Image: AMG
Image: AMG
Image: AMG
Image: AMG
Image: AMG
Image: AMG
New ModelsBy: Siyavuya Mbaduli
The AMG S-Class history dates back more than 50 years and in this time, it has always been held in high esteem, exuding nothing but pure elegance and luxury. Mercedes AMG has just revealed their latest model to come out of Affalterbach, the significant S63 E Performance plug-in hybrid.
Image: AMG
The new Mercedes-AMG S63 E Performance offers the perfect balance of sporty and luxurious design, opulent interiors and super sedan performance. This new offering is officially the most powerful S-Class the brand has ever built. The focus of the powertrain, however, is less on the electric range and more on best-in-class performance. S63 E Performance packs a 4,0-litre, twin-turbo V8 engine that produces an outstanding 590 kW of power and 1430 N.m of torque. There is also a larger 13.1 kWh lithium-ion battery pack located above the rear axle which allows for a claimed pure electric range of 33 km according to WLTP testing. This whole setup allows the car to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in just 3,3 seconds.
It also hits a top speed of 290 km/h, a 9-speed automatic gearbox handles transmission duties while adaptive air suspension and active roll stabilization ensure better performance. With rivals like the Bentley Flying Spur, BMW M7 and the Audi S8, the new S63 sets a new standard in the luxury saloon segment.
Image: AMG
The impressive performance of the Mercedes-AMG S63 E is also suggested by the expressive exterior design. For the first time, an S-Class Saloon bears the AMG-specific radiator grille with vertical louvres with a large central star. The previous Mercedes star on the radiator has been replaced by the AMG emblem in silver chrome/black. In addition, the front apron in jet-wing design with large side air inlets and functional air curtains characterises the front view. On the side view, there are up to 21-inch AMG forged wheels and the AMG-specific side sill panels that are more prominent. At the rear, there are characteristic design features of the ’63 models such as the trapezoidal, fluted twin tailpipes or the wide diffuser with longitudinal fins and diffuser board.
Image: AMG
The interior combines the high-quality appointments of the S-Class with AMG-specific features. The seats with a special AMG upholstery layout and distinctive stitching underline the refined appearance. Exclusive colours and various Nappa leather upholsteries with an embossed AMG emblem in the front head restraints emphasise either the sporty or the luxurious side of the S63 E Performance.
Image: AMG
The leadership aspirations in the segment are also made clear by the First-Class rear compartment and multi-contour seats for four occupants. Added to this are AMG-specific trim elements and the standard AMG Performance steering wheel with AMG steering wheel buttons. As with any new S-Class, the S63 E Performance is stuffed with all the latest tech. The long list includes active distance assist, active steering assists, traffic sign assist, lane keeping assist, lane change assist, emergency stop assist, attention assist, cross-traffic alerts, active blind spot assist, and even evasive steering assist.
Mercedes hasn’t announced when the 2023 Mercedes-AMG S 63 E Performance will go on sale or how much it will cost. However, we’re expecting it to start to hit dealers early next year and for the price to start somewhere in the range of $187 000, approximately R3 246 708, just a bit more than the previous S63.
Keyword: The ultimate V8 Hybrid? Mercedes S63 E Performance unveiled