Mercedes-AMG GT63 S E Performance Review: A New Era in High-Performance Hybrid Engineering

When Mercedes-AMG celebrated its 50th anniversary at the Geneva Motor Show in 2017, then-CEO Tobias Moers revealed a groundbreaking addition to AMG’s lineup. This was only the brand’s third fully self-developed sports car, following the notable SLS and GT models. Branded as the Mercedes-GT Concept, this model marked a significant milestone: AMG’s first-ever four-door model, equipped with an innovative powertrain that merged performance with hybrid technology, achieving an impressive output of over 800bhp and all-wheel drive.

Now, six years on, Mercedes-AMG’s identity, along with that of its performance division, has evolved. The concept’s anticipated super-hybrid version has finally come to fruition with the release of the Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door model. This model arrives before the brand’s controversial four-cylinder C63 model, and in doing so, the GT 63 S E Performance asserts itself as AMG’s first plug-in hybrid. Launched in 2022, it stands as the most powerful AMG production road car to date, boasting in-house-developed high-performance battery technology paired with a unique hybrid drive system unlike anything else in the automotive world.

Overview of the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 Line-Up

Presently, the AMG GT lineup has been streamlined, especially as the two-door AMG sibling sports car has temporarily exited the market until a new-generation model launches later this year. When the GT 63 four-door debuted in 2018, buyers could choose between the standard and S variants. However, the base version was short-lived, leaving today’s lineup with two primary options: the conventionally powered GT 63 S, offering 630bhp, and the latest E Performance hybrid, which serves as the flagship of the range.

Additional customization options are available, including unique paint finishes, premium leather upholstery, an aerodynamically enhanced body kit, and the Mercedes Driving Assistance Plus package, enhancing both the safety and appeal of this high-performance vehicle.

Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance 4-Door Coupe: Key Highlights

Strengths:

• Engineering Excellence: True to AMG’s engineering prowess, the GT 63 S E Performance showcases an uncompromising commitment to high-performance hybrid technology, setting a new benchmark in the industry.
• Unmatched Acceleration and Responsiveness: The model provides brutal acceleration, capable of satisfying even the most demanding speed enthusiasts. It’s a car that can adapt to various driving styles, offering multiple drive modes to suit any mood or scenario.

Weaknesses:

• Limited Driver Engagement: The car’s overall dynamics, though impressive, are somewhat diluted, meaning drivers may need to search for that visceral connection usually expected in high-performance vehicles.
• Distinct V8 Character Lacks Prominence: Enthusiasts may find that the classic V8 charisma typical of AMG has taken a back seat, requiring an attentive ear to catch.
• Circuit Limitations: While designed for road dominance, the GT 63 S E Performance’s weight, torque, width, and suspension tuning are not optimized for circuit driving, affecting its handling under track conditions.

With its fusion of AMG’s racing heritage and the latest in hybrid technology, the Mercedes-AMG GT63 S E Performance heralds a new direction for high-performance engineering. This model combines AMG’s bold engineering ambitions with groundbreaking hybrid capabilities, achieving a level of power and versatility that cements its position at the pinnacle of AMG’s lineup.