Mercedes-AMG has just revealed the first in its new product lineup of E Performance plug-in-hybrids. It’s called the GT63 S E Performance. It will be joined soon by other AMG PHEVs, including the next top AMG C-class. For now, the GT63 S is the most powerful AMG road car yet—but only until the 1000-plus-hp One arrives.
The new model uses a familiar twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 that produces 630 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of torque, with a permanent-magnet synchronous AC motor and a 4.8-kWh battery pack incorporated in the rear axle. Through a two-speed gearbox, the motor adds an additional 201 horsepower for up to 10 seconds, or 94 horses continuously. The lithium-ion battery pack is charged via the 3.7-kW onboard AC charger.
Together, they make 831 horsepower and 1082 pound-feet of torque. A nine-speed automatic transmission handles the gear exchanges, and AMG's 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system delivers torque to all four corners. Additionally, the electrified rear axle has an electronically controlled limited-slip differential. AMG claims the GT63 S E Performance will reach 62 mph in 2.9 seconds with 124 mph arriving in less than 10 seconds. We expect it to be much quicker as a GT63 S reached 60 mph in 2.6 seconds in our test.
Like the nonhybrid model, the GT63 S E Performance is equipped with AMG's air springs with electronically controlled adaptive dampers. Seven drive modes are available, including an electric model that's good for a claimed 7 miles of driving range and speeds up to 80 mph, and four levels of regenerative braking are toggled via a button on the steering wheel. Its carbon-ceramic brakes measure 16.5 inches up front and 15.0 inches in the rear, 0.7 inches larger in the front and 0.8 inches in the rear than the non-hybrid.
You can tell them apart by a red GT63 S badge on the rear just above the charge port and a "V8 BiTurbo E Performance" badge on each front fender. Seven new exterior color choices are available, too, along with four matte and five metallic colors and new 20- and 21-inch wheels. The MBUX infotainment system can display hybrid-specific information such as electric driving range, the power of the electric motor, battery temperatures, and power flow, which can also be displayed on the optional rear passenger screens.
Mercedes-AMG will announce U.S. specs, including pricing, closer to the GT63 S E Performance's launch for the 2023 model year.
Mercedes-AMG will announce U.S. specs, including pricing, closer to the GT63 S E Performance's launch for the 2023 model year.
-by Amaan Attar
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