Mercedes-AMG just revealed the most powerful S-Class of all time in the form of Performance S63 E plug-in hybrid (PHEV), but it will not be launched.
A spokesperson for Mercedes-Benz Australia said: Performance S63 E will not be available locally as the previous model did not sell well in the Australian market.
If you’re using a PHEV AMG, the smaller electrified four-cylinder engine Performance C63 SE will arrive in Australia around mid-2023 in sedan form.
The Mercedes-AMG S63 E Performance is equipped with an updated version of the twin-turbo V8 PHEV powertrain used in the Performance GT63 SE – will go on sale in Australia from 2023.
It blends a 4.0 liter twin-turbo V8 production engine 450kW/900Nmwith one electric motor on the production rear axle 140kW/320Nm.
There is also a larger 13.1 kWh . lithium-ion battery pack located above the rear axle allowing pure electric range to be claimed as 33km according to the WLTP test.
Mercedes-AMG says the high-voltage batteries have been designed to deliver and discharge power quickly, not for the longest possible range.
The total system output in the S63 E Performance is an astounding number 590kW power and 1430Nm torque, 30kW less and 30Nm more than the GT63 SE Performance.
Mercedes-AMG claims the S63 E Performance can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.3 seconds and can reach a top speed of 290 km/h with the optional AMG Driver Package. That’s not bad for a luxury performance sedan weighing 2.6 tons.
The twin-turbo V8 in the S63 E Performance is mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission, with the electric motor integrated with a two-speed transmission and an electronic limited-slip rear differential.
Although the e-motor is mounted on the rear axle, it is mechanically linked to the car’s four-wheel drive system, so it can shuffle torque between the front and rear axles as required. Enables electric AWD.
Recharging the battery pack of the S63 E Performance can be done through the Type 2 charging port with a maximum AC charging rate of 3.7kW.
The S63 E Performance is the first S-Class model to come with an active engine mount that “settles”[s] conflict between the soft connection of the powertrain for high comfort and the hard connection for optimal driving dynamics.”
The car also has an aluminum stabilizer underneath the V8 and a cross brace at the front suspension mounting points.
At the rear there are lightweight aluminum crossbars and a load compartment made of lightweight fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) that houses the battery pack.
The S63 E Performance receives the AMG Ride Control+ air suspension as standard, at speeds above 120 km/h, the car will lower 10 mm, plus adaptive dampers.
Other notable features acquired by the S63 E Performance include active roll stabilization provided by a 48V electrical system, three-stage AMG parametric steering and standard rear-axle steering with dark steering. 2.5 degrees max.
Providing stopping power in the S63 E Performance is a set of AMG high-performance composite brakes with six-piston calipers up front and single-piston calipers at the rear as standard. The brake discs measure 400 mm at the front and 380 mm at the rear.
Mercedes-AMG also offers the option of high-performance ceramic composite brakes.
Performance The S63 E offers four levels of regenerative braking, with the most powerful able to deliver more than 90 kW back into the battery.
On the outside, the S63 E Performance can be distinguished by the AMG grille with vertical spokes and a large central star. There are also 21-inch forged alloy wheels, twin trapezoidal exhaust pipes and a rear diffuser.
Inside there are four seats, a standard AMG Performance steering wheel with buttons on the AMG steering wheel, as well as exclusive colors and different Nappa leather upholstery with embossed AMG emblems on the front headrests.
The MBUX infotainment system includes both AMG- and hybrid-specific displays and functions in the vertical touchscreen, digital instrument cluster and windshield display.
Like every S-Class, the S63 E Performance comes standard with a host of safety equipment.
This includes automatic emergency braking (AEB) with intersection detection, adaptive cruise control, active steering assist, traffic sign assist, active lane keep assist, Active lane change assist, attention assist, active blind spot assist, exit warning function and evasive steering assist.
Customers in Germany will finally be able to order the S63 E Performance with Mercedes-Benz’s LiDAR-based Drive Pilot Level 3 autonomous system, which has been approved for use on German roads last year.
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