Mercedes-AMG GT63 S E Performance unveiled – A hybrid with 1,400Nm

Mercedes-AMG has revealed its first hybrid performance car – the GT 63 S E Performance.

The E Performance is based on the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S 4-door Coupe, and is fitted with a unique petrol-electric drivetrain with an electric motor mounted on the rear axle.

As the new flagship of the GT 4-door model series, the E Performance is also “particularly extensively equipped”, said Mercedes-Benz, and offers all the latest upgrades that were fitted to the standard variant during its latest facelift.

Features

The E Performance offers all the bells and whistles from the luxury brand, such as a Nappa leather upholstery, carbon fibre veneers with matte aluminium inlays, a twin-spoke AMG multifunction steering wheel, and two large displays that form a “virtual cockpit” for the passengers.

The driver also has the ability to switch between seven different drive modes, including an all-electric setting, as well as adjust the electric powertrain’s braking regeneration strength.

The infotainment display has hybrid-specific functions, too, which include readings like remaining electric range, instantaneous power consumption, electric output, and battery temperatures.

This is in addition to climate control, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, electrically-adjustable seats, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

To amplify this flagship’s sporty character, it’s then fitted with 20-inch wheels, the newest AMG Ride Control + adaptive suspension set-up, and ceramic-composite high-performance brakes.

Performance

At the heart of the GT 63 S E Performance lies a 4.0-litre, V8, bi-turbo engine that generates 470kW and 900Nm between 2,500rpm and 4,500rpm.

The motor pairs to a 9-speed automatic transmission and sends power to all four wheels via a 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system.

This unit connects to a permanently-excited synchronous electric motor, which provides an additional 150kW and 320Nm.

These powertrains combine to produce a total of 620kW and up to 1,470Nm, which sends the GT 63 S E Performance to 100km/h in 2.9 seconds.

It also sprints to 200km/h in less than 10 seconds, and reaches a top speed of 316km/h.

According to Mercedes-Benz, the hybrid model is even more agile than the vehicle it is based on – thanks to an integrated electronically-controlled limited-slip differential on the rear axle.

The dual-gear set-up of the electric motor further improves performance and efficiency by only engaging its second electric gear when 140km/h is passed, and offers braking regeneration when the driver lifts their foot off the accelerator pedal.

“This charges the battery and creates a strong braking torque – the wheel brakes are subjected to less wear or, depending on the regeneration level and traffic situation, do not have to be applied at all,” said Mercedes-Benz.

A high-performance, 6.1kWh battery included in the car – produced in-house by Mercedes-Benz – adds 89kg to the overall 2,087kg kerb weight of the E Performance, and can be charged via the 3.7kW on-board AC charger.

An all-electric driving range of 12km at speeds of up to 130km/h is then available, and an additional 10kW integrated starter-generator takes care of starting the internal combustion engine and supplying cabin features with power.

No South African pricing or launch date had been announced at the time of writing.

Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance