Mercedes-AMG launched the much-anticipated GT 63 S E Performance in Shanghai, catapulting the sports car series to hypercar status through electrification. This flagship plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) represents the quickest and most potent AMG GT to date, boasting 805 horsepower from a biturbo V8 engine combined with a rear-mounted electric motor. According to AMG, the GT 63 S E Performance is their fastest-accelerating series production model ever, completing the 0-100 km/h sprint in just 2.8 seconds, which is 0.1 seconds quicker than the AMG One hypercar. However, its top speed of 320 km/h falls short by 32 km/h compared to the F1-inspired hypercar.
The combined output of the hybrid unit is
a monstrous 805 hp and a crazy 1,080-1,420 Nm of theoretical system torque, surpassing the previous generation AMG GT
Black Series by a healthy margin. The twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine alone
delivers 603 hp, exceeding the 577 hp figure of the AMG GT 63. In the E Performance model, it works with a
rear-mounted electric motor that adds another 201 hp.
Power is transmitted to all four wheels
through the fully variable AMG Performance 4Matic+ system, facilitated by a
nine-speed AMG Speedshift MCT 9G gearbox. Additionally, a two-speed
transmission manages the electric motor, while a mechanical limited-slip
differential enhances performance on the rear axle. As the flagship of the
range, it comes equipped with a plethora of performance-oriented features as
standard. These include the AMG Active Ride Control suspension with semi-active
roll stabilization and rear axle steering, the most potent ceramic composite
brakes available, and a comprehensive selection of eight driving modes accessed
through the AMG Dynamic Select switch. These modes include Electric, Battery
Hold, Comfort, Slippery, Sport, Sport+, Race, and Individual settings.
The 6.1 kWh lithium-ion battery is also
mounted on the rear axle for optimal weight distribution, and features an
innovative direct cooling system. While performance is clearly the priority of
electrification in the case of the AMG GT, a fully charged battery offers 13 km of zero-emission range in case someone wants to really, really use it
as a PHEV. Furthermore, the highest of the four levels of regenerative braking
allows one-pedal driving similar to EVs. The GT 63 S E Performance is the
fourth addition to the AMG GT family following the V8-powered GT 53 and 63, and
the entry-level four-cylinder GT 43. Visually, it shares the same bodykit with
the lesser V8-powered versions but the charging port on the rear bumper and the
discreet E Performance badge on the fenders gives away its electrified nature.
It also comes standard with active aerodynamics (front underbody and rear
spoiler), specially adapted to the needs of the PHEV powertrain.
Inside the 2+2 cabin we find electrically
adjustable AMG sports seats with three massage programs, and plenty of
customization options through the Manufaktur program. The E Performance also
gets hybrid-specific displays on the MBUX infotainment, as with the four-door
GT stablemate. Pricing for the 2025 Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance will be
announced closer to the market launch which is expected sometime in the coming
months.