Mercedes-Benz has launched the new AMG S 63 E Performance as the S-Class range’s flagship variant in India. Priced at Rs 3.30 crore (ex-showroom), the new AMG S 63 is the most powerful iteration of the S-Class yet, with a plug-in hybrid 4.0-litre V8 engine under the hood. It has also got AMG-specific exterior and interior updates. This is also Mercedes’ second plug-in hybrid in India after the GT63 S E Performance.
Mercedes-AMG S 63 E Performance: powertrain, specs
The car being an AMG, let’s start with what’s under the hood. Powering the S 63 is AMG’s familiar 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine that’s coupled with a 13.1kWh battery and an electric motor on the rear axle. The latter alone produces 190hp and 320Nm of torque; total system output is rated at 802hp and 1,430Nm, making it the most powerful S-Class ever. Mercedes says the battery tech is derived from the brand’s Formula 1 division.
The engine comes mated to a 9-speed automatic gearbox, and the power goes to all four wheels via the 4Matic system. The gearbox features a special ‘Race Start’ function that optimises launch from a standstill; Mercedes claims a 0-100kph sprint time of 3.3 seconds. The S63 gets 8 drive modes, including an all-electric mode wherein it can return a range of up to 33km with a 125kph speed limiter. The S 63 also has rear-axle steering with up to 3-degrees of steering angle, air suspension and active roll bars to aid ride and handling; you even get carbon ceramic brakes as optional extras.
Mercedes-AMG S 63 E Performance: exterior design
The S 63 gets the typical AMG-specific styling updates over the regular S-Class. This includes the Panamericana grille with the centrally mounted Mercedes logo (a first-ever appearance on an S-Class), a sportier front bumper with large air intakes towards the edges and a more pronounced chin, and an AMG-spec rear diffuser with quad exhaust pipes.
There’s also the option of a Night exterior package which brings dark chrome or gloss black highlights, and a carbon-fibre package that adds carbon fibre trims on the front bumper, wing mirrors, side sills and rear diffuser. The S 63 sports 20-inch, 10-spoke alloys as standard; the 21-inch wheels are optional.
Mercedes-AMG S 63 E Performance: interior and features
On the inside, you get a new four-spoke AMG steering wheel and AMG-spec pedals. The bigger update is the latest MBUX software which now gets AMG and hybrid-specific displays and functions including an exclusive “Super Sport” theme. As with the regular S-Class, the 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen with the waterfall effect takes centre stage on the dashboard. Some highlight standard equipment includes a 4-zone climate control, Burmester 3D surround sound system, 64-colour ambient lighting and Level 2 ADAS suite.
Optional extras include executive lounge seats, a rear seat entertainment package, augmented reality head-up display with 3D graphics, a removable tablet on the fold-down central armrest and folding tables for the rear. You can also choose from a plethora of Nappa leather interior upholstery options as well as wood or carbon fibre finish for the dashboard.
Mercedes-AMG S 63 E-performance Edition 1
Mercedes is also offering an exclusive S63 E-performance Edition 1 variant that’s priced at Rs 3.80 crore. It will be limited to very few units and for the premium of Rs 50 lakh, the Edition 1 gets a Manufaktur Alpine Grey exterior paint shade along with unique, matte black 21-inch forged AMG wheels and red callipers; the AMG Night package is also standard on the Edition 1. On the inside, it gets the AMG Exclusive package as standard that brings in black Nappa leather upholstery with contrast red stitching, AMG crests embossed on the headrests, a carbon fibre trim in black and red for the dashboard and an ‘Edition 1’ plaque on the centre console.
