What We Know So Far
Overview
It missed a year of production, but the AMG S63 supersedan is back in a major way. Making use of the Mercedes-Benz S-class’s seventh-generation architecture, the S63 brings the glitz with more go than ever thanks to a new plug-in hybrid powertrain. Mercedes has dropped the previously offered coupe and convertible body styles and will offer the S63 as a sedan only, at least for now. Under the bonnet sits a familiar twin-turbo V-8 that, with the help of AMG’s rear electric motor, now produces a combined 791 horsepower and an astounding 1055 pound-feet of torque for its all-wheel drive system to try to put to the road. To ensure the S63 can get to speeds high enough to escape rising interest rates, AMG will allow its big-battery luxury sedan to reach speeds up to 180 mph. As a chariot for the wealthy with maximum performance in mind, the new AMG S63 is a quick and comfy way to usher in the industry’s electrified future.
What’s New for 2023?
After a short hiatus, the AMG-badged S-class makes its grand re-entry to the prestige-on-wheels class using the bones from the current production Benz S-class mated with a promising high-power hybrid powertrain.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
Rather than offering a tower of different trims, the S63 sedan is instead a smorgasbord of options that can tailor the car for both drivers and those who prefer to be driven. As the pinnacle performer for the brand’s flagship sedan, the S63 comes standard with a level of comfort unmatched by most luxury apartments. Available carbon ceramic brakes are extra, but we wouldn’t deem them necessary for everyday use.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
For a long time, the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team has worked to develop a high-performance battery that could deliver consistent performance at the highest level of motorsports. Now folks who drive on the road bear the fruit of these efforts with the new hybridized powertrain found in the AMG S63 E Performance. The most powerful S-class ever offered is propelled by a 603-hp twin-turbo V-8 engine up front, with help from a 188-hp motor for the rear axle. Their combined efforts produce 791 horsepower and 1055 pound-feet of torque for the sedan’s all-wheel drive system to process. A nine-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission handles shifting and, to help this barge of power navigate traffic and parking spots, AMG includes rear-axle steering as standard equipment. Mercedes estimates the S-class can make it to 60 mph in just 3.2 seconds with a top speed of 180 mph. That’s a quicker than the feistiest version of the standard Benz S-class, which took 3.9 seconds to reach 60 mph with 496 horsepower. Given the massive power available to hurl it down the road, we suspect the that S63 E Performance will be even quicker than its maker claims. The S63 uses an AMG Ride Control air suspension, AMG Active Ride Control stabilization, and rear-axle steering as standard equipment, so it should handle well. Once we get to drive one, we’ll update this report with our findings.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
AMG insists its shift to a plug-in hybrid powertrain—which gets help from a new 13.1 kWh battery—is focused on performance instead of range. The EPA hasn’t rated the new S63 E Performance yet, but if the 16 mpg city and 25 mpg highway that the Mercedes-Benz S580 is rated at is any indication, we think it’s safe to bet the hybrid S63 won’t return numbers that would be considered mind-blowing versus those. Mercedes says the S63’s battery-only electric driving mode, which works at speeds up to 87 mph, has a range of about 20 miles. For more information about the S-class’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
While the massive horsepower will warm the hearts of enthusiasts, the AMG S63’s priorities include comfort. It sports an opulent cabin with distinctive AMG upholstery and stitching. A Dolby Atmos audio system comes standard and offers a 360-degree audio experience. The car’s 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster provides a bright and clear roster of driving info, but the real magic happens on the standard 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen that’s vertically mounted on the dashboard. Road noise cancelation and rich interior materials make the S63 an experience most only taste from limos. Headrest pillows for rear passengers and an abundance of legroom make a strong argument for the S63 as a fantastic car to be chauffeured in as well as a great one to experience from the driver’s seat.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Like its tamer Mercedes-Benz S-class sibling, the S63 comes with a vertically-mounted 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen with an enhanced version of Mercedes’ MBUX software. This system can be controlled by touch or through voice commands from any seat in the car. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with wireless phone charging are standard.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Every S63 comes with an array of standard driver-assistance technology, including the ability to park itself and even take preventative measures to protect passengers when it detects an imminent collision. The sedan is also available with innovative features that include rear-seat airbags and an active suspension that will lift the car up to reduce the severity of damage during a collision. For more information about the S-class’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
- Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
- Standard adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go technology
As more information becomes available, we’ll update this story with more details about:
- Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
More Features and Specs