Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance PHEV due here late 2022

A plug-in variant of Mercedes-AMG’s first performance hybrid will be available to New Zealand customers from the second half of next year.

The Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance PHEV has its show debut at the IAA Mobility event in Munich from September 7-12 and Mercedes-Benz New Zealand says pricing will be available closer to its launch here.

The PHEV boasts system outputs of 620kW and 1400Nm, the battery having 6.1kWh capacity, 70kW of continuous output and 150kW of peak output for 10 seconds although only has 12km electric range.

However, the battery is designed for fast power delivery and draw, not for the longest possible range, Mercedes explains.

“Nevertheless, the electric range of 12km allows a practical operating radius, for example for quiet and emission-free driving from a residential area to the outskirts of the city or to the motorway.”

The low battery weight of 89kg allows the very high power density of 1.7kW/kg whereas conventional batteries without direct cooling of the cells achieve about half of this figure, Mercedes says.

The Performance PHEV can get from zero to 100km/h in 2.9 seconds and has a 316km/h top speed.

Charging is via the 3.7kW on-board AC charger, at a charging station, wallbox or household socket.

The performance PHEV draws on Formula 1 technologies and the concept includes a distinctive drive layout with electric motor and battery on the rear axle as well as a high-performance battery developed in-house.

It has a combined fuel consumption of 8.6 l/100km, combined CO2 emissions of 196g/km, and weighted power consumption of 10.3kWh/100km).

The combination of 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine and electric motor generates a system output of 620kW (843hp) and more than 1400Nm torque.

“Mercedes-AMG has always stood for top performance and maximum driving dynamics. In developing our E Performance hybrid strategy, it was therefore clear from the outset that we would pursue a stand-alone concept for AMG that combines our core brand values with high efficiency,” Mercedes-AMG GmbH chief technical officer Jochen Hermann says.

The expressive design with a low front section, muscular body, squat greenhouse and dynamic fastback highlights the sporty genes of the four-door coupé.

The rear apron has an integrated plug-in charging flap and the “E Peformance” badge on the wings indicates the hybrid drive.

Four matt paint finishes, five metallic finishes and two non-metallic finishes are offered.

The exterior design can be further accentuated with the new AMG Night Package II or a combination of the Night Package and Carbon Package.

New 20-inch and 21-inch light-alloy wheels, each in two colour variants are offered, the exclusive Edition also available for the performance hybrid.

It has received all the upgrades of the latest model facelift.

Many individual choices are available in the interior too.