Even in all-electric mode, the 2024 Mercedes-AMG S63 E Performance has an edge absent from other versions of Benz's iconic S-Class . Its rear-axle electric motor produces less power than the V-8 under its hood, yet its reactions make clear the S63 isn't content to gently waft about. When the engine ignites and unites with the motor, their power and torque—the most ever in an S-Class—moves the new S63 in a way that hardly seems possible for such a large car.
Indeed, AMG's engineers seem to give only flippant acknowledgement to the laws of physics. Profound technical complexity was required to skirt these constraints, yet applied-sciences degrees aren't needed to appreciate the S63. Enjoyment of luxurious fineries and adrenaline rushes will do—the 2024 Mercedes-AMG S63 is a dazzling plug-in hybrid super sedan.
AMG Goes Hybrid
As high-displacement engines fade into antiquity, AMG's old modus operandi of stuffing a bigger mill under the hood no longer suffices. Thankfully, Mercedes' high-performance division hasn't yet forsaken combustion.
Central to the new AMG S63's brawn is the venerated M177, a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 that develops 603 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque. Remember when that would've been more enough for a sporty sedan? Those days are gone: Electrification is now key to achieving higher output while meeting emissions standards.
E Performance, Indeed
Similar to how AMG enhances engines, it now tunes motors and batteries for higher performance—to the extent enthusiasts should revere internal codes for those as they do engines like the M177. One to laud here is HPB 150, which denotes a 13.1-kWh battery containing 1,200 cylindrical cells mounted beneath the trunk.
AMG's engineers insist the HPB 150 is designed for power more than efficiency or range. Its chemistry is formulated for rapid discharging and recharging, letting it boost acceleration before regenerating efficiently under braking. This strategy is said to be inspired by Mercedes' hybrid-powertrain Formula 1 race cars.
Battery temperature is critical for such performance, so each cell in the HPB 150 is immersed in a cooling liquid cycled through a direct-mounted heat exchanger. This allows for preservation of a steady temperature, and thus consistent power output in demanding driving conditions.
Even if the HPB 150 isn't intended for range, it still gives the new S63 the ability to travel approximately 17 miles on electricity alone. It can recharge at up to 3.7 kW when plugged in, for a stated 20 to 100 percent charging time of about 3.5 hours.
The Most Powerful S-Class Ever
The HPB 150 supplies energy to a permanently excited synchronous (read: always on) motor integrated with the electronically controlled rear differential. Spinning at up to 13,500 rpm, this motor typically makes 94 hp but can produce 188 hp in 10-second intervals for launches and other dynamic scenarios.
Thanks to this electrification, the 2024 Mercedes-AMG S63 is much stronger than it'd be if it had a V-8 engine alone—it's more powerful than any V-12, pure EV , or Black Series model AMG has ever created. Total powertrain output measures 791 hp and 1,055 lb-ft, numbers lower only than the GT63 S E Performance and One hypercar in the marque's lineup.
Two Transmissions, 18 Speeds
A pair of transmissions channel that output to 4Matic all-wheel drive. Behind the engine is AMG's nine-speed wet-clutch takeoff automatic, while the electric motor uses an independent two-speed.
This electric transmission allows for power delivery all the way up to the S63's (governed) 155-mph terminal velocity, but its shift point is based on multiple factors including ground speed. Only the nine automatic transmission gears are selectable by the paddle shifters, but since any of those could be paired with the electric transmission's two speeds, 18 ratios are technically possible.
Not a Regular S-Class
Like the S580e, the S63 AMG starts in all-electric mode, but a short distance sufficed to show that's about where the cars' driving similarities end. The S63's electric motor responds with immediate, linear responses akin to sporty EVs. Maneuvering through traffic, the S63's steering felt significantly more direct and accurate than lesser S-Class models'.
Luxury Runs Deep
But our cruise up the coast proved that, whatever happened next, the S63 is still very much an S-Class. Each of the four seats offers massaging, ventilation, and heating; the steering wheel and armrests are heated, too. Materials and appointments are exceptional; absent headrest pillows for the front seats is our only complaint. Technology verges on overbearing: Beyond the dual-display dashboard, a massive head-up display projects a vast array of reconfigurable information. Everything inside is drenched by sound waves emitting from the Burmester audio system.
Even though the S63's air suspension doesn't erase road textures like its lineup counterparts, the ride remains smooth and settled. Appropriate for an AMG like this
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