2023 Mercedes-AMG S 63 E PERFORMANCE

Performance hybrid with technology transfer from Formula 1™ now also in the S-Class segment
4.0-liter V8 engine at the front and electric motor at the rear axle for 590 kW (802 hp) system output
Most powerful S-Class of all time

2023 Mercedes-AMG S 63 E PERFORMANCE Front

The German marque’s performance sub-brand has finally brought back the high-performance saloon following a three-year absence, The Mercedes-AMG S63 is back for 2023, now bearing the E Performance badge that signifies AMG’s sporty plug-in hybrids.

The S63, which uses the seventh-generation architecture of the Mercedes-Benz S-class, offers glamour with more power than ever owing to a new plug-in hybrid powertrain.

Mercedes has also dropped the previously offered coupe and convertible body styles and will offer only the S63 as a sedan.

The S-Class has always played an important role for Mercedes-AMG. More than 50 years ago, the founders proved that they could transform a luxury saloon into a sporty vehicle with the Swabian spirit of innovation.

The Engine and Performance

2023 Mercedes-AMG S 63 E PERFORMANCE

The basic operating strategy is derived from the hybrid power pack of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One racing car.

The E PERFORMANCE model combines the AMG 4.0-liter V8 Biturbo engine with the AMG-specific hybrid powertrain and a new AMG high-performance battery (HPB) expansion stage.

The new HPB 150 is based on the high-performance and directly cooled battery cells of the well-known HPB 80. The energy content increases from 6.1 in the HPB 80 to 13.1 kWh in the HPB 150. This increases the all-electric range to 33 kilometers.

The focus of the powertrain, however, is less on electric range and more on best-in-class performance. The saloon sets new standards in the segment with 590 kW (802 hp) of system output and 1430 Nm of system torque.

The acceleration of 3.3 seconds to 100 km/h (62 mph) and the optional top speed of 290 km/h (180 mph) underline the superior, dynamic driving performance.

The seven AMG DYNAMIC SELECT driving modes "Electric", "Comfort", "Battery Hold", "Sport", "Sport+", "Slippery" and "Individual" are precisely tailored to the new drive technology. They thus offer a wide-ranging driving experience - from efficient to dynamic.

Systems such as the AMG RIDE CONTROL+ suspension, AMG ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL roll stabilization, and rear-axle steering as standard ensure a wide spread between driving dynamics and comfort.

External charging takes place via the 3.7 kW onboard AC charger, at a charging station, wall box, or household socket. The battery is designed for fast power delivery and draw, not for the longest possible range.

The Exterior Design

2023 Mercedes-AMG S 63 E PERFORMANCE

AMG adds an aluminum stabilizer under the V8 and a cross-brace for the suspension mounting points to the performance sedan's construction to make it more rigid. Aluminum diagonal struts at the back provide the same purpose.

The impressive performance of the Mercedes-AMG S 63 E PERFORMANCE is also suggested by the expressive exterior design. For the first time, an S-Class Saloon bears the AMG-specific radiator grille with vertical louvers and a large central star.

The AMG insignia in silver chrome/black has taken the place of the old Mercedes star on the radiator. The front view also features a front apron with a jet-wing design, huge side air inlets, and useful air curtains.

In the side view, the up to 21-inch AMG forged wheels and the AMG-specific side sill panels particularly stand out.

The up to 21-inch AMG forged wheels and the side sill panels that are exclusive to AMG are particularly noticeable from the side.

At the rear, there are characteristic design features of the '63 models such as the trapezoidal, fluted twin tailpipes or the wide diffuser with longitudinal fins and diffuser board.

The Interior Design

2023 Mercedes-AMG S 63 E PERFORMANCE

The AMG-specific features are mixed together with the high-quality S-Class Interior Features.

Both the sporty and opulent sides of the S 63 E PERFORMANCE are highlighted by exclusive colors and different Nappa leather upholstery with an embroidered AMG logo on the front head restraints emphasize.

The leadership aspirations in the segment are also made clear by the First-Class rear compartment and multi-contour seats for four occupants.

Added to this are AMG-specific trim elements and the standard AMG Performance steering wheel with AMG steering wheel buttons.

The car’s 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster provides a bright and clear roster of driving info, but the real magic happens on the standard 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen that’s vertically mounted on the dashboard.

The MBUX infotainment system includes various AMG- and hybrid-specific displays and functions. These include the displays in the instrument cluster, the multimedia central display in portrait orientation in the center console, and the optional head-up display.

The multimedia display's top-notch graphics show the power flow throughout the complete drive system, the motor's speed, output, torque, and temperature of the electric motor, as well as the battery's temperature.

The Dolby Atmos sound format elevates the quality of interior audio. Individual instruments or voices in the studio mix can be positioned all around the listening area.

Sadly, there is no option for the dashboard-spanning MBUX Hyperscreen seen on the all-electric EQS, but the infotainment system does receive a unique AMG display motif. Wireless phone charging and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard.

The Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The most important new features of the driving assistance systems in the Mercedes-AMG S-Class:

Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC

Active Steering Assist

Traffic Sign Assist

Active Lane Keeping Assist

Active Lane Change Assist

Active Emergency Stop Assist

ATTENTION ASSIST

Active Brake Assist with cross-traffic function

Evasive Steering Assist

The Market launch and Price

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S63 E Performance will commence production next year, and Mercedes has yet to divulge pricing information for the S63 E Performance. We expect the 2023 S63 to crest the $170,000 mark.