The future may be electric for the Mercedes brand, but the present is very much the domain of the hybrid drivetrain. And the new S 63 is the ultimate expression of a Mercedes luxury hybrid.
Initially conceived to satisfy the tree huggers, hybrid powertrains have eventually made their way into the world of supercars and race cars, allowing them to add to the drama and impact of the internal combustion engine. Mercedes definitely knows a thing or two about creating high performance hybrids, as they’ve won seven consecutive Formula One constructors’ titles in the V6 turbo-hybrid era thus far.
The Mercedes-AMG S 63 makes a return to the Mercedes stable after a two year hiatus. And with a vengeance, may I add. This latest iteration of the German marque’s super saloon is the most powerful version of the S 63 ever, with a stratospheric 802 hp and 1,430 Nm of torque, a direct result of the technological transfer between the race track and the streets.612 of those 802 horsepowers come from its AMG 4.0-litre biturbo V8, which transfers this energy to the road via a nine-speed multi-clutch gearbox. A rear-mounted electric motor is responsible for creating the remaining 190 hp, itself being equipped with an electrically shifted two-speed transmission.
The latter, combined with an electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential, forms what Mercedes dubs a compact electric drive unit (EDU), equipping the car with the technical ability to add electrical boost throughout the entire RPM range. A 13.1 kWh battery pack resides in the rear boot floor of the car, allowing you to drive the car as a fully electric vehicle for up to 33 kilometres. It can be recharged via its 3.7 kW onboard AC charger at a charging station, or from a wallbox/household socket.To deal with all 1,430 Nm of its torque, the S 63 E Performance is the only model in the market segment to be equipped with active engine mounts. It utilises onboards sensors to adjust the force with which the engine is coupled to the body, creating customisable dynamics depending on the level of performance and/or comfort you are asking of the car.
Quite the recipe then, for a potent 0-100km/h machine. It is mechanically blessed enough to complete it in just 3.3 seconds despite its sheer heft. Equally impressive is the way the car looks, as this is also the very first time an S-Class Saloon has worn an AMG-specific radiator grille with vertical louvres and a large central star.Other AMG touches include front aprons in jet-wing design with large side air inlets and functional air curtains, 21-inch AMG forged wheels and the AMG-specific side sill panels. Round the back, the trapezoidal fluted twin tailpipes and wide diffuser with longitudinal fins and diffuser board complete the AMG makeover.
In the cabin, the car is every bit as competent as any other S-Class variant at being a luxury car. It combines the high-quality appointments of the S-Class, but with an AMG twist. You’ll find special AMG upholstery layout and distinctive stitching throughout the cabin, but especially on the seats, with its exclusive colours, various nappa leather upholsteries and embossed AMG emblems in the front head restraints.The Mercedes engineers have also included various AMG- and hybrid-specific displays and functions into the MBUX system. These include the displays in the instrument cluster, on the multimedia central display in portrait orientation in the centre console and the optional head-up display.
There’s no official word on pricing from our local Mercedes distributors yet, but we’re sure it’s a case of – if you need to ask, you probably cannot afford it!
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Keyword: Mercedes-AMG S 63 Returns With 1,430 Nm of Tyre-Slaying Vengeance
The future may be electric for the Mercedes brand, but the present is very much the domain of the hybrid drivetrain. And the new S 63 is the ultimate expression of a Mercedes luxury hybrid.