New 2023 Mercedes-AMG S 63 E Performance revealed
But Australia to miss out on Mercedes-Benz S-Class weapon that cranks out 590kW and 1430Nm of torqueThe Mercedes-Benz S-Class range will soon have a ballistic new flagship in the form of the 2023 Mercedes-AMG S 63 E Performance.
Revealed in Germany today, the stove-hot S-Class is powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 plug-in hybrid (PHEV) system that produces a combined 590kW of power and a monumental 1430Nm of torque.
Driving all four wheels through a nine-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, the large luxury sedan can accelerate from 0-100km/h in a claimed 3.3 seconds, which is a time made all the more impressive given the S 63 E Performance tips the scales at 2595kg.
Top speed is 290km/h when fitted with the optional AMG Driver’s Package.
The most powerful S-Class to date is also one of the most frugal thanks to its PHEV system, which enables a combined-cycle fuel economy of just 4.4L/100km.
The hybrid system comprises a rear axle-mounted electric motor that produces 140kW/320Nm and draws energy from a 13.1kWh lithium-ion battery, allowing a driving range of up to 33km.
This immense performance is hinted at by the usual suite of ballsy AMG cosmetic touches like the enlarged and vertically slatted front grille, enlarged intakes, ‘jet-wing’ bumper design, 21-inch forged alloy wheels, huge rear diffuser and trapezoid exhaust tips, to name a few.
If that has whet your appetite, Mercedes-Benz Australia has been quick to pour cold water on the Mercedes-AMG S 63 E Performance becoming available Down Under.
According to a spokesperson, sedan versions of the previous generations failed to fire on the Aussie sales charts, hence the new model’s omission from the local line-up.
“It won’t be offered in the current generation and that’s based on sales volume in the past, and we’re only talking about the sedan – the coupe and cabriolet sold quite well,” he said.
“But today we offer EQS, AMG GT four-door and Maybach. And when you look at the Maybach brand were selling more Maybachs than we ever did for S 63.
“So, for the type of customer in Australia we have at least three different options that they can consider and they’re already buying those vehicles now.
“To offer S 63 doesn’t make sense.”
The S 63 E Performance powertrain is based on the one found in the GT four-door version, which delivers an even higher 620kW and 1470Nm.
The Mercedes-AMG EQS 53, meanwhile, stumps up 560kW/1020Nm with the AMG Dynamic Plus pack fitted.
The top-shelf S-Class sedan is the Mercedes-Benz S 580L (from $335,100 plus on-road costs) that uses a 370kW/700Nm 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbo petrol engine (with mild hybrid assistance).
The Maybach S 680 limo (from $572,192 plus ORCs) goes even further with a 463kW/900Nm 6.0-litre V12 twin-turbo engine.
As with every S-Class, the S 63 E Performance comes loaded with standard equipment and features, many of which are designed to enhance the driving experience.
These include the seven drive modes, a four-level regenerative braking system, active engine mounts, AMG Ride Control+ adaptive air suspension (which automatically lowers 10mm at 120km/h), active roll stabilisation, individual battery cell cooling, rear-axle steering, AMG high-performance composite brakes and a limited-slip differential.
Drivers are greeted in the cabin by an AMG Performance steering wheel, quilted Nappa leather upholstery, AMG sports seats, carbon-fibre trim, and AMG and hybrid-specific read-outs and displays for the digital cockpit and expansive MBUX infotainment interface.
“The S-Class has always had a very special meaning for us,” said Mercedes-AMG board of management chairman Philipp Schiemer.
“In 1971, it made the AMG brand famous overnight with its legendary appearance in the Spa 24-hour race.
“With E Performance, we are now opening a new chapter – never before has a luxury saloon so perfectly combined best-in-class performance with superior comfort and virtually silent electric driving.”
Related: Next Mercedes-Benz E-Class leaked online
Related: New Mercedes-AMG C 63 S in hot demand
Related: Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E Performance 2022 Shotgun Review
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