The Mercedes-AMG S63 E Performance is technically a petrol-electric hybrid 1st-class sedan, but in this case, the electric assistance offered by the ‘Benz’s power unit is more about adding significant shove than optimising fuel efficiency…
We like: Phenomenal performance, wonderful combination of supple ride and grip/traction, sinister appearance on the outside, high-tech cabin, acceptable fuel consumption
We don’t like: Clunky transmission, eye-watering price
FAST FACTS
- Model: Mercedes-AMG S63 E Performance
- Price: R4 604 226 (April 2025, before options)
- Engine: 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 with plug-in hybrid assistance
- Transmission: 9-speed dual-clutch auto
- Power/Torque: 590 kW/1 430 Nm (combined)
- 0-100 kph: 3.3 sec (claimed)
- Claimed fuel consumption: 4.6 L/100 km (hybrid battery charged), 11.8 L/100 km (hybrid battery discharged)
- Luggage capacity: 305 litres
Serious about buying/selling?
Some dealerships regularly offer great deals. See our New Car Specials!
Looking to sell your car? Sell it on Cars.co.za for free
Where does the Mercedes-AMG S63 E Performance fit in?
Luxury sedans may no longer be the go-to choice for well-heeled car buyers, but for a passionate (albeit shrinking) group of consumers, high-performance sedans still hold considerable appeal.
Since the early 2000s, Mercedes-Benz has been at the forefront of the (admittedly super-niche) performance-oriented 1st-class sedan segment, thanks to its AMG-badged S-Class derivatives. Those V8-powered beasts built a foundation from which Mercedes-AMG successfully expanded its portfolio.
Recently, of course, the Mercedes-AMG division has been through some testing times, with the perceived abandonment of its trademark V8 engines, in particular, causing brand enthusiasts much distress. But fear not, a stonking twin-turbo V8 is present in this Mercedes-AMG S63 E Performance.
Where does S63 E Performance fit in? Well, given its pricing and incredible power outputs (the most powerful S-Class in history), it has moved beyond the reach of traditional rivals from BMW and Audi. For similar money (nudging the R5 million mark), you can now also consider the Bentley Flying Spur Hybrid and Porsche Panamera Turbo S e-Hybrid. Evidently, ol’ AMG is after more hallowed scalps now…
Compare the specs of the Mercedes-AMG S63 with those of its Bentley and Posche rivals
How the Mercedes-AMG S63 E Performance fares in terms of…
Performance and Efficiency
If you believe that a substantially large Mercedes-AMG sedan should be powered by a muscular V8 lump, you’ll be happy to read that the Affalterbach-based division’s 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 lives on underneath the S63 E Performance’s long bonnet. On its own, it delivers a whopping 450 kW and 900 Nm of torque.
But that wasn’t enough. The V8 is combined with a rear-mounted, permanently excited synchronous electric motor, a high-performance battery and a 9-speed multi-clutch auto transmission, which sends all that power to all 4 wheels via the adaptive AMG Performance 4Matic+ all-wheel drive system. The total outputs are frankly staggering: 590 kW and a maximum torque figure of no less than 1 430 Nm.
Mercedes-AMG claims a 0-100 kph time of 3.3 sec (the limousine even features a Race Start setting for making blistering getaways). Usually, test cars struggle to match their claimed performance times, but not the S63 E Performance. On our test strip, the ‘Benz romped to 100 kph in 3.29 sec without any fuss!
Numbers alone, however, don’t tell the full story. When you first start the S63 E Performance, you may think it is quite an um, demure luxury car. That is but 1 (traditional S-Class) side of its personality, though.
The other side makes its presence known when you select the Sport or Sport+ drive mode – the engine note becomes markedly more purposeful. It may not be as overtly grumbly as S55 or S63 AMGs from about 2 decades ago, but when appropriately motivated via the right foot, it still delivers aural pleasure.
And if you’re driving truly aggressively, the S63 E Performance’s twin-turbocharged 8-cylinder power unit becomes positively raucous. Of course, this being a state-of-the-art modern luxury sedan, there is some clever engineering behind the theatrics: synthesised engine noises are pumped into the cabin.
Besides, the most memorable aspects of the driving experience are the immediacy of the power delivery, plus the strong (seemingly endless) surge that accompanies the ‘Benz digitally augmented soundtrack. When it hooks up, the S63 E Performance turns into a virtual rocketship; its acceleration is so astounding that it could frighten (and quite often beat) supercars that weigh considerably less than the ‘Benz does.
And what about efficiency? We doubt buyers of a R4.6-million vehicle will be overly concerned about the twin-turbo V8’s fuel consumption, but for what it’s worth, the quoted figure (when the batteries are charged) is a low 4.6 L/100 km. If you’re going to be recharging the battery often, then you will indeed be achieving impressive overall efficiency (particularly within the context of the stupendous performance).
With the batteries depleted, the average consumption will be 11.8 L/100 km, Mercedes-AMG says. In our experience, a figure of around 14 L/100 km is more likely (and still acceptable, all things considered).
We were impressed with the seamless manner in which the S63 E Performance switched to cruising on battery power alone for surprisingly lengthy distances (and at reasonably brisk speeds), battery-charge level providing, of course. According to Mercedes-AMG, the electric-only range is around 26 km.
Any issues? Well, it might be a trait specific to our test car, but the transmission shifted clunkily in some instances, particularly just after the engine came on song, as well as in part-throttle conditions. It was the only slight disappointment in an otherwise textbook-perfect display of refined and prodigious power.
Ride and Handling
With all that power and torque, perhaps the S63 E Performance’s straight-line performance should not come as a surprise, even though the car weighs nearly 2.6 tonnes! Equally impressive, but certainly more unexpected, is its agility. Besides the ‘Benz’s heft, you have to keep in mind this is a sizeable vehicle as well – it stretches the measuring tape to 5.34m in length; the wheelbase alone measures 3.22m.
Now factor in the requirement for this performance-oriented 1st-class sedan to also deliver a cossetting ride quality, and you start to appreciate the challenges Mercedes-AMG engineers faced when developing and tuning this limousine’s suspension and advanced drivetrain systems. Regarding the latter, it is worth noting that the S63 E Performance not only features active suspension, but also rear-wheel steering.
Cruise about in one of the more relaxed drive modes and the S63 E Performance comes pretty close to delivering a perfect ride experience, with only some slight tyre noise from the high performance tyres and the odd thud from the suspension over poor surfaces to remind you of the fact that this is a more highly-strung AMG, not a stock S-Class. The steering, too, is relatively light and doesn’t give too much of the game away at lower speeds, although it is pleasingly direct and responsive straight off the bat.
When you start tapping into some of that power and lean on the accelerator pedal when exiting corners, you’ll be left rather dumbfounded – there is body roll, but not much, and the traction is simply incredible.
Once the ‘Benz’s body has gone through its little roll action, the suspension settles and allows you to get back on the power way sooner than you may have expected. Also playing a major role here is the rear-wheel steering, which makes the car feel significantly smaller than it is, and more “chuckable”.
Design and Features
Finished in a beautifully dark Emerald Green metallic paint and riding on black, multi-spoke 21-inch wheels, the S63 E Performance has a sinister, powerful presence. It turns heads wherever it goes, and while the striking vertical chromework on the expansive grille may be an acquired taste, it arguably is necessary in this stratosphere of the market, where Mercedes-Benz competes against Bentley, no less.
The cabin execution is, arguably, a little less convincing. The S63 E Performance shares the bold, high-tech look and feel (with a multitude of screens and lots of piano black) of other high-end ‘Benzes, but perhaps there are too few elements that set it apart from other S-Class variants, given its lofty price tag.
Still, it’s got virtually all the toys (luxurious in-car features and conveniences) that affluent buyers expect, including soft little pillows for the rear passengers and, of course, the adjustable ambient lighting, which is either a highlight or a gimmick, depending on your taste. The upholstery, too, is lovely, with distinctive stitching on the multi-contour seats. Buyers can choose from a variety of colours of Nappa leather trim.
Some contemporary Mercedes-Benzes’ interiors have had less than convincing build quality, but the S63 E Performance marks an improvement, with a pleasing absence of rattles and squeaks from the massive cabin. Still, some of the materials could have a little more weight to them, especially at this price point.
It’s also worth noting that this Mercedes-AMG model’s body rigidity is superior to that of standard S-Class variants. An aluminium stabiliser is fitted underneath the engine to increase torsional stiffness at the front end, while cross-bracing at the suspension mounting points further stiffens the structure.
A minor criticism, particularly given that it is unlikely that this sedan will be used as a family vehicle, is that the rear electric motor and batteries impinge on the luggage capacity. So, while the car has a significant footprint – and is certainly spacious inside, its boot (quoted at 305 litres) is relatively small.
Price and After-sales support
The Mercedes-AMG S63 E Performance retails for R4 604 226 (before options, in April 2025), which includes a 2-year/unlimited km warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.
See also: Mercedes-AMG S63 E Performance prices and specs
Verdict
Those who say models such as the S63 E Performance are so niche that they are almost pointless have a point. However, this car has so much character and is so poised (much to our surprise) that it raises the esteem of Mercedes-AMG, as it’s supposed to. So even if it doesn’t sell in notable numbers, this ‘Benz’s mere existence may be enough to reignite passion (and hope) for the rest of Mercedes-AMG’s line-up.
In this price segment, and against the previously mentioned competitors from Porsche and Bentley, the buyer’s choice is likely to come down to their brand preference, but if you really can’t decide, let’s put it this way… We’d say the Mercedes-AMG successfully marries the athleticism and performance of the Porsche with the sumptuous luxury and stateliness of the Bentley. The best of both worlds, then.
Find a new/used Mercedes-Benz S-Class listed for sale on Cars.co.za
Related content:
Drag Race: BMW M3 Touring vs Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance
