With a 0-100kph time of just 2.9 seconds, it is one of the quickest accelerating AMGs yet.
If the standard Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S wasn’t wild enough for you, there is a version now that will solve that. AMG’s latest offering for India is the 843hp Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance. The ‘E Performance’ suffix gives it more juice, and some extremely clever tech derived from Merc’s formula one car. It also is a plug-in hybrid now, although we don’t think it’s the first choice that comes to mind when one thinks of efficiency.
Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance exterior
On the outside, the E Performance is still as long as its name measuring over five metres and with an aggressive shark-like front end. The new bit though is the restyled bumper that gets wider air intakes and active aero. The large Panamericana grille is still the star attraction, along with the long bonnet with sharp creases up top.
The air intakes on the bumper now feature active aerodynamics.
Over to the side, you have a variety of options for the wheels ranging between 20 inches-22 inches and with different styles too. However, standard on the E-Performance are carbon ceramic brakes. It also gets an electric mode since it is a hybrid, and it will be interesting to see how the brakes feel with the recuperation system.
There is an ‘E Performance’ badge on the fenders to warn the ones readying for a drag race. Being an AMG, owners are likely to customise their cars with graphics and quirky paint shades from the AMG catalogue. That said, no matter how discreet the paint, you can’t miss this super-sedan.
The charging port for the battery is situated on the rear bumper.
At the rear, the GT 63 S badge is painted red to signify that it’s an ‘E Performance’ and under it rests the charging port. There is a carbon-fibre diffuser with quad exhaust tips that aren’t directly bolted to the actual exhaust pipes, but are situated very close to them. There is also a retractable spoiler that breaks away the coupe-like look at high speeds.
Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance interior
On the inside, this big Merc hasn’t shied away from luxury – it feels properly premium with plenty of racy bits added on. The dash is modern with the dual-screen set-up, but surrounding it is carbon fibre and Alcantara. It also has one-piece performance seats as an optional extra and here, too, you can customise the interior to your choice.
The one-piece bucket seats are an optional extra.
The E Performance bits are on the new steering, which might look like a complicated device but is rather intuitive to use once you spend time with it. The knob for the drive mode selector can switch between Comfort, Sport, Sport Plus, Race and EL mode, which is the electric mode. Click on the same knob and it lets you adjust the level of regenerative braking.
The infotainment system now offers a host of battery related data.
Other bits are the hybrid system information that is integrated into the MBUX, which tells you the battery SOC and temperatures, along with consumption information. At the rear, it has space for two adults with a centre console and a touchpad for the controls. Space is plenty with a large wheelbase, but with an AMG, you’d always want to be in the driver’s seat.
Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance engine, battery
Powering the E Performance is the same 4.0-litre, twin-turbo petrol engine from the standard car making 639hp and 900Nm mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission. Power is transferred to all four wheels via the rear-biased 4MATIC+system. However, paired to the electric motor and battery pack, it makes 843hp and 1,470Nm! The real magic happens in the rear where a battery pack and an electric motor are situated. Thanks to them being placed on the rear axle of the GT 63 S, the E Performance gets a 50:50 weight distribution.
The plug-in hybrid powertrain has a total output of 843hp and 1,470Nm.
The battery weighs 89kg and can be charged via a 3.7kW on-board AC charger. The 6.1 kWh battery pack produces a continuous output of 95hp but under hard acceleration, it provides 204hp and 320Nm for 10 seconds. It gets a 12km claimed full-electric range and charging is via the 3.7 kW on-board AC charger. That said, the battery is designed for fast power delivery and not for range so at best, it can be used to tip-toe out of driveways without disturbing the neighbours.
What’s interesting is the F1-derived fluid cooling of the 560 individual lithium-ion cells via a specially developed high-performance electric pump, also flowing through an oil/water heat exchanger attached directly to the battery and a coolant line that cools the cells with around 14 litres of fluid and helps with thermal management.
The powertrain uses F1-derived cooling technology.
The electric motor also has an electronic limited-slip differential and a 2-speed transmission in which, the first gear helps with the rapid acceleration, while the second steps in to ease off the motor at high speeds.
Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance expected price, verdict
The price for the E Performance will be out in a couple of days and it will, expectedly, be north of Rs 3 crore. But to sum it up, it has all the luxury bits thanks to a well-equipped cabin, all the features you’d need in a luxury car, and the appeal of the big brash AMG all rolled into one. But why you would want this car above everything, is for the genius F1 tech that hides beneath.
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