Logic or nonsense This is always debatable with the AMG version of the Mercedes S-Class. Some find them completely inappropriate. After all, luxury limousines are more about comfort than showmanship. But since Audi and BMW also maximize their luxury vehicles, Mercedes can’t avoid it with the S-Class and has to do the same with the most powerful S-Class of all time.
This required very little effort. The technicians took the well-known plug-in hybrid module with the electric rear axle and placed it on the flagship of the group. At the front, the V8 biturbo roars with 612 hp (450 kW), while at the rear the electric motor delivers 95 hp (70 kW) and a maximum output of 190 hp (140 kW) every ten seconds. It provides an impressive system output of 802 hp (509 kW).
Up to 33 kilometers with electricity
Mercedes experts will notice that this is 14 hp (10 kW) less than the AMG version of the C-Class with plug-in hybrid drive. Is the old “Baby Benz” more powerful than the brand’s flagship? “We decided on this solution because of December,” explains Damian Hampen, product manager. In other words, the S-Class, which is significantly heavier than the middle-class Mercedes, can travel up to 33 kilometers on an all-electric basis.
At 13.1 kilowatt-hours (kWh), the AMG battery provides twice as much electricity as before (6.1 kWh). Thanks to a special coolant, the battery temperature is always oscillating around the ideal value of 45 degrees Celsius. This helps in intermediate sprints and provides greater recovery performance. It can be regulated in four stages or automatically adapts to the driving mode and significantly reduces the use of mechanical brakes. The Power S-Class can reach speeds of up to 140 km/h on an all-electric basis. But: The charging capacity in the wall-mounted charging case is only 3.7 kilowatts – the much cheaper plug-in hybrids offer more.
Three power grids on board
The clear distinction between the sporty and comfortable driving program was important to the developers. Active engine mounts reduce noise and vibrations, adaptive dampers compensate for heavy shocks from the suspension, and active yaw stabilization eliminates annoying body roll. But this also means that the Mercedes-AMG S 63 E Performance requires three electrical systems: classic 12 volts for electronics, infotainment or lights, 48 volts for yaw stabilization and 400 volts for electric propulsion. The complex electrical system takes up so much space that the rear axle steering only manages a quarter of the steering angle of the regular S-Class.
The interior remains stylish as always; On the outside, fine details clearly distinguish it from the leaner versions, without skimping: the radiator grille is adorned with vertical slats and a striking central star on the hood, which has been replaced by the AMG badge. We love the 21-inch forged wheels. A little bling-bling is allowed. When the deliveries will start is as uncertain as the prices.