Mercedes-AMG GT 63S E Performance Breaks Cover As Affalterbach’s First Performance Hybrid!

Mercedes-AMG has unleashed the GT 63S E Performance, its first ever plug-in hybrid offering from the performance-oriented brand. Many (including us) were expecting this to be christened the GT 73, but the GT 63S hybrid is no less of a slouch thanks to its insane hybrid tech from a Formula 1 car. 

Let’s start with the headline numbers. A 4-litre twin-turbo V8 belting out 639PS/900Nm works in tandem with a 204PS/320Nm electric motor mounted on the rear axle. In total, this setup develops a combined output of 843PS and up to 1470Nm of twist! Enough to take the AMG GT 63S hybrid from 0-100kmph in just 2.9 seconds (standard GT 63 took 3.2 seconds). Keep the throttle pinned and it will hit a top speed of 316kmph. 

To ensure all that power is put down effectively, the GT63 S hybrid drives all four wheels via a 9-speed automatic transmission. When setting off first, the electric motor drives only the rear wheels. However, if it detects a slip, the motor is capable of transferring the power to the front wheels.  

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Then there’s the sheer amount of force while launching this performance car. The two-geared electric motor puts out the entire 204PS and 350Nm in first gear to ensure you get the perfect start. It shifts seamlessly into second gear at around 140kmph when it is spinning at max attack around 13,500rpm. 

Powering the electric motor is a 6.1kWh battery pack that gets a special cooling tech to keep its temperatures in check. Mercedes clearly says that this battery pack helps the electric motor in offering fast performance and not long driving range. So it’s no surprise that the AMG GT63S hybrid is capable of doing only 12km in pure EV mode. It also comes with regenerative braking and can be driven with just one pedal to charge the battery up as it decelerates. 

A host of driving aids help you out while driving this beast hard. For starters, this hybrid setup ensures a perfect weight balance so that handling is improved. Then there’s the seven drive modes that alter various parameters of the vehicle. And last but not least is the carbon ceramic brakes and multi-chamber air suspension with automatic level control and adaptive dampers. 

By now, the pictures of the car already must have given you an idea of what is new in its design wise, but I promise to keep it brief. The GT 63S Hybrid gets its own unique bumpers, alloy wheels, and E Performance badging on the front fender. Inside, the dual screens run on hybrid-specific graphics. All of these are present to remind you that you’re driving in a green AMG. 

The Mercedes-AMG GT 63S E Performance will be displayed at the upcoming Munich Motor Show slated between September 6 and 12. It will lock horns with the Porsche Panamera e-hybrid.