Mercedes-Benz introduced the GT 63 a few years back and it left all of its 4-door competitors in the dust. Providing outrageous performance without compromising practicality, it filled a gap in the market that nobody knew existed.
With Mercedes' fully electric future inbound, it seems that all of their AMG models morphing into hybrids before taking the plunge and going all-electric. At this year's IAA Motorshow in Munich, Mercedes-AMG presented the GT 63 S E Performance.
The AMG GT 63 was already a cool car. Stylish, stupidly fast and practical, a really solid all-rounder. Now moving into their next chapter, the GT 63 gets a plug-in powertrain as it shows the world what the future holds for Mercedes-AMG.
The AMG GT 63 S E Performance Is Awesome
Mercedes-AMG officially debuted its first-ever full production hybrid model, the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance, a mouthful, we know. This new model is developed entirely in Affalterbach and features a unique drivetrain layout with an electric motor and battery on the rear axle which has all been developed in-house by Mercedes-AMG. The technology used for the motor and battery has trickled its easy down from the cars Mercedes-AMG builds for Formula 1.
Additionally, the new hybrid model offers a new chapter in AMG driving dynamics and has been equipped with a new technology that Mercedes has called; E Performance. The new AMG GT 63 S E performance has carried over the flowing GTR-esque design with a low front end, muscular stance, and the signature fastback trunk lid with active aero features. The rear quarter houses the discreet plug-in charging flaps and the first-ever AMG badging indicating E- Performance, which is indicated by color.
The new GT 63 model has inherited all the upgrades of the last AMG model facelift. AMG Ride Control+ suspension with a new damping system, the new AMG carbon-ceramic brake systems standard, and the latest MBUX infotainment system all find their way into the 63E. The interior of the vehicle isn't too unfamiliar. You'll find a standard AMG Performance steering wheel with the usual twin-spoke design and control buttons, and a luxurious mix of extended Nappa leather and carbon fiber trimmings. A set of all-new 20 and 21-inch alloys are available in two colors when configuring too.
It being a hybrid means that it will be going head to head with another plug-in GT whose name is too long, the Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid which also combines a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 with a rear-mounted electric motor. The engine, despite being connected to an electric motor is still an absolute masterpiece from AMG which makes the GT63 powerful, and I mean really powerful, so powerful in fact that it is their most powerful car ever.
The Best Feature Of The GT 63 S E Performance
The GT63 S E Performance has an amazing combination of powertrains, which for us has to be the standout component in this new GT. It's powered by a 4.0L V8 bi-turbo engine, which has been paired with an electric motor, a high-performance battery, and AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive system. The combination of the engine and the electric motor means that it can produce an unbelievable output of 843HP and 1,400NM of torque. It will then go on to see a top speed of 196MPH after a 0-62 time of just 2.9 seconds and to 120MPH in less than 10 seconds.
The electric motor and battery have been mounted directly over the rear axle so as to improve the overall efficiency of the vehicle, better the weight and axle load distribution as well as increasing the drive power. This also ensures minimal mechanical and hydraulic failures from the engine and transmission whilst increasing the boost power for performance driving. Although it is their first, having been built by AMG, this hybrid powertrain has no doubt been tested extensively and is sure to be a reliable piece of machinery.
The all-new AMG high-performance battery is inspired by the Petronas AMG Formula 1 car, which combines high power output with minimal weight to increase. The battery has a total capacity of 6.1kWh, 70kW continuous output, and 150kW of peak output for 10 seconds. Owners will have the option to charge using all the standard methods like charging stations, wall boxes, or household sockets, nothing out of the ordinary for AMG's first PHEV. The battery is designed for fast power delivery and draw.
However, despite the announcements, Mercedes-AMG is yet to disclose the price. As it stands, the GT 43 4-Door starts at $89,900 in the US and GT 53 around $99,950 however the GT 63 jumps up to $140,600 – or even more at $161,900 for the 63S. It's expected that the S E Performance to sit at the top of the GT 4-Door range, so a base price of around $180,000 could be in the pipeline. No doubt this is just the start of the electrification of AMG powertrains, and we will keep our eyes peeled for future electrified offerings that the legendary tuner has in store.