Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance Launched - The Most Powerful Production Plug-in Hybrid Mercedes Ever Now In India

• Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance launched in India at Rs 3.3 crore

• The plug-in hybrid four-door sports car is the pinnacle of its range with F1-derived hybrid technology

• Powertrain comprises 204PS electric motor with a 4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine

• Combined system output stands at 843PS and over 1,400Nm, zero  to 100kmph in 2.9s.

• It has an electric only range of 12km as the hybrid system is tuned fully for performance.

The first performance hybrid vehicle from Mercedes-AMG is now here in India. The GT 63 S E performance, apart from being a handful to name, is also the most powerful production vehicle to come out of Affalterbach and now you can unleash all its power in India that is if you have Rs 3.3 crore lying around to spare. 

Design

The AMG GT 63 S E Performance is a big car and pictures don’t quite do justice to the styling of the vehicle, but they’ll have to suffice for now. Muscular haunches are dominant at the front with a sloping long hood that connects into the AMG-specific Panamericana vertically-slated grille. The gaping lower intakes, apart from channelling air to the engine, also direct airflow to the wheel arches, thanks to the integrated fins inside them for better aerodynamic efficiency.

The side profile is rather clear and smooth and the 21-inch (optional) are probably the highlight here along with the sloping roofline which just makes you stand and ogle it. Although 20-inch wheels are offered as standard, it's the 21-inch unit that looks the part. 

The rear is quite curvaceous as the roofline slopes down and seems almost coherent with the rear bumper where you get the sleek LED taillights. The twin trapezoidal exhaust pipes can also be found on either side, housed on the black diffuser bit which is finished in carbon fibre. Oh, and we almost forgot to mention the hidden adjustable spoiler that’s integrated within the crease on the boot. 

Cabin

The cabin is very Mercedes-like in the best way possible, though newer generation cars have moved on with touchscreens taking over. However, if you’re someone old school who loves physical buttons, then this one's for you. The two screens housed on the same bezel make up the rather fighter-jet like dashboard with the quirky AC vents. The central console is chunky and houses buttons, yes actual buttons, for various functions, which can include changing the driving modes or something as simple as just controlling the volume of the infotainment. Neat! 

You get the standard twin-spoke AMG performance steering wheel which gets touch-sensitive buttons and leatherette wrapping around it. And there’s a tonne of creature comforts for both the front and rear passengers. Infact, the rear passengers get a private screen as well, which displays various vehicle data including the power output. 

Gone in 2.9s

The GT 63 S E Performance four door coupe sits at the zenith of Mercedes’ lineup and packs hybrid technology that’s derived from the firm’s learnings in Formula 1. Its 6.1kWh battery sends juice to a 204PS electric motor, which although can be used for an electric-only drive of up to 12km, is primarily there to boost performance and so it does. The system, including the motor and batteries, are housed on the rear axle for an ideal weight distribution.

Coupled along with the 4-litre twin-turbo V8, the system belts out a combined output of 843PS and over 1,400Nm. No, there isn’t a typo here and yes, you read it right. Thanks to these mind-boggling numbers, the car touches 100kmph in 2.9s and when put pedal to the metal, the car will max out at 316kmph, which could even be pushed further if it wasn’t for the electronics limiting it.

Just for reference, the next model in the line, which is the standard GT 63 S packs 639PS and 900Nm and does zero to 100kmph in 3.2s.

All of this power is delivered to all four wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission. The system, being a plug-in hybrid unit, also offers self regeneration via one-pedal braking along with the 3.7kW charger which is offered with the vehicle.

Also Read: This Is When Mercedes Will Take The Wraps Off 2024 E-Class

Priced at Rs 3.3 crore, the GT 63 S E Performance is only less expensive than the flagship S-Class Maybach luxury sedan, but every penny is worth it considering the amount of performance on offer without sacrificing on the practicality bit. In India, it will take the fight to the likes of the Porsche Panamera.