That AMG is betting on plug-in hybrid mechanics is what was already expected and a scenario that was confirmed a few months ago with the new Mercedes-AMG C 63 SE Performance. Without being a tasteful dish for many, the fact that it lost the V8, perhaps the tasting menu that the star’s firm presents us today and that also advocates that pairing is: the Mercedes-AMG S 63 E Performance , Or what is the same, a luxury sedan with 802 hp from a hybrid V8 and the ability to strike from 0 to 100 in 3.3 seconds.
And it is that in this way the flagship wants to not only compensate for the lack of the now extinct S 65 and its colossal V12, but also to pass sentence on a segment in which, for the moment, stands out strongly. This is achieved with one of his biggest arguments, which is none other than a PHEV mechanical scheme in which the objective is not so much to reduce emissions, but to provide much more power.
3.3 seconds in the 0 to 100 for the new Mercedes-AMG S 63, a high-flying PHEV saloon
But the 802 CV do not arrive alone, but covered by a set-up to match the figures and a consistent but discreet aesthetic. And it is that this second field is represented by the already characteristic Pan-American grill, some 20-inch wheels and a defense that guards a quadruple exhaust outlet that gives voice to the V8 biturbo.
The cabin, for its part, does not forget the authentic nature of the S-Class, which is none other than to take care of its occupants with luxury and care. This is demonstrated by Nappa leather-trimmed seats with specific stitching and the AMG logo. The rear seats have the same mission with their large space thanks to the 3.21 meter wheelbase, double rear screen for infotainment and controlling telemetry and driving settings and a Burmester sound system that uses Dolby Atmos technology that allows the reproduction of tracks in 360º, although they must be recorded specifically for said format.
But the high point of the new Mercedes-AMG S 63 E Performance is found in its set-up. Here the well-known 4.0-liter biturbo V8 takes center stage, an engine that, without electrical support, produces 612 hp and 900 Nm of torque, but increases its power up to 802 hp and an impressive 1,430 Nm of torque.
All this is possible thanks to an electric motor that is powered by a 13.1 kWh battery and that guarantees a quite modest autonomy in electric mode with 33 kilometers, giving the saloon in Spain the DGT ECO label and not the ZERO. But during said distance the S 63 can reach up to 140 km/h in electric mode thanks also to a two-speed transmission in the electric motor.
And it is that at the end of the day the mission of the electrical scheme is not to reduce consumption and CO2 emissions, but to allow the S 63 to catapult itself to 100 km/h in 3.3 seconds and reach a top speed of 250 km/h -290 km/h in option- despite declaring on the scale a whopping 2,575 kilos.
But none of these benefits would be possible without the active air suspension, able to calculate the pressure to be applied 500 times per second. Added to this is the four-wheel steering, a system that allows the rear ones to turn a maximum of 2.5º in the opposite direction of the front ones up to 100 km/h, turning in the same direction when that speed is exceeded.
And of course those almost 3,000 kilos must be braked, and this mission is accomplished by carbon-ceramic brakes. with 400 mm front and 380 rear discs. In addition, there are also seven driving modes, which are divided into Electric, Comfort, Battery Hold, Sport, Sport+, Slippery and Individual.
Now, in those moments in which one does not have the need to unleash the 802 CV with the knife between the teeth, you can always choose to use the Drive Pilot level 3 autonomous driving system. Although yes, this is available, for the moment, in Germany.
And as far as prices are concerned, Mercedes-AMG has not yet made any statements.so it is to be expected that we will not know the outlay to face for the new S 63 E Performance until well into 2023.
