Mercedes-AMG brings the thunder with new 620kW/1400Nm GT 63 S E Performance plug-in hybrid

Mercedes has revealed its first mass production plug-in performance model with the AMG GT 63 S E Performance, allaying fears electrification could make sports cars boring.

Pairing a 470kW/900Nm twin-turbo 4.0-litre petrol V8 with an 150kW electric motor and battery pack fitted on the rear axle, the box-fresh AMG punches out a combined output of 620kW of power and an astronomical 1400Nm of torque.

That represents a noticeable 150kW/500Nm jump over the non-hybrid GT 63 S’ 470kW/900Nm 4.0-lite biturbo V8.

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With drive sent to all four wheels via Mercedes’ 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system and a nine-speed automatic transmission, the GT 63 S E Performance can accelerate from zero to 100km/h in just 2.9 seconds, 0-200km/h in less than 10s and top out at 316km/h.

With a 6.1kWh battery fitted, the new AMG model can travel just 12 kilometres on electric-only power, though Mercedes says it “is designed for fast power delivery and draw, not for the longest range possible”.

Charging the GT 63 S E Performance is via a 3.7kW on-board AC charger, able to draw from a charging station, household socket or wallbox.

Fuel consumption averages 8.6 litres per 100km, while energy can be recuperated with regenerative braking that has four settings, the most aggressive of which will allow one-pedal operation of the GT 63 S E Performance.

By comparison, the GT 63 S returns a fuel economy rating of 11.3L/100km.

To enable consistent levels of high performance, the battery temperature is kept in check with “a high-tech coolant based on an electrically non-conductive liquid”, a first according to Mercedes.

Seven driving modes are available, including the usual ‘Comfort’, ‘Sport’, ‘Sport+’ and ‘Race’, but a new ‘Electric’ option is also on tap to maximise tailpipe emissions-free mileage that also activates the ‘Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System’ to warn pedestrians of the GT 63 S E Performance’s presence.

From the outside, the new plug-in hybrid AMG largely mirrors its GT 63 S sibling, save for the charging port found on the rear bumper, model badging highlighted in red and externally fluted trapezoidal twin exhaust pipes.

The aggressive front design, four-door coupe body style and retractable rear wing remain.

As a plug-in hybrid, the MBUX multimedia system has also been updated with specific displays, while the digital instrumentation can also display driving range, power consumption and battery temperature.

The rest of the interior looks carried over from the GT 63 S, including AMG’s updated twin-spoke steering wheel with paddle shifters and drive-mode selector, leather-appointed sports seats, carbon-fibre dashboard and interior ambient lighting.

Local specification and pricing will be revealed closer to its 2022 launch, but equipment available overseas includes 20- or 21-inch wheels, AMG Ride Control+ adaptive suspension, sports exhaust and ceramic brakes.