Mercedes-AMG unveiled the highly anticipated GT 63 SE Performance in Shanghai, propelling the sports car series to supercar status through electrification. The flagship PHEV plug-in hybrid sports car represents the fastest and most powerful AMG GT to date, with an 805 hp V8 twin-turbo engine and a rear-mounted electric motor.
Those who are familiar with Mercedes-AMG know that E Performance is the name of the company's hybrids. Thanks to a 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbo engine at the front and an electric motor at the rear, the combined horsepower of the new GT flagship version rises to 805 hp (816 ps). The internal combustion engine alone produces 603 hp, but the more impressive figure is the high torque of 145.4 kgm in total. Mercedes-AMG says that when everything works together, the AMG GT 63 SE Performance can accelerate from 0 to 96 km/h in 2.7 seconds, which is faster than some supercars. The next-generation Coupe may be bigger with an extra rear seat, but it's the fastest accelerating production model of all AMGs.
While this is technically a PHEV plug-in hybrid, efficiency is not a consideration. It has a battery capacity of only 6.1 kWh, and Mercedes-AMG does not mention an electric-only driving range, only to announce it later. Instead, the focus of the battery is on performance, and to do this, Mercedes-AMG keeps the battery pack at an optimal temperature to exert maximum power when needed. Charging can be carried out via plug or in a variety of recycle modes that can be selected by the driver, including a one-pedal mode similar to that of an electric vehicle.
The nine-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission delivers power to the wheels via Mercedes-AMG's 4Matic+ four-wheel drive system. In normal driving, the electric motor only drives the rear wheels, but when slippage is detected, power can be transmitted to the front wheels. Rear-wheel steering and AMG Active Ride Control suspension with roll stabilisation and carbon-ceramic brakes are standard. Six-piston calipers with 16.5-inch discs are located in the 20-inch front rim, while single-piston calipers and 15-inch discs are located in the rear rim. Consumers can also choose wheels up to 21 inches.
From the outside, it's hard to tell the E Performance version apart from the standard AMG GT63 unless you're close. Mercedes-AMG has added a special badge to the trunk lid with a hidden charging hole cover under the rear right light. The change in the active aerodynamic system is invisible, and it is designed to optimize the performance of the hybrid sports car. Pricing for the 2025 Mercedes-AMG GT63 S E Performance will be announced closer to its launch date at the end of 2024.