SHARP Drives: The Mercedes-AMG S 63 E Performance Makes a Statement
If this car flew under your radar, well, it’s not just you. The name — 2024 Mercedes-AMG S 63 E Performance — is about as easy to remember as a random-generated password. Plus, the German firm’s current list of new vehicles is longer than the Toronto Raptors roster. All we’re saying is: forgive yourself. Now, pay attention because this car might just be the best ‘Benz sedan on offer at the moment.
Break it Down
The 2024 Mercedes-AMG S 63 E Performance is based on the brand’s full-size S-Class sedan, not the all-electric EQS sedan. This chassis was meant to house a gas-burning engine from the get go, and it does.
AMG has had its way with this S-Class, transforming it into the S 63. AMG being AMG, they put one of their mighty twin-turbo V8s under the hood.
The “E Performance” label is a newer one in the Mercedes-Benz lexicon. It denotes a high-performance plug-in hybrid. These things aren’t made for maximum EV driving range; they’re made for maximum power. We first encountered one of these E Performance cars in 2022, and we were impressed.
What’s it Like?
With just 27 kilometres of electric-only driving range, you’ll want to have a spacious driveway or garage in which to plug-in this palatial AMG overnight. (You can use the engine to recharge the battery too, but why?) We don’t suspect having a private parking space will be a problem for drivers looking to drop over $200,000 on a sedan.
At the risk of stating the obvious, the big AMG looks like a boss, especially rolling on 21-inch alloys as our test car does. The flush door handles, the long beltline, that regal C-pillar and subtle red surrounds of the “S 63” lettering on the trunk are all nice touches.
Inside there’s the familiar S-Class dashboard, only here it’s covered in perfect carbon-fibre weave that twinkles in the sunlight. The incredible 3D eye-tracking instrument display must be seen to be fully appreciated. It looks as if there is depth to the image, with the instrument dials floating above a 3D map. The 3D effect works extremely well, adding some much-needed interest and luxury to the digital instrument screen. The seats offer massage functions and are adjustable in what feels like 10,000 different ways. Rear seat occupants have plenty of space to stretch their legs too. Gripes? Well, there’s still a bit too much black plastic on the centre console, but we’re picking nits now.
From the outside, anybody who didn’t know better would assume this is another S-Class. There’s no major hint at the immense performance that lurks underneath, which makes this a bit of a sleeper — and therefore cool.
The V8 engine up front is mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission, as well as a rear-mounted battery and electric motor. The two motors are connected by a shaft that runs the length of the vehicle. (Picture two powertrains in one car, one over the front wheels and one at the rear. Yes, it’s devilishly complicated.) The result? You’d better sit down.
This unassuming sedan churns out 791 horsepower and will sprint from 0-100 km/h in 3.3 seconds. Find a highway on-ramp, and the power you’ll unleash feels limitless. It’s like the car could just keep accelerating forever. Despite the busy nine-speed gearbox, response is excellent thanks to the electric power filling in any momentary lag before the turbos hit. Accelerating past slow-moving traffic requires only the lightest little brush on the throttle pedal.
Whisper it, but AMG kind of beat BMW M division to the punch here — the Munich firm just launched its plug-in hybrid M5 with 717 horsepower. The M5 is available in wagon form, which the AMG is not, but it could be a showdown for the ages.
Any Catch?
Being a modern Mercedes, there are dozens of customizable driving modes, but none of them can get around some cold, hard facts. For starters, this car is quite heavy, weighing 2,595 kilograms. None of the modes make it feel lighter, although the chassis does tighten up nicely if you suddenly need to haul yourself — and three passengers — up a twisty mountain pass in a hurry. Don’t even think about taking it on a racetrack though.
On the flip side, the big AMG is not as soft and pillowy to ride in as other, less performance-focused S-Class models. No surprise there. To gain some of that tightness in the chassis and high-speed composure, you give up a little comfort. Whether that’s a worthy trade-off depends entirely on what you want.
The 2024 Mercedes-AMG S 63 E Performance is at the middle of a sprawling Venn diagram of so many intersecting circles: luxury limo, grand tourer, battery-power, V8 engine, spacious, fast, opulent, high-tech. It’s not going to win in any one category, but, as long as you know what you’re getting into, the S 63 E Performance is — if you ask us — the best all-around sedan Mercedes makes at the moment. It’s no surprise, then, that such breadth of ability comes at a lofty price.
