Mercedes-AMG has introduced the latest-gen S 63 performance sedan that now comes with an 802hp PHEV powertrain. The new S 63 sits on the seventh-gen S-Class and also gets greater visual differentiation from other S-Class models than its predecessor.
- New AMG S 63 E Performance to be the most powerful S-Class
- Is 525kg heavier than its predecessor
- Has a claimed EV-only range of 33km
Mercedes-AMG S 63: powertrain details
The new AMG S 63 comes with an updated version of the twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine used by its predecessor, and it also adopts a rear-axle-mounted asynchronous electric motor and a 13.1kWh lithium-ion battery. It's a set-up similar to that of the recently introduced Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance 4-Door Coupé.
The new petrol-electric drivetrain brings an additional 217hp over the old S 63 4Matic, making the 2023 model, which will be called the S 63 E Performance, the most powerful series-production S-Class model to date.
Even more impressive is the increase in torque – it extends by 530Nm to 1,430Nm. Until now, the most powerful S-Class was the previous-generation S 65, whose twin-turbocharged 6.0-litre V12 petrol engine delivered 633hp and 999Nm. The added reserves aren't without a substantial weight penalty, though. With a claimed kerb weight of 2,595kg, the new S 63 tips the scales a considerable 525kg above its predecessor.
Drive is channelled through a nine-speed AMG Speedshift MCT automatic gearbox (for the ICE) and two-speed gearbox (for the motor) as well as a fully variable AMG Performance 4Matic+ four-wheel drive with torque-vectoring for the rear wheels.
This gives the flagship AMG sedan an official 0-100kph time of 3.3sec and a governed top speed of 250kph as standard or 290kph in combination with an optional AMG Driver’s Package. Altogether, there are seven driving modes: Electric, Comfort, Battery Hold, Sport, Sport+, Slippery and Individual.
The combination of a motor and a battery gives the S 63 the capability to travel short distances on electric power alone. In Electric mode, it delivers up to 190hp and 239Nm of torque along with an official WLTP economy of 4.6km per kWh and a claimed electric-only range of 33km. As a result of the electrification measures, official fuel consumption has been more than halved. The new S 63's WLTP average of 27.2kpl beats that of the long-wheelbase S 63 it replaces by 13.8kpl, despite all that added weight.
The 400V battery consists of 1,200 cells and uses liquid cooling to maintain optimum operating temperate. Its energy capacity is more than double that of the battery used by the GT 63 S E Performance. It can be charged at rates of up to 3.7kW by an AC charger. Additionally, the driver can choose between four stages of energy regeneration, the highest of which recovers kinetic electricity produced during braking and on the overrun at up to 90kW.
Mercedes-AMG S 63: styling changes
Among the exterior styling changes made to the standard seventh-generation S-Class are a new front bumper and an AMG-specific Panamericana front grille with vertical louvres. An AMG emblem has replaced the Mercedes-Benz star on the bonnet, while the rear receives traditional S 63 styling touches, including a new-look bumper with an integrated diffuser and trapezoidal tailpipes. The standard wheels are 21 inches in diameter.
The sporting theme continues inside with an AMG Performance steering wheel, AMG graphics for the digital instruments and selected infotainment functions, AMG-embossed upholstery for the front seats and AMG-specific trim for the dashboard, among other elements.
The S 63 receives a reinforced body with what Mercedes-AMG describes as an “aluminium stabiliser” under the combustion engine, as well as an additional cross-brace between the front suspension towers. It also claims that a carbon fibre-reinforced plastic compartment used to accommodate the battery within the floor of the boot also adds rigidity to the rear.
Underneath, AMG Ride Control+ suspension with air springs and variable damping control provides automatic self-levelling and an automatic lowering function at speeds above 80mph for added aerodynamic efficiency. The S 63 also receives AMG Active Ride Control stabilisation with electromechanical anti-roll bars as well as rear-axle steering of up to 2.5deg.
Mercedes-AMG S 63: Will it come to India?
Mercedes-Benz India did sell the previous-gen S 63 sedan and coupe in the Indian market. The brand is currently focusing on EV as well as ICE models and there’s no Mercedes-Benz plug-in hybrid model on offer in India as of now. There is no news on whether the new S 63 would come to India anytime soon.
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