Quantum physics, Neurosurgery, Astrophysics, Genome sequencing, Economic forecasting, Nuclear engineering and the F1 hybrid V8 AMG engine from Mercedes are all complicated tech. Even the naming strategy of Mercedes can make any numerologist rub their eyes; Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance, every spacing in that name is important. Undoubtedly a very complicated but the fastest and most expensive machine from Mercedes's stable.
The power figures have even put behind its closest competitor-Porsche Panamera Turbo S, and by combining the power of 630 bhp from a 4.0-litre ,twin-turbo , V8 with a 201bhp electric motor for a whopping total of 831bhp and 1470 Nm of torque. Without any pops and bangs, without any typical AMG firecracker and with its hybrid character touches 0-100 Kph in flat 2.9 seconds. The Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance is the first of AMG's plug-in-hybrid models, which will also include the other AMG PHEVs, including the next AMG C-class.
Was there a genuine customer-based demand for something which has the highest sticker price and doesn't appeal to enthusiasts entirely for its silent nature, nor does it come with a green number plate to appeal to the conscious EV buyers? But it's here, and we are not complaining, and it may just tweak the answers from no to maybe, and if you have an answer, how much is too much?
Verdict
It does not have a massage function, so it's not in the S-class category; it has four seats though not very comfortable; the EV battery pack could have been bigger range; 12 Km is actually nothing, yet it is track-ready, and it can go about its business quietly and can disappear in no time. It is what it is - an engineering marvel and performance 4-door heart car that weighs 2.4 tonnes but does 0-100 runs in 2.9 seconds and can take four adults doing it. A track-ready car which you can drive every day on our roads and push at odd hours and live a silent life! And yes, all Indian unit customers will be handed over their keys by- none other than 7-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton. Smart Move Mercedes India.
It's one hell of a complex machine.
It's a 4-litre V8 with a 6.1 kWh Lithium battery that produces 1470 NM of torque , does 0-100 kmph in 2.9 seconds with a top speed of 316 km and an electric motor delivering 201 bhp of extra kick.Cool stuff, isn’t it ? It is integrated with the rear axle and runs a lively 400-volt architecture for speedy transfer of electrons. In addition, it uses a two-speed gearbox to deliver effective E-boost at both low and high road speeds. It also has a 9-speed Automatic AMG conventional gearbox. Just mind-blowing German engineering. Around corners, GT 63 S E Performance does throw its weight around literally, and in a straight line, it feels almost weightless. It does feel agile as the steering is quick and turns in sharply without any understeer, and the rear-wheel steering helps tuck it into corners neatly. You can even select drift mode, de-select the front axle and have a blast on a track.
In EV mode, a full charge will last for around 12 km at speeds below 130 Kmph, but that's not really what the battery is designed for – it's there to boost performance and maximise fun. They could have left out the 'plug-in' functionality entirely, but charging sometimes gets you free parking in your society; it also means a green badge, but the point is that-had they put a bigger battery pack, it could have done 50 km and would not have added much weight to the overall scheme of things here. Maybe that could have earned it an EV badge, and it could save on taxes; this is me just imagining things.
By driving and keeping the revs above 3,000rpm, we took the charge level from around 50 to 80 per cent – priming the car to unleash hell. It's in the slower corners you feel the boost most, propping up the monstrous V8 with an undercurrent of torque. On the straights, it's just rapid. Full stop. Does it feel like 831bhp? Probably not, but this is a well-insulated 2.4-tonne car, not a carbon-fibre supercar, which means you get used to the warp-speed pace quickly, and you kind of become best friends with top speeds.
Though the battery itself weighs 89kg, has twice the energy density of a regular plug-in hybrid, and represents genuine F1 technology transfer in that it's been designed to charge and discharge extremely quickly. The key is direct liquid cooling that flows around all 560 cells and prevents overheating. The cells can operate up to 45 degrees without loss of performance – 20 degrees is usually the norm.
The battery pack is so compact it is mounted atop the electric motor at the rear, so you get lightning-quick responses when torque fill is needed. Also improved is traction at the rear due to the extra weight over the rear axle and better front and rear weight distribution. Whereas most hybrids put the e-motor between the engine and gearbox, it sits on the rear axle with the 6.1kWh battery on top of it for 50:50 front: rear weight distribution. The electric motor sends its power through a two-speed gearbox (so it can continue to pull its weight at higher speeds) and an electronically actuated rear differential. Merc's 4MATIC+ 4WD system means the front axle can snaffle power from both the electric motor and the engine when needed.
The sporty exterior theme has carried on the inside too. It now features the new AMG steering wheels , which feels special, just like every other AMG steering wheel. What's cool, though, it gets a superabundance of customisation options, right from the colour of seats to the dashboard to even seat belts. The seats are sporty, but they need to be more comfortable. However, Mercedes has maintained its luxury quotient with all the convenience features it gets via MBUX functions. Fourteen speakers with a total output of 640 watts make it an expensive party place on the go, and along with 64 ambient colours, add extra flavor to the experience. Interiors can be better summarized as a perfect blend of sportiness and luxury.
Nothing special unless you have special eyes!
The vertical AMG slats look great in high gloss chrome, while the quad trapezoidal exhaust tips hint at the beastly performance that lies within. The striking standard fit multibeam LED headlights, electrically extendable and retractable spoiler, E performance badge, and charging flap integrated gives it a special sporty look. The wheels are larger 22-inch, and the carbon ceramic brakes offer better thermal management apart from looking good.
Around the rear, what stands out is the red background of the badge. The front bumper is more fleshed out, and you get some active aero.This is something that fuses my mind - inside it, a lot of mechanical and electrical engineering is at play whose result is best experienced.
Engine - 3982cc
Power - 630+201 bhp
Torque-1470Nm
Transmission- AMG Speedshift MCT 9G
Price- Rs 3.30 crore (ex-showroom, India)
