The Mercedes-AMG S 63 E Performance 2023 comes as the latest plug-in hybrid sports sedan from the German brand. The result is the most powerful S-Class ever from the automaker.
Plug-In Hybrid Power
The heart of the S 63 E Performance is a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 and rear axle-mounted electric motor. Its total output is a healthy 791 horsepower (590 kilowatts) and 1,055 pound-feet (1,430 Newton-meters). This makes the sedan reach 60 miles per hour (96 kilometers per hour) in about 3.2 seconds. In the United States, the AMG Driver’s Package is standard to provide a top speed of 180 mph (290 kph). In Europe, this upgrade was an option, and the car would have run out of steam at 155 mph (250 kph) without it.
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By itself, the twin-turbo V8 produces a peak power of 603 hp (450 kW) from 5500 to 6500 rpm. Maximum torque of 664 lb-ft (900 Nm) is available between 2500 and 4500 rpm.
The electric motor has a continuous output of 94 hp (70 kW). A peak of 188 hp (140 kW) is available for 10 seconds internal. Maximum torque is 236 lb-ft (320 Nm). There’s a two-speed transmission for it that shifts into second gear at around 87 mph (140 kph).
A 13.1 kilowatt-hour battery provides power to the motor. It is mounted at the rear above the rear axle. Mercedes didn’t specify an EV-only range but said the setup prioritized fast power delivery over long electric driving ranges. This package includes a 3.7 kW AC charger.
Driving Experience
The drivetrain for the ICE portion of the powertrain consists of a nine-speed automatic that sends output to the all-wheel-drive system. The rear axle has 2.5 degree steering.
The S 63 E Performance uses adaptive air suspension that lowers the sedan by up to 0.4 inches (1.02 centimeters) at speeds above 75 mph (121 kph). It also has active roll stabilization which reduces body roll when cornering. Active engine mounts can soften or harden the joint between the V8 and the body, depending on driving conditions.
AMG strengthened the structure of the sports sedan by adding an aluminum stabilizer under the V8 and cross struts for the suspension attachment points. The diagonal aluminum strut on the back does the same job.
Braking duties come thanks to 15.7-inch discs with six-piston calipers up front and 15-inch single-piston plug rotors at the rear. Ceramic composite pieces are an optional upgrade.
How It Looks
The S 63 E Performance has a slightly more aggressive look than the standard S-Class. The grid has a vertical grid arrangement. AMG emblem combined with chrome and black on the tip of the nose. The lower fascia displays a large opening at the outer end. At the rear, there are four trapezoidal exhaust tips with a diffuser in between.
Inside, there is seating for four. The MBUX infotainment system gets a special look at the AMG features and the hybrid powertrain. The heads-up display is also standard. The steering wheel switch includes the ability to choose between four braking recovery modes.
