Mercedes-AMG S 63 E Performance combines luxury, hybrid tech, and F1-inspired performance

MANILA: The S-Class has always been a vital component of Mercedes-AMG. More than five decades ago, the founders managed to prove that they could convert a luxury sedan into a very sporty vehicle with the Swabian spirit of innovation. With the Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.8 AMG, the performance and sports automaker from Affalterbach, Germany achieved its first major milestone in 1971. Today, the new Mercedes-AMG S 63 E Performance with AMG performance hybrid technology once again redefines the standard in the segment.

“The S-Class has always had a very special meaning for us. In 1971, it made the AMG brand famous overnight with its legendary appearance in the Spa 24-hour race. This was undoubtedly an important foundation for our rise as a performance and sports car brand with global significance. With E Performance, we are now opening a new chapter: Never before has a luxury sedan so perfectly combined best-in-class performance with superior comfort and virtually silent electric driving. In this way, we are also opening up to highly discerning target groups who see Mercedes-AMG as the performance luxury brand of the 21st century. With the most powerful S-Class of all time, however, we are not only going our own technical way, as is characteristic of AMG, but also making a strong visual statement. For the first time, the S-Class Sedan also has our AMG-specific radiator grille, so the brand affiliation is closer than ever before,” Mercedes-AMG GmbH Board of Management Chairman Philipp Schiemer stated.

The Mercedes-AMG S 63 E Performance combines the Handcrafted AMG 4.0-liter V8 bi-turbo engine with an AMG-specific hybrid powertrain and a new expansion stage of the AMG high-performance battery (HPB). The new HPB 150 is rooted on the high performance and directly cooled battery cells of the renowned HPB 80.

The focus of the powertrain, however, is less on electric range and more on best-in-class performance. The Mercedes-AMG S 63 E Performance has a combined system output of 791hp and 1,055lb-ft of torque. The Mercedes-AMG S 63 E Performance can accelerate from 0 to 100kph in just 3.2 seconds and has a top speed of 289kph. Systems like the rear-axle steering, AMG Ride Control+ suspension roll stabilization, and AMG Active Ride Control roll stabilization — all included as standard — guarantee comfort and driving dynamics.

“With our unique E Performance in the AMG S-Class, we are also setting another technological milestone in electrification in this segment,” Mercedes-AMG GmbH Technical General Manager Jochen Hermann said. “Our exclusive high-performance battery is used in the S 63 with a significantly higher capacity than previously known, which increases the electric range. The performance hybrid layout with a combustion engine at the front and an electric drive unit at the rear axle not only offers a superior driving experience, but also significantly increases efficiency. The optimized weight distribution, best possible utilization of torque and the very responsive power delivery promise driving dynamics and driving refinement at the highest level. In addition to the technically sophisticated powertrain, we also pulled out all the stops with the suspension to achieve the greatest possible spread between comfort and driving dynamics. For example, the combination of air suspension, rear-axle steering, and active roll stabilization is on board for the first time in an AMG S-Class.”

The outstanding performance of the Mercedes-AMG S 63 E Performance is also reflected by the dynamic exterior design. For the first time, an S-Class Sedan bears the AMG-specific radiator grille with vertical louvers and a large central star. The previous Mercedes star on the hood has been replaced by the AMG emblem in silver chrome/black. The front view is further characterized by the front fascia's jet-wing design, which features large side air inlets and air curtains. In profile, the up to 21-inch AMG forged wheels and the AMG-specific side sill panels particularly stand out. The wide diffuser with longitudinal fins and diffuser board, as well as the trapezoidal, fluted twin tailpipes, are distinguishing design elements at the rear.

The interior blends the premium appointments of the S-Class with AMG-specific features. The seats, with a special AMG upholstery and unique stitching, highlight the sophisticated look. The S 63 E Performance's status as a leader in the segment is also emphasized by the First-Class rear cabin and multicontour seats for four occupants, exclusive colors, and various Nappa leather upholsteries with an embossed AMG emblem in the front headrests. This is further highlighted by AMG-specific trim elements and the standard AMG Performance steering wheel with AMG Drive Unit steering wheel buttons.

Photos from Mercedes-Benz

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