Mercedes’ first performance hybrid donning the AMG badge has been revealed and it’s packing hefty firepower. The 2023 Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance is the first in a range of electrified models that the brand will release as it moves toward full electrification. Based on the photos released, there aren’t many major styling changes to distinguish the plug-in hybrid from the standard GT 63 model. The most obvious ones are the charging port on the rear bumper, the red S badge on the tailgate, and the E Performance badges on the front fenders. Otherwise, it retains the same aggressive looks complete with AMG’s Panamericana grille and squared-off quad exhaust tips.
Changes under the skin are what matters most in the 2023 Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance. The hand-built 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 still makes 630 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque but it now comes paired to an electric motor with 201 hp and 236 lb-ft backed by a 6.1-kWh lithium-ion battery. This gets you a whopping 831 hp and 1,084 lb-ft combined, enough to get this big sporting sedan to 60 mph in 2.9 seconds. A nine-speed automatic transmission handles shifting duties.
The electric motor is mounted on the rear axle and integrated with a two-speed gearbox and an electronically-controlled limited-slip differential. This allows for quicker power delivery when electric assist is needed and provides better weight distribution. Mercedes says that on a single full charge, the AMG GT 63 S E Performance can travel up to 7 miles in all-electric mode. Considering the small size of the battery by PHEV standards, it’s obvious that this system was made for performance first.
There are seven drive modes available, including an Individual mode. Comfort and Electric modes are focused on daily driving while still retaining the same high level of performance expected out of a vehicle wearing an AMGbadge. The car starts in EV mode and keeps the suspension soft in both. In Comfort mode, the car uses the hybrid system in the most efficient way possible. Sport and Sport+ modes start with the gas engine active and are more for sporty driving with the latter further stiffening up the suspension and steering. Race mode puts the car in full attack mode, optimizing every component for track driving and emphasizes strong, constant battery recharging. Slippery mode reduces power for low-traction surfaces and turns off regeneration and EV mode. Individual mode lets you adjust nearly every component to your liking including the engine, transmission, AWD system, suspension, steering, and exhaust. You’ll also be able to choose between four levels of regenerative braking including a Race setting that sets it to level 1 to keep stopping performance consistent.
Other standard go-fast goodies include AMG Ride Control+ suspension. It combines the benefits of an adaptive air suspension and electronically controlled adaptive dampers to maximize performance and comfort. The latest version uses two pressure release valves for more precise damper force adjustment depending on the driving situation. Each drive mode also increases or decreases the suspension’s stiffness. AMG carbon-ceramic brakes are also standard on the GT 63 S E Performance with six-piston calipers in front and a single floating one in the rear.
The standard AMG Dynamics system changes the reaction of the electronic stability control, AWD system, an electronically-controlled limited-slip differential. Each mode of the AMG Dynamics system changes the GT 63 S E Performance’s Road manners. Basic is paired with Electric and Comfort modes and is tuned for more stability and comfort. Advanced reduces yaw damping to keep the car neutral and balanced. Pro further adds more assistance for enthusiastic driving. Master is tuned for track driving and allows the vehicle to oversteer more, provide better turn-in and more direct steering to allow the driver to better exploit the car’s capabilities.
You’ll be able to customize the AMG GT 63 S E Performance extensively with a wide selection of colors and Nappa leather upholstery. There are also exclusive options including Sienna Brown, Classic Red, Yacht Blue, Deep White, and Neva Grey. Mercedes’ MBUX will be standard, too, and feature two massive displays housed under a single piece of glass. It will feature hybrid-specific displays that show electric mode range, power consumption, electric motor output and torque, and temperatures for the electric motor and battery. You’ll also be able to get the murdered outlook via the AMG Night package II and your choice between 20- and 21-inch alloy wheels.
The 2023 Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance should go on sale in the U.S. next year. This will be one of the most powerful models in Mercedes’ lineup until the AMG Project One arrives. Expect more electrified sporty models to follow the GT 63 S E Performance with the AMG versions of the new C-Class being the next ones. That could combine the same 201-hp electric motor and 6.1-kWh battery with a high-output 2.0-liter turbo-four instead of the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8.
