MONSTER LUXURY
PLUG-IN HYBRID MERCEDES-AMG S63 IS THE MOST POWERFUL S-CLASS YET AND HAS 1,429NM
The Mercedes-AMG S63 has been reborn as a plug-in hybrid performance saloon housing an electrically assisted 4.0-litre V8 that develops up to 791bhp. Set for sale next year, the luxury supersaloon runs an updated version of the twinturbocharged engine used by its predecessor, but now adopts a rear-axle-mounted electric motor and a 13.1kWh lithium ion battery. The set-up is similar to that of the Mercedes-AMG performance car division’s recently introduced GT 63 S E Performance.
The new petrol-electric drivetrain brings an additional 214bhp over the old S63, which makes the 2023 model — officially called the S63 E Performance — the most powerful series-production S-Class model to date. Even more impressive is the increase in torque: up by 530Nm to 1,429Nm.
This means the new S63’s reserves eclipse those of even the previous-generation S65, whose twinturbocharged 6.0-litre V12 petrol engine delivered 624bhp and 1,000Nm.
However, the added muscle is not without a substantial weight penalty. The car arrives with a claimed kerb weight of 2,595kg (525kg more than its predecessor), albeit with what Mercedes-AMG’s head of technical development, Jochen Hermann, describes as “optimised weight distribution”.
Power is channelled through a nine-speed AMG Speedshift MCT automatic gearbox (for the combustion engine) and a two-speed gearbox (electric motor) as well as fully variable AMG Performance 4Matic+ four-wheel drive with torque-vectoring qualities for the rear wheels. This gives the flagship AMG saloon an official 0-100kph time of 3.3sec and a governed top speed of 250kph — raised to 290kph with the optional AMG Driver’s Package.
With the new powertrain come new driving modes — Electric, Comfort, Battery Hold, Sport, Sport+, Slippery and Individual — that allow the flagship AMG saloon to travel short distances on electric power alone: a 33km EV range is claimed. The electrification means overall fuel consumption has been more than halved, with an average of 27.3kpl (compared with 13.8kpl for its predecessor) despite the added weight.
On the outside, the new S63 E Performance has been given greater visual differentiation from other S-Class models than its predecessor had.
Among the exterior styling changes is a new-look front bumper and AMG-specific Panamericana-style grille with vertical louvres. The Mercedes-Benz star logo on the bonnet has been replaced by an AMG emblem. The rear receives traditional S63 styling touches, including a new-look bumper with an integrated diffuser and trapezoidal-shaped tailpipes. The wheel arches house standard 21in alloy wheels.
The sporting theme continues inside, with an AMG Performance steering wheel and AMG graphics for the digital instruments and selected infotainment functions. AMG-embossed upholstery for the front seats and AMG-specific trim for the dashboard also feature.
Pricing for the S63 E Performance has yet to be confirmed, but it is expected to rise considerably over the old S63 4Matic.