MERCEDES-AMG GT 63 S E PERFORMANCE 4DR COUPE

Mercedes' performance division enhances its V8 flagship with an electric motor to create its first PHEV and most potent model yet

- GREG KABLE

TESTED 9.4.22, SEVILLE, SPAIN ON SALE MAY PRICE £173,655

Long promised, the electrification of Mercedes-AMG's engines begins here. The new GT 63 S E Performance 4-Door Coupé is the first plug-in hybrid (PHEV) by Mercedes-Benz's performance car division, and with 831bhp (a significant 111bhp more than the raucous GT Black Series two-door), it also holds the distinction of being the most potent AMG yet.

The luxurious liftback builds on the GT 63 S 4-Door Coupé that was launched in 2018. Its brawny twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 petrol engine has been combined with an electric motor integrated into the rear axle in an electrification process that AMG's chief technical officer, Jochen Hermann, says we will see a lot more of in the not too distant future.

Operating at 400V, the motor adds 201bhp to the 630bhp of the engine, lifting power well beyond that of the rival Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid (690bhp), as well as traditional super-saloons like BMW's M5 Competition (616bhp).

It's the torque that benefits the most, though, climbing from an already potent 663lb-ft to a considerably more serious 1082lb-ft.

The decision to mount the motor at the rear allows its drive to be channelled directly to the rear wheels via a two-speed gearbox. The engine, meanwhile, sends its reserves to all four wheels via the nine-speed Speedshift MCT automatic gearbox of the GT 63 S.

There are six driving modes: Slippery, Electric, Comfort, Sport, Sport Plus, and Race. The Drive Dynamic controller also supports an Individual mode that allows you to tailor various aspects of the car.