Mercedes-AMG has introduced its new flagship model, the S63 E Performance.
Equipped with a hybridised V8 powerplant, the high-performance saloon is certified to blow even supercars out of the water in a straight line, while its passenger cell is rivaled by few.
Best-in-class performance
The inspiration for the S63’s electrification wasn’t emissions-free driving, but rather to achieve best-in-class performance, said the automaker.
The E Performance moniker means the AMG’s 4.0-litre, V8, bi-turbo petrol unit is complemented by a 140kW electric motor on the rear axle.
The result is a monstrous power ceiling of 590kW and 1,430Nm, allowing the large four-door to sprint to 100km/h in a flashing 3.3 seconds while an electronically-limited top speed of 290km/h is also attainable when the AMG Driver’s package is installed, otherwise it’s capped at 250km/h.
Handling all this grunt is a nine-speed, dual-clutch automatic gearbox translating drive to all four wheels, with sharp handling ensured through the addition of rear-axle steering, an electrically-controlled limited-slip differential, and the AMG Ride Control+ suspension system with active roll stabilisation.
Thanks to the fitment of a 13.1kWh battery module, an all-electric driving range of 33km is also on the books, as well as brake energy recuperation in four stages with the highest stage being able to feed 90kW of power back into the battery under hard braking.
Moreover, the new S63 achieves improved fuel consumption of 4.4l/100km and lower emissions than the outgoing generation, and it now offers seven driving modes comprising Battery Hold, Comfort, Electric, Individual, Slippery, Sport, and Sport+.
Unrivaled opulence
The new S63’s four-seater cabin is among the most opulent out there, bringing Nappa leather upholstery with AMG-specific stitching, massive touchscreen displays, electric, heated, and ventilated seats, a heads-up display, and a Dolby Atmos 360-degree surround sound system.
A twin-spoke AMG performance steering wheel is standard, too, as is the MBUX infotainment system with hybrid-specific features.
As one would expect, a helping of next-generation driver aids is further equipped, including lane-keep and change assist, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, active steering assist, adaptive cruise control, traffic-sign recognition, autonomous emergency braking, driver attention monitoring, and evasive steering assist.
Unfortunately, Mercedes-Benz South Africa has yet to reveal the local launch date and pricing of the upcoming S63 E Performance. However, if the one-year introduction timeline of its smaller sibling, the C63, is anything to go by, we expect the angry S-Class to reach our shores sometime towards the end of 2023.
Mercedes-AMG S63 E Performance
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