OMG AMG PHEV!
Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance 4 Door Coupe is a confusing name. It doesn’t have a 6.3-liter engine and it’s not a coupe. It’s possible to argue that it isn’t a four-door model, as the liftback body style typically carries the five door label. There’s much to love about AMG’s first production-PHEV, once you get past the uninspiring name.
The new E Performance is the range-topper of the lineup, and it debuts in metal today at IAA Munich in Germany. It has a familiar appearance that could fool you into thinking it’s the regular 63/63 S model. The front of the E Performance is more aggressive than the two-door GT. While the rear bumper conceals the charging port, it features a cap.
The plug-in hybrid model is distinguished from regular models by the availability of 20- and 21 inch alloy wheels in two different colors. Seven new body paints are also available with the E Performance. The changes are subtle, and AMG could have done more to make the new electrified grand tourer’s exterior look more appealing.
The PHEV GT will be up against Porsche Panamera Turbo S EHybrid. It combines a twin-turbo 4.0L V8 with a rear mounted electric motor. It will outperform even large American diesel trucks like the Chevrolet Silverado HD’s 1,033 lb/ft (1.400 Nm) and its twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 with a rear-mounted electric motor.
The Chevy’s diesel engine can tow, but the AMG’s hybrid setup is more about performance. The AMG One hypercar’s most powerful Mercedes model hits 62 mph in 2.9 seconds, and 124 mph in just 10 seconds. It can reach 196 mph (316 km/h) flat out.
AMG states that the 6.1-kWh battery is designed to deliver power quickly and draw less than it does provide long range. The seven-and-a-half miles (12 km) of zero-emissions mode are not surprising. The battery pack is just 196 lbs (89kg) in weight and operates at the optimal temperature thanks to clever cooling solutions.
The GT 63 S E-Performance shares spotlight in Munich alongside several fully-electric Mercedes models. Some are production cars, while others are concept cars. The EQS will be present in a spicy AMG 53 configuration. It will also be joined by the Maybach-branded EQS SUV and the smaller EQE sedan. Mercedes also brought an EQG concept to indicate plans for an electric G Class in 2024.