Proving again that a luxury saloon could be transformed into a very sporty vehicle, Mercedes-AMG has debuted the latest AMG S-Class, the Mercedes-AMG S 63 E Performance. Currently the most powerful S-Class of all time, the Mercedes-AMG S 63 E Performance is powered by a plug-in hybrid system with a V8 engine.
Like the latest AMG C 63, the S 63 houses a similar F1-tech hybrid system, albeit with a much larger engine with twice the number of cylinders. The 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine powers all wheels and gets assistance from a rear-mounted electric drive system.
The engine itself makes 612 hp (metric) @ 5,500-6,500 rpm and 900 Nm @ 2,500-4,500 rpm. The rear-mounted electric motor makes 190 hp (metric) and 320 Nm. Combined, the system makes 802 hp (metric) and 1,430 Nm.
With that amount of power and torque, the 2,595-kg luxury saloon launches from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.3 seconds and has a top speed of 290 km/h (250 km/h with electronic speed limiter). Power is sent to all wheels via an AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive (AWD) system. Responsible for transmitting all power is an AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9G transmission (automatic transmission with wet multi-disc start-off clutch).
Not tuned for ‘economic driving’, the 13.1-kWh battery pack of the S 63 E’s hybrid system only provides an all-electric range of 33 km. The battery can be charge via 3.7-kW AC charging.
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In the handling department, the bodyshell of the S 63 E Performance has been reinforced with an aluminium stabiliser under the V8 engine. At the rear, there are diagonal aluminium struts in the underbody to increase driving precision. Standard equipment on the S63 E Performance include AMG RIDE CONTROL+ suspension with adaptive damping and Active roll stabilisation.
Equipped on the S 63 E Performance are 7 AMG driving modes, namely Electric”, “Comfort”, “Battery Hold”, “Sport”, “Sport+”, “Slippery” and “Individual”. The suspension allows the driver to select from three different modes which are “Basic”, “Advanced”, and “Pro”.
An interesting feature of the S 63 E Performance is the active engine mounts that adjust their stiffness to the current driving condition. The engine mount stiffness communicates with a set of sensors that detect the road condition ahead. This allows for a further increased spread between performance and comfort.
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On the outside, the AMG S-Class gets an AMG-specific ’Panamericana’ grille for the first time, joining the look of smaller AMG models. The S63 E Performance sits on 20-inch wheels all around with a staggered setup measuring 9.5 inches wide in front and 10.5 inches at the rear. The debut unit shows the wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres.
Inside, the S 63 E Performance gets seats with special AMG upholstery. Various exclusive upholstery colours are offered, and ‘AMG’ emblems are embossed in the front head restraints. Also featured in the interior are the ‘First-Class’ rear compartment, AMG-specific trim elements, and an AMG Performance Steering Wheel.
The Mercedes-AMG S 63 E Performance is available to order with Mercedes-Benz DRIVE PILOT system that allows for conditionally automated driving (SAE level 3). This enables customers to hand over the driving task to the system under certain conditions in heavy traffic or congestion situations on suitable motorway sections (in Germany) up to a speed of 60 km/h.
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