2023 Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance arrives

The 2023 Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance, the most powerful AMG model to date, has been priced from $399,900 plus on-road costs just as the first examples start rolling into local showrooms.

That opening figure is more than $36,300 higher than the old Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S four-door it replaces, but it’s fair to say its new electrified E Performance successor ups the ante massively in terms of sheer firepower and technology.

Mercedes-AMG’s new flagship sedan is powered by a monstrous plug-in hybrid powertrain comprising a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 backed by a single electric motor, producing a combined 620kW/1400Nm – some 150kW/500Nm more than its predecessor – and a claimed 0-100km/h acceleration in just 2.9 seconds.

Zero-200km/h is said to take less than 10 seconds on the way to top speed of 316km/h, and yet AMG reckons this 2380kg behemoth will return a modest combined fuel economy of 7.7L/100km.

The all-electric driving range is understandably short at 12km given the electric motor is only fed by a compact 6.1kWh battery pack, which is there primarily to enhance performance rather than save the world in one fell swoop.

The GT 63 S E Performance isn’t easy to distinguish from its petrol-only predecessor, but the eagle-eyed will likely spot the charging flap on its right buttock, red-highlighted GT 63 S badging, bronze carbon-ceramic braking package, trapezoid exhaust outlets and the silver ‘E PERFORMANCE’ lettering adoring its front wings.

Inside the cabin is the usual sweet of AMG GT four-door goodies, naturally headlined by the AMG Performance drive mode system that now features a new controller to allow drivers to alter the level of regenerative braking.

Behind the steering wheel is the now-familiar top-tier dual-screen cockpit arrangement comprising a digital instrument cluster and MBUX infotainment interface, both of which now feature PHEV-specific displays and read-outs.

Drivers sit in Nappa leather-upholstered AMG Performance bucket seats surrounded by grey open-pore ash wood trim and a raised centre console that hammers home the cockpit-like intent and ambience.

Other specification highlights include a 14-speaker Burmester surround sound system, three-zone climate control, heated and cooled front seats, heated armrests, heated rear seats, 64-colour ambient lighting, head-up display, glass sunroof, wireless phone charging and integration, MBUX navigation with augmented reality and power-closing doors.

The ‘Driving Assistance Package Plus’ is also standard and contains all the active safety goodies and driver aids a modern-day Mercedes customer would expect, including DISTRONIC Active Distance Assist, PRE-SAFE Impulse Side, Active Steering Assist and Active Lane Change Assist.

The whole thing rides on multi-chamber AMG Ride Control+ air suspension with automatic level control and an all-new adaptive damping system, while an AMG-specific rear axle steering system works to shorten the effective wheelbase.

“The GT 63 S E Performance four-door coupe marks the next step into Mercedes-AMG’s electrified future and demonstrates that exceptional performance needn’t come at the expensive of fuel economy,” said Mercedes-Benz Australia.

Next cab off the AMG rank should be the long-awaited Mercedes-AMG C 63 E Performance, which also employs a PHEV powertrain but this time based around a four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine rather than a hulking V8, followed by the all-new Mercedes-AMG GT, which is due to make its world debut later this month.

How much does the 2023 Mercedes-AMG GT four-door cost?
GT 63 S E Performance – $399,900
* Price excludes on-road costs

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