Mercedes-AMG GT 63 E Performance Unveiled as 831-hp PHEV Sports Sedan
Mercedes-Benz has big plans for its AMG models and electrification will be part of the mix. Today, we finally get to see the first result in the form of the 2023 Mercedes-AMG GT 63 E Performance.
Based on the GT 4-Door Coupe, this plug-in hybrid sports sedan becomes the most powerful production car ever built by the German automaker—this side of the AMG Project One, of course.
- Also: 2022 Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Adds Style, Special Edition
- Also: Mercedes-AMG Aims for “Over 800 Hp” With Future PHEV Models
The twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine is paired with an electric motor positioned at the rear axle and integrated with a two-speed transmission. An electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential is also included. Total system output is 831 horsepower along with 1,023 pound-feet of torque. A belt-driven starter-generator supplies an extra 14 horsepower.
Acceleration from a standstill to 100 km/h takes just 2.9 seconds, and 200 km/h is reached in less than ten seconds. Average fuel consumption is rated at 8.6 L/100 km according to European testing.
The e-motor draws energy from a 6.1-kWh battery. That’s not very impressive. In fact, zero-emission range is just 12 kilometres based on the WLTP standard—even shorter if we were to use North American test cycles. The unique thing about this battery, however, is that a high-tech coolant based on an electrically non-conductive liquid flows around all 560 cells and cools them individually. The result is that the battery is always within a consistent, optimum operating temperature window averaging 45 degrees Celsius, no matter how often it is charged or discharged.
When it comes to the drive, there are seven different modes to choose from via AMG Dynamic Select: Electric, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Race, Slippery and Individual. Slippery mode reduces power and flattens the torque curve while disabling pure electric driving and regenerative braking adjustments (four levels are ordinarily available).
Other highlights include an AMG Ride Control+ multi-chamber air suspension with automatic level control, combined with adaptive, electronically controlled damping. The high-performance AMG ceramic composite brakes feature bronze-coloured, six-piston fixed callipers and 420-mm discs at the front.
Styling is pretty much unchanged beyond the new badges and rear charging port. The biggest difference is arguably the new 20- and 21-inch light-alloy wheels, each in two colour variants. Similarly, there’s not much to report about inside the car except for the special hybrid displays added to the MBUX infotainment system.
As mentioned up top, the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 E Performance will arrive as a 2023 model, likely with no direct rival. Pricing and other details for Canada will be announced at a later date. If you prefer a fully electric option, although a less explosive one, you’ll need to turn to the 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS.
