The 2024 Mercedes-AMG S 63 E Performance arrives as the latest plug-in hybrid sport saloon from the German brand. The result is the most powerful S-Class ever available from the automaker.

Plug-In Hybrid Power

S 63 E Performance's heart is a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 and a rear-axle-mounted electric motor. The total output is a healthy 791 bhp (802 PS / 590 kilowatts) and 1,055 pound-feet (1,430 Newton-metres). This gets the saloon to 60 miles per hour (96 kilometres per hour) in an estimated 3.2 seconds. In the United States, the AMG Driver’s Package is a standard feature to provide a top speed of 180 mph (290 kph). In Europe, this upgrade is an option, and the car runs out of steam at 155 mph (250 kph) without it.

Gallery: 2024 Mercedes-AMG S 63 E Performance

By itself, the twin-turbo V8 makes a peak of 603 bhp (612 PS / 450 kW) from 5,500 to 6,500 rpm. The max torque of 664 lb-ft (900 Nm) is available between 2,500 and 4,500 rpm.

The electric motor has a continuous output of 94 bhp (95 PS / 70 kW). A peak of 188 bhp (190 PS / 140 kW) is available for 10-second internals. The max torque is 236 lb-ft (320 Nm). There's a two-speed transmission for it that shifts into second gear at around 87 mph (140 kph).

A 13.1-kilowatt-hour battery provides power to the motor. It mounts at the back above the rear axle. Mercedes doesn't specify the EV-only range but says the tuning prioritises fast power delivery rather than long electric driving distances. The pack has a 3.7 kW AC charger.

2024 Mercedes-AMG S 63 E Performance Calvert Studio Day
2024 Mercedes-AMG S 63 E Performance Selenite Gray Magno

The Driving Experience

The drivetrain for the ICE portion of the powertrain consists of a nine-speed automatic that sends the output to an all-wheel-drive system. The rear axle has 2.5 degrees of steering.

The S 63 E Performance rides on an adaptive air suspension that has the ability to lower the saloon by 1.02 centimetres (0.4 inches) at speeds above 75 mph (121 kph). It also has active roll stabilisation that reduces body roll during cornering. Active engine mounts can soften or stiffen the connection between the powertrain and the body, depending on the driving conditions.

AMG stiffens the sport saloon's structure by adding an aluminium stabiliser under the V8 and a cross-brace for the suspension mounting points. Diagonal, aluminium struts at the back do the same duty.

Braking duties come courtesy of 15.7-inch discs with six-piston callipers in front and 15-inch rotors with single-piston stoppers at the back. Ceramic-composite pieces are an optional upgrade.

How It Looks

The S 63 E Performance still looks like an S-Class, except for mildly more aggressive. The grille has an array of vertical louvres. The AMG emblem is in a mix of chrome and black on the tip of the nose. The lower fascia features large openings on the outer ends. At the back, there are four trapezoidal exhaust tips with a diffuser running between them.

Inside, there's seating for four. The MBUX infotainment system gains specific displays for the AMG and hybrid powertrain features. A head-up display is also standard. The steering wheel switches include the ability to select among four braking recuperation modes.