Mercedes-AMG has kick-started its electrified era by unveiling the new GT 63 S E Performance 4-Door Coupé. This 843hp super sedan, which is AMG’s first ever plug-in hybrid, will rival the Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid in international markets.
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843hp, 1,400Nm output from PHEV powertrain
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Gets 6.1kWh, 400V battery pack weighing 89kg
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Capable of 12km EV-only running at speeds of up to 130kph
Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance 4-Door Coupé: under the skin
Based on the V8-powered GT 63 S 4-Door Coupé, Affalterbach’s first plug-in hybrid model uses a 639hp, twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre petrol engine with a 204hp electric motor on the rear axle, in a new arrangement referred to as the P3 drive system. Derived from the hybrid drivetrain of Mercedes-AMG’s Formula 1 racer, it is said to give optimised weight distribution and the quickest possible deployment of torque.
With more power (843hp) on tap than any AMG model yet and more than 1,400Nm of torque, it will clear the 0-100kph sprint in just 2.9sec and top out at 316kph. This means that it matches the smaller and more track-focused GT Black Series two-door launched last year, for outright pace.
The electric motor takes its power from a 6.1kWh, 400V battery pack. Claimed to weigh just 89kg, this was “designed for fast power delivery and draw, not for the longest possible range”. Mercedes claims the new PHEV will manage 12km of EV running per charge, with the electric motor alone capable of handling propulsion at speeds of up to 130kph. Electric power is said to be “always available”, enabling quicker acceleration out of corners or rapid overtaking manoeuvres.
Regenerative braking also features with four levels of severity, enabling one-pedal driving in certain driving situations. Furthermore, the new model is projected to emit 196g/km of CO2.
AMG chairman Philipp Schiemer said, “With the new GT 63 S E Performance [4-Door Coupé], we’re transporting our brand DNA into an electrified future. In doing so, we’re following our own technical path, which is what has always made AMG so special and desirable. Developed entirely in Affalterbach, the performance hybrid offers a fascinating level of driving dynamics and rightly bears our new technology label ‘E Performance’. With this new concept, we’re also opening up to new target groups who will experience Mercedes-AMG as the performance luxury brand of the 21st century.”
Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance 4-Door Coupé: exterior and interior
Design changes over the standard car are subtle, limited chiefly to a new front bumper modelled on the two-door GT, bespoke badging, new exhaust outlets and exclusive 20-inch and 21-inch wheel designs. Otherwise, the PHEV is visually and technically identical to the recently facelifted GT 4-Door Coupé.
It’s the same story of subtle adaptations inside, but, as with other Mercedes PHEV models, there are a number of hybrid-specific displays for the MBUX infotainment system, including an EV range indicator, real-time power consumption data and an electric motor power gauge.
Mercedes-AMG line-up in India
As the GT 63 S four-door coupe is on sale in India, it is likely that Mercedes-AMG will bring down the E Performance model here as well. However, there is no official confirmation yet. Apart from the GT four-door, Mercedes-AMG also retails a whole range of performance SUVs, coupes and sedans in India, including the recently-launched E 63 S and the GLE 63 S Coupe. Mercedes’ performance arm has also started local assembly in India, with the AMG A 35 sedan and the AMG GLA 35 SUV.