The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class is just
around the corner and it will include a flagship S63e AMG model with an
electrified powertrain. As Mercedes-Benz continues to test and tease the new
luxury sedan, a handful of journalists have had the opportunity to test out
various prototypes. During these drives, they discovered some interesting
tidbits about the new S-Class and the variants that are on the cards.
The most powerful model, Car Magazine
reports, will be an S63e AMG with in excess of 800 hp. Mercedes-Benz Passion
understands this model will feature a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine
that pumps out 603 hp and works alongside a 201 hp electric motor powering the
rear wheels. All up, the S63e should be good for 804 hp and will apparently hit 100 km/h in under 3.5 seconds, a seriously impressive feat for a
vehicle of this size.
Few other details about this variant are
known, but it doesn’t appear as though a non-hybridized S63 will be available,
while the V12 will live on but be reserved for the even more luxurious Maybach
S650. As for the new S-Class range, Mercedes-Benz recently confirmed that it
will feature rear-axle steering that will reduce the turning circle of the
long-wheelbase model to under 11 meters. The car will also arrive with Active
Parking Assist that includes a 360-degree camera.
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class will also
land with the company’s new E-Active Body Control suspension which will raise
the entire vehicle immediately before an impending side collision, much like
the Audi A8’s system.
