Mercedes-AMG S63 E Performance Debuts As A 791 HP Super-PHEV!

Think the new and electrified Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance lacked a few cylinders? Fret not as the Affalterbach-based performance arm of the three-point star marque has unveiled a follow up to which in the form of the new Mercedes-AMG S63 E-Performance.

Claims of being the most powerful S-Class model yet is backed up by some of its total system output figures of 791 HP (802 PS) and a gravity-defying 1,430 NM of torque. This is supplied by a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain setup that includes a signature hand-built AMG 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbo mill.

On its own the combustion element already delivers a whopping 603 HP (612 PS) and 900 NM of twist. An additional 188 HP (190 PS) – available in 10-second intervals – and 320 NM, on the other hand, is supplied by an electric motor system that works in tandem with said V8, which is juiced by a 13.1 kWh lithium-ion battery pack.

Additionally, the electrified system also comes primed with a two-speed transmission that shifts into second gear at around 140 KM/H. Mercedes-AMG did not disclose this super-PHEV’s all-electric range, but did confirm said ability is present still.

Said outputs are all managed by both an AMG 9-speed Speedshift DCT box and Merc’s signature 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive (AWD), thus allowing this 2,595 KG super-PHEV to dispatch 0-100 KM/H in just 3.3 seconds whilst enroute towards an electronically governed 250 KM/H V-Max.

Interestingly, credible sources believe Mercedes-AMG may be able to liberate more output from this performance PHEV setup. This will likely be the case should Mercedes-AMG decide to replace the S65 variant, which is powered by a Mercedes-AMG V12 mill – a powertrain that the marque will likely phase out due to ever-tightening emission regulations.

In terms of handling and agility, Mercedes-AMG have primed the new S63 E Performance with things such as rear-wheel steering (up to 2.5-degrees), adaptive air suspension with variable height adjustment and active roll stabilisation, as well as massive 398 MM (front) and 381 MM (rear) brake rotors with the former grabbed by a six-piston calipers setup with the option to upgrade to carbon ceramic types too.

Apart from that, Mercedes-AMG also notes that the base S-Class’ body structure has been strengthened further thanks to the addition of an aluminium stabiliser under the V8 mill plus a cross-brace for the suspension mounting points. At the rear, Mercedes-AMG also added diagonal aluminium struts.

In terms of aesthetics, the Mercedes-AMG S63 E Performance sports a mildy aggressive stance compared to the regular S-Class. There are some minor design tweaks, such as the array of vertical louvres in the ‘Panamericana’ grille, larger openings in the bumper’s lower fascia, a rear diffuser assembly splitting the quad-tailpipes, as well as a mix of chrome and blacked-out AMG emblems all around. As for the wheels, they are sizable too at 21-inches each.

On board, it’s the standard S-Class affair, now presented with a sportier twist thanks to the addition of sporty carbon fibre trims, bespoke AMG upholstery and stitching, embossed AMG logos in the headrests, as well as the MBUX infotainment system and digital dash display featuring AMG-specific performance displays.

What do you folks think of this plush super-PHEV then? Hit the comment below with your thoughts about this new and electrified redux of the Mercedes-Benz’s signature flagship S-Class saloon…