From the May/June edition of Car and Driver.
Take a stroll through one of America’s upscale neighborhoods, and you’ll notice numerous Mercedes cars adorned with AMG emblems. These can include authentic AMG models as well as those equipped with just the AMG styling packages. This prevalence reflects affluent buyers purchasing fully loaded vehicles despite these pricey performance upgrades offering them little practical advantage in daily use. The luxury car industry enthusiastically supports this mindset.
Although this might come across as somewhat cynical, there is certainly no question that the fully equipped AMG models, like the Mercedes-AMG S63 E Performance , provide authentic velocity and excitement. In this full-size sedan's In this case, the vehicle boasts an impressive 791 total horsepower due to a combination of a 603-horsepower bi-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 engine mated with a nine-speed automatic transmission, along with an additional 188-horsepower electric motor linked to the rear axle via its dedicated two-speed gearbox. The overall system generates a substantial 1055 pound-feet of torque distributed across all four wheels.
With this level of power, the car can accelerate from zero to 60 miles per hour in merely 2.6 seconds and complete the quarter-mile run in 10.8 seconds at a velocity of 129 mph. When you press down on the gas pedal at 50 mph, the vehicle rapidly surpasses 100 mph, pushing you firmly back against your seat. Switching to Sport+ mode makes the gear changes sharper than usual, and the vibrant exhaust mimics the sound of a somewhat subdued NASCAR racer.
The sole option for obtaining a large saloon car capable of superior acceleration is by opting for a top-tier model. Lucid Air , Porsche Taycan , or Tesla Model S While these electric vehicles along with the S63 require being set to their peak performance settings for optimal acceleration, the electric cars exhibit quicker responses even in milder modes. This difference occurs because, in Comfort mode, the S63’s V-8 cylinder deactivates at stops. Upon restarting, the vehicle initially uses only electric power, which suits smooth driving conditions well enough. However, should greater acceleration be required, the gasoline engine needs to start up and generate sufficient turbocharger pressure before the car can accelerate forcefully.
When set to Sport and Sport+ modes, the S63 performs significantly better. The vehicle receives substantial support from the 10.4-kWh battery, capable of propelling the S63 using electricity exclusively—though this range is limited to about 16 miles according to EPA estimates. After the battery drains, the car functions like a conventional hybrid, sometimes turning off the engine during cruising to enhance fuel economy, including at highway speeds.
Should you find the throttle responsiveness somewhat lacking, rest assured that the S63’s chassis more than compensates for this with its true-to-its-name AMG performance. The steering offers excellent feedback and reacts sharply when changing direction. With subtle assistance from the rear axle, the vehicle handles as if it were significantly lighter than its actual size suggests. Fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires, the S63 achieves remarkable grip of 0.96g on the skid pad. It tackles turns enthusiastically during spirited drives on winding country roads but maintains commendable stability at cruising speeds on highways too. Although brake engagement feels adequate, some may prefer increased resistance underfoot. When equipped with the optional carbon-ceramic braking system ($8950), which comes standard on the front axle, stopping distances improve dramatically: from 70mph, it halts within just 161 feet; from 100mph, it requires only 330 feet.
The agility of this chassis doesn’t compromise comfort; the S63’s smoothly managed ride remains plush without being jarring. Even when the suspension firms up in Sport and Sport+ modes, the vehicle still handles quite comfortably. After all, it is an S-Class. However, compared to its less sporty counterparts, you can distinctly sense and hear road imperfections like expansion joints and rough pavements.
Suitable for an S-Class, the cabin is spacious and luxurious. The front seats are extremely comfortable once we deactivated the active inflatable side bolsters that annoyingly pushed against our sides whenever we encountered even slight turns.
The spacious back section is lavishly appointed, and in our S63, the additional features amounted to an extra $11,000. Among these were individually adjustable rear seats complete with their own video displays, independent climate settings, and deployable tables. On the right side, you'll find a seat equipped with a power-reclining footrest. Even a private airplane might envy those chairs.
This luxurious rear compartment appears somewhat out of place for an AMG model intended to be focused on driving dynamics. Additionally, it contrasts oddly with the relatively modest 11 cubic feet of storage space available.
However, this balance between powerful performance and ultimate luxury aligns with the idea of being thoroughly equipped. The base price for this S63 E Performance starts at $187,350 but can balloon up to an impressive $229,400 when fully optioned. We’d certainly call that well-equipped.
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