Hypercar-quick Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance coupe unveiled

Full details of the new 2024 Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance have been released, revealing that the plug-hybrid version of the already-fast two-door coupe is the quickest-accelerating Mercedes-Benz of all time.

Following on from the four-door AMG GT 63 S E Performance and the drop-top SL 63 AMG version, the coupe shares Mercedes-AMG’s advanced plug-in hybrid powertrain that combines a 450kW 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 with a punchy rear-axle-mounted 150kW e-motor and a 6.1kWh battery.

Combined, flagship GT produces 600kW and a herculean 1420Nm of torque – although both of those are overboost figures.

With that level of firepower, Mercedes-AMG says the GT can accelerate from 0-100km/h in just 2.8 seconds, making it quicker than the even-more-powerful (782kW) million-dollar Mercedes-AMG ONE hypercar.

Top speed for the plug-in GT is 320km/h, with the ONE clawing back a sizeable advantage with its 352km/h v-max.

Like other 63 S E Performance models, the 6.1kWh battery provides not only a big power boost but can also drive the AMG two-door on pure-electric power alone for up to 13km.

On the move, there’s four-stage regenerative braking that helps keep the battery charged. Alternatively, the GT can be recharged at up to 3.7kW using a domestic charger.

Stab the starter button and initially there’s little warning you’re driving a hypercar-humbling AMG, with the GT starting silently in Comfort mode – unless it’s programmed to pipe in a fake AMG start-up via the sound system’s speakers.

At low throttle applications, the GT also only runs one bank of cylinders (four) to save fuel – although even with half an engine, it still produces 310kW.

Like the core AMG GT, the latest high-performance variant comes with Mercedes-Benz’s 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system that can shuffle torque from either the combustion engine or electric motor to either axle and also decouple the front axle for a drift mode.

Downplaying its epic power, the AMG GT 63 S E Performance looks almost identical to the standard GT, aside from red badging, aero-optimised 20-inch wheels (21s are optional) and a tell-tale charging port in the rear bumper.

The flagship GT also comes with an extended range of Manufaktur colours and trim to help owners personalise their coupe.

Other changes include upsized carbon-ceramic brake discs (420mm front, 380mm rear), plus standard fitment of AMG’s active ride control and rear-wheel steering.

On sale in Europe in the final quarter of this year, Australian deliveries of the quickest-ever Benz are expected to begin in the first half of 2025.

Mercedes-Benz has yet to announce pricing for the second-generation Mercedes-AMG GT line-up, but it’s rumoured the range will kick off at around $375,000 plus on-road costs, with the new 63 S E Performance adding a $50,000 premium on top of the base car.

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