacement. Its hand-built twin-turbo engines also demand diligent maintenance to avoid extremely expensive failures, including turbocharger replacements. A reliability and cost comparison source reports that the AMG is cheaper to maintain annually than an equivalent Bentley grand tourer, despite similar performance. On the BMW M8, the 4.4-liter V8’s thirst and tuning focus mean fuel and consumables will not be budget-friendly, but the upside is enormous speed and strong aftermarket support. The key is to buy after the big depreciation hit, then keep a realistic maintenance reserve: do that, and both cars deliver supercar-level performance for long stretches of daily driving and long-distance travel.
Buy if / Skip if
- Buy the Mercedes-AMG S63 Coupe if you want maximum luxury coupe depreciation working in your favor with flagship comfort and power.
- Skip the Mercedes-AMG S63 Coupe if you are not willing to budget for expensive tires, brakes, and potential Airmatic suspension repairs.
- Buy the BMW M8 Gran Coupe if you care about used BMW M8 value, four-door practicality, and extreme tuning potential from the S63 engine.
- Skip the BMW M8 Gran Coupe if you prefer understated styling or cannot live with an EPA combined rating of 17 mpg.
- Buy the Mercedes-AMG S63 Coupe if you want a smarter alternative to more exotic grand tourers, with better parts availability and lower typical maintenance costs.
- Skip the BMW M8 Gran Coupe if you mostly drive short, slow commutes where its performance and high-performance car depreciation bring little real-world benefit.
