2023 Mercedes-AMG S63 E Performance revealed

The latest-generation 2023 Mercedes-AMG S63 has been revealed, and it packs a punch.

It is the most powerful S-Class ever, with a plug-in hybrid system borrowed from the AMG GT 4-Door 63 S E Performance, albeit with slightly less power.

This means that while the smaller C63 S E-Performance has lost half of its displacement with a new four-cylinder setup, the S63 retains its 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8.

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Unfortunately, at the recent media launch of the C63, a spokesperson for Mercedes-Benz Australia told Wheels the S63 is unlikely to reach local shores, with the luxurious, V12-powered S680 Maybach being a strong seller in its S-Class line-up.

The brand also sells the all-electric AMG EQS 53, which has achieved 67 reported sales since it launched in mid-2022, and the AMG GT 4-Door coupe.

It is complemented by a 13.1kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which provides power to an electric motor mounted to the rear axle.

While its 33-kilometre all-electric driving range seems low, Mercedes-AMG says this is by design as the plug-in hybrid system is intended to improve performance, not for efficiency gains.

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In total, it has 590kW and 1430Nm, with standard all-wheel drive. For reference, the outgoing S63 produced 450kW and 900Nm, with no major revisions to the V8 engine – meaning the extra power is courtesy of the electric motor, which adds 140kW.

Although the stonking V12 from the previous Mercedes-AMG S65 won't feature in the latest S-Class line-up, the hybrid configuration could allow the marque to harness more power out of the V8-based model – but the S63 is the performance flagship, for now.

It has a claimed 0-100km/h time of 3.3 seconds – 0.2s quicker than the previous model, which was more than half a tonne lighter. The top speed is limited to 250km/h, but it can be raised to 290km/h with the optional AMG Driver's Package.

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In fact, the latest S63 weighs as much as a Ford F-150 at 2520 kilograms, but the standard fitment of active air suspension and electromechanical anti-roll bars help to improve ride and handling, with the latter able to disconnect to improve smoothness on bumpy roads.

There are also adaptive dampers, rear-axle steering, carbon ceramic brakes and active engine mounts.

AMG-specific design tweaks include the Panamericana front grille, which features on the S-Class sedan for the first time, and a "jet-wing design" front bumper with large side intakes. It also sports forged alloy wheels up to 21 inches (20s are standard), trapezoidal quad tailpipes, and a red-accented S63 badge on the tailgate.

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Inside, the four-seat cabin receives AMG exclusive upholstery and badging on the headrests, MBUX infotainment system and digital instrument cluster, with the latter including unique performance displays.

There's also an AMG-specific two-spoke steering wheel with digital 'dynamic select' drive mode and regenerative braking controls, ranging from comfort, sport, sport+, race and individual to electric, which disengages the combustion engine and replaces its sound with a high-frequency artificial noise inside and out.

It is exclusively offered in long-wheelbase form, with all of the luxury, safety and comfort expected from an S-Class, including Mercedes-Benz's level three 'drive pilot' semi-autonomous driving system in certain regions.

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The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S63 E Performance will commence production in next year, with pricing yet to be detailed.

As mentioned, it is unlikely to be sold in Australia due to the availability of the S680 Maybach, priced at $573,192 before on-road costs.

For reference, the outgoing Mercedes-AMG S63 – last available in 2020 – was priced from $392,835 plus on-roads in Australia.

Below: The previous-generation Mercedes-AMG S63

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