Mercedes AMG S63 E Performance 2023 – Exterior design
• The 2023 Mercedes-AMG S63 E Performance is unveiled in Spain. Here’s what we learned.
• 791 horsepower and 1,055 lb-ft of torque is enough for a 0-100 km/h in 3.3 seconds.
• The twin-turbo V8 is backed up by an electric motor.
• Range in electric mode will be less than 30 km when it arrives in North America.
Malaga, Spain – The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has always been recognized for its high level of innovation. The great lady of Stuttgart will eventually have to give way to the electric offensive EQ. But the most prestigious range of “thermal” alignment has more than one trick up its sleeve.
On the sidelines of the planned launch of the new C63 AMG with a 4-cylinder turbocharged plug-in hybrid engine, the manufacturer also carried around a copy of the new S63 AMG. This model retains a twin-turbo V8 engine under its long hood, news that will reassure purists.
Unfortunately, for the driving impressions, we will have to wait a little longer. The first examples of the high-performance S-Class livery are expected in Canada in the second half of 2023.
Moreover, at the time of writing these lines, it was impossible for us to know more about this date of arrival on Canadian soil. But one thing is certain, the first copies of this new S63 will carry the bucket of the 2023 model year.
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Mercedes AMG S63 E Performance 2023 – Profil
A faded dress… the AMG recipe!
On the outside, a few details jump out, including the huge Panamericana grille applied to all other AMG models for a few campaigns. We also note the absence of the silver star on the top of the hood. Indeed, the designers preferred to insert this huge badge in the center of the shield, rather than bringing back the stripped grille and the emblem in relief on the hood.
There is the Affalterbach sign, but the atmosphere is not the same as in the past. The rest of the muzzle is also dressed in the usual arrangement. An optional package adds several parts made of carbon fiber, also on the mirrors, the sills and even at the rear. The diffuser that we find there has trouble hiding the four typical rectangular exhaust pipes.
On the car presented in southern Spain, the superb 21-inch diameter multi-spoke rims took place in front of carbon-ceramic brakes. This option will guarantee more aggressive braking, which is somewhat necessary given that the car weighs 2.6 tonnes!
On the other hand, the rest of the dress, despite this matte anthracite gray hue, is quite discreet for a car capable of shooting down the 0-100 km/h in 3.3 seconds.
2023 Mercedes AMG S63 E Performance – Front
The contribution of plug-in hybrid technology
At the risk of repeating ourselves, the S63 E Performance does not drop its venerable twin-turbo V8 engine with 4.0 liters of displacement. This machine develops a whopping 603 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of optimal torque on its own. However, as is increasingly the trend within the industry, electric technology is coming to the rescue to support the V-block.
In fact, the engineers of the sports division have implanted a second motor, this one electric, on the rear axle. This engine provides an additional 140 kW (or 188 horsepower) and 236 lb-ft of torque. Result: the new S63 AMG comes out of the Affalterbach workshops with a total power of 791 horsepower and a torque – hold on tight – of 1,055 lb-ft. These figures will leave no one indifferent, it must be admitted.
Of course, to supply this second engine with energy, a lithium-ion battery pack with a capacity of 13.1 kWh has also been grafted to the full-size sedan. The storage technology has been optimized and developed in particular by the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team.
2023 Mercedes AMG S63 E Performance – Rear
The 400 volt battery is made up of 1,200 cells which must all be individually cooled. In fact, to provide optimum power, the battery must reach an ideal temperature, which explains the reason for this coolant, otherwise the life of this battery would be reduced.
The presence of this second electric motor at the rear also guarantees all-wheel drive for the S63. This system is fully variable to better respond to multiple driving situations. Moreover, it should also be noted that the S63 AMG can take advantage of four-wheel drive in all situations, even when the electric mode is engaged, because the electric motor is connected to the front axle.
As for the gearbox, the manufacturer is once again relying on its nine-speed automatic unit, a component that is found almost everywhere in the brand’s vehicles.
The advertised range of around 33 km should be shorter when the car is made available, given that the calculations come from the European method.
Mercedes AMG S63 E Performance 2023 – Roue
A sound sedan… even in electric mode!
Since we could not try the new variant, it was impossible for us to discover the acoustic warning system of the German limousine. Indeed, in 100% electric driving mode, the S63 emits a low-frequency sound that is modulated according to the speed. This artificial sound is emitted via exterior speakers, but also in the passenger compartment to remind the occupants that they are driving purely electric.
Note, however, that this function is only good up to a speed of around 30 km/h. However, the designers also considered consumers who would like to enjoy this sound specially designed for the S63 at a higher speed. The driver only has to press this button installed on the steering wheel, with its symbol of a frequency wave.
An enhanced driving experience with motor mounts?
It will take a full test drive to find out, among other things, what these new active motor mounts are capable of. These elements have the ability to vary their rigidity by adapting to the current driving situation. Sensors detect the conditions and vibration behavior of the engine to adjust the firmness of the force with which the engine is coupled to the chassis. A firm fit is optimal for a more inspired ride, while a less stiff force proves beneficial for increased comfort.
This is the first time that the brand’s engineers have used this technology on board a production model. When we told you that the S-Class is often the one that advances technology…
Mercedes AMG S63 E Performance 2023 – Phare
The final word
The sporty wing from Mercedes-Benz once again demonstrates that it is possible to extract a phenomenal amount of power and torque from a thermal-electric tandem with its new S63.
What’s more, despite its “rocket on wheels” character, the new S63 E Performance does not deviate from its mission to transport the super-rich customers of the starred brand in the greatest of comforts, despite the volcanic rumble emanating from of this high-performance liner.
The main competition
Audi S8
BMW 7 Series
Genesis G90
Lexus LS
Maserati Quattroporte
A few questions from readers:
When is the Mercedes-AMG S63 E Performance coming?
In the second half of 2023, certainly near the end of next year.
Who makes the engine for the S63 AMG?
As with all other AMG vehicles, the twin-turbo V8 is assembled by hand.
Where is the new S63 AMG made?
At the sports division factory in Affalterbach, Germany.
Mercedes AMG S63 E Performance 2023 – Grille, logo