Mercedes AMG S 63 E Performance: The Ultimate Powerhouse Hybrid
With 802hp and a staggering 1,430Nm of torque, the Mercedes-AMG S 63 E-Performance is a car that might make you want to fire your chauffeur. Driving this S-Class is not about serene comfort; it’s about holding onto the steering wheel for dear life as you unleash its monstrous power. This isn’t the typical sophisticated S-Class but rather its wild, performance-focused cousin.
Powertrain and Performance
The S 63 E-Performance is a plug-in hybrid that combines a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine with an electric motor on the rear axle. The V8 produces 612hp and 900Nm, while the electric motor adds 190hp and 320Nm, bringing the total output to an insane 802hp and 1,430Nm. Deploying all that torque feels like putting Usain Bolt on your home treadmill; the grip is so intense it seems the car is stretching the road beneath it. Despite its hefty 2.5-tonne weight, it accelerates from 0 to 100kph in just 3.4 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 250kph, but with the Driver’s Pack, it can reach up to 290kph. Clearly, range is not the priority for this hybrid.
Driving Experience
Behind the wheel, the S 63 E-Performance offers an exhilarating experience with zero lag. The car picks up pace rapidly, making it essential to keep an eye on the speedometer. The vehicle uses two transmissions: a speedshift 9-speed MCT for the engine and a 2-speed transmission for the electric motor, ensuring smooth torque transitions. The first gear on the motor is effective up to 140kph, after which it switches to second for seamless performance.
Most of the time, drivers will rely on the 9-speed transmission, which is highly responsive. In Sport and Sport+ modes, it is aggressive, delivering immediate shifts. For total control, manual mode prevents upshifts unless the right paddle is pulled. However, in city driving, the transmission isn’t the smoothest, with noticeable jerks at low speeds. Even in Comfort mode, the immense power is always evident. The exhaust note is enhanced through the speakers, but the natural V8 roar and accompanying pops and bangs add to the drama when revved high.
Hybrid Technology
The S 63 E-Performance features a 13kWh battery pack with Formula 1-derived technology. This pack, comprising 1,200 individual cells, has dedicated coolant lines for thermal management, allowing each cell to be cooled individually. There are four recuperation modes to vary the level of regenerative braking, and the battery can be charged using a Type-2 port with an onboard 3.7kW AC charger. The exclusive ‘Battery Hold’ mode helps preserve the state of charge, allowing for all-electric driving in heavy traffic and saving fuel.
Ride and Handling
Balancing sportscar handling with luxurious ride comfort, the AMG S-Class features adaptive air suspension. While it doesn’t offer the softest ride, it remains composed thanks to active engine mounts. The low ground clearance requires careful navigation over speed bumps, despite the raise function of the air suspension. Handling is impressive, with the 4Matic+ system and 3-degree rear-wheel steering making the car agile in corners and tight turns. However, the car’s 2.5-tonne weight limits its handling capabilities in extremely tight bends.
The Mercedes-AMG S 63 E-Performance is a powerhouse of a limousine that brings thrilling performance and advanced hybrid technology to the luxury segment, though it requires a careful hand to manage its immense power.
