AMG reveals 831bhp GT 4dr as first PHEV
MERCEDES-AMG HAS kickstarted its electrification by unveiling the E Performance version of its GT 4-Door Coupé as an 831bhp megaphev to rival the Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-hybrid.
Based on the GT 63 S 4-Door Coupé, AMG’S first plug-in hybrid supplements the reserves of a twinturbocharged 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine with a 201bhp electric motor on the rear axle – a new arrangement dubbed the P3 drive system.
With more power than any previous AMG and torque in excess of 1033lb ft, it will clear the 0-62mph sprint in just 2.9sec and top out at 196mph – effectively matching the smaller and more track-focused GT Black Series two-door launched last year for outright pace.
The electric motor takes its power from a 6.1kwh 400V battery pack that weighs just 89kg and has been “designed for fast power delivery and draw, not the longest possible [electric-only] range”.
AMG claims its new PHEV will manage 7.5 miles of EV running per charge, with the motor capable of propelling it alone at up to 81mph.
Subtle changes over the regular GT 4-Door Coupé include a new front bumper modelled on that of the two-door GT Coupé, bespoke badging, new tailpipes and bespoke 20in and 21in wheel designs. Otherwise, the PHEV is almost visually and technically identical to the recently facelifted V8-only model (driven, p38).
Pricing and availability of the GT 63 S E Performance 4-Door Coupé have yet to be confirmed, but expect a sizeable premium over the £141,855 commanded by the GT 63 S 4-Door Coupé.