Development for the upcoming plug-in hybrid performance versions of the new S-Class that are believed to carry the AMG S63e and S73e 4Matic monikers continues with our spies capturing another glimpse of a prototype model while testing in Germany. As you can see, the test car is covered from head to toe in the classic camo wrap but touches like the front Panamericana grille, the bigger wheels, and the aggressive quad exhaust tips point out to this being the AMG variant of the S-Class family.
Of course, the biggest news is hidden
under the skin of the new AMG S63e, as the new generation is set to receive a
plug-in hybrid powertrain for the first time; at its heart, it will still use
the twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine but here it will also be assisted by an
electric motor. The net result is expected to be around 700 HP.
For customers not willing to settle with
anything less than 800 HP, Mercedes-AMG will offer them the new S73e, which
will employ a similar plug-in hybrid powertrain, only here it will feature a
more powerful electric motor. That’s the same unit we’ve seen Mercedes testing
in the upcoming AMG GT 73e 4-Door for the past few months. Given that the
upcoming S580e plug-in hybrid variant is going to offer around 100
km of EV range, we expect that the new AMG models will offer more or less the
same.
Affalterbach’s engineers will take
advantage of all the tech features offered with the new S-Class to make it a
proper bullet train, including a retuned air suspension and all-wheel steering
system. Bigger brakes and other high-performance components are also on AMG’s
list. The new plug-in hybrid Mercedes-AMG S63e and S73e models are expected to
be revealed within the next few months, with a market launch likely in late
2021.
