The new AMG S63 super limousine, now exclusively in E Performance guise, weighs over 2.5 tons, yet it sprints from rest to 60 mph in merely 3.2 seconds, matching the legendary McLaren F1.

Tipping the DIN scale at 2520 kg, it outweighs the last generation S63 by a massive 525 kg. Most of the extra weight comes from the additional plug-in hybrid hardware, which consists of a rear-mounted EDU (Electric Drive Unit) and a big battery pack. Up front, it keeps the M177 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 without alteration, which continues to produce 612 hp and 664 lbft. Combined output is 802 horsepower and a really astonishing 1054 lbft (1430 Nm) of torque. The 180 mph regulated top speed (when equipped with AMG driver package) fails to reflect its true potential.



The E Performance upgrade here shares most components with AMG GT63 S E Performance, but there are some subtle differences. As seen in the picture above, its battery pack is much larger, occupying a lot of boot space. Its capacity is 13.1 kWh, versus the GT63's 6.1 kWh. This stretches its zero emission range from 12 km to 33 km (20.5 miles) on WLTP cycle. As in that car, the EDU combines an electric motor, a 2-speed gearbox and an active rear differential in one unit. The motor produces a continuous 95 hp and 236 lbft, and can be boosted to 190 hp for 10 seconds. This is slightly less than the GT63's 204 hp max, ditto the output of its V8 engine, but the S63 strikes back in combined torque, which is 30 Nm or 22 lbft more than the GT63. Both cars put their power to the ground via 4matic+ and 9-speed MCT gearbox.

As for chassis, AMG throws in everything available in its arsenal. Needless to say, the air suspension is assisted with adaptive dampers and active anti-roll bars. Active engine mount is employed on the AMG S-class for the first time, as is rear-wheel steering. To cope with the extra weight and power, the underbody both front and rear have been reinforced by additional bracing. Finally, the 2.5-ton of machine gets larger steel brakes, while ceramic brakes remain optional.

While all these sound amazing, don't forget an electric car can easily achieve even higher performance. For example, Lucid Air is good for 1100 horsepower and 0-60 in 2.6 seconds. PHEV is just a stop-gap