After several electric sedans, Mercedes-AMG is now introducing a classic V8 model again. But even that can no longer do without e-power. With the combined drive, the sports version of the S-Class has 802 hp - making it the most powerful of the series.
Mercedes-AMG scales new heights of performance with electrical support. Thanks to a combination of V8 petrol engine and electric motor, the now presented sports version of the S-Class has a total output of 590 kW/802 hp and a torque of 1430 Nm, making it the most powerful variant of the luxury class series ever built. The S 63 E-Performance will be launched next year.
The potent, but at least mathematically economical plug-in hybrid drive is intended to reconcile the requirements for climate protection and the preferences of the customers. The latter is provided by the sonorous and powerful 4.0-liter eight-cylinder with biturbo charging, which is combined with a nine-speed automatic and alone already brings it to 450 kW/612 hp and 900 Nm. A 109 HP and 320 Nm strong electric motor on the rear axle, which is coupled to a two-speed gearbox and can therefore still be effective even in the upper speed range, is added as a performance booster and standard consumption reducer.
It draws its energy from a 13.1 kWh battery mounted above the rear axle. However, the electric range is comparatively low at 33 kilometers - the primary task of the electric drive is not emission-free driving, but to support the combustion engine. And pressing the standard consumption determined in the laboratory, which is at the level of a small car at 4.4 liters per 100 kilometers.
However, the driving performance values are more important in this class: Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes 3.3 seconds, and the top speed is limited to 250 km/h. It can optionally be increased to 290 km/h. To ensure that the heavy sedan remains controllable despite the excessive power, Mercedes has put a lot of effort into the chassis.
All-wheel drive is a matter of course, plus all-wheel steering from the S-Class catalogue, adaptive air suspension, active roll stabilization that keeps the body balanced in curves, and active engine mounts that tighten or relax depending on the driving situation. A high-performance composite brake system ensures safe deceleration. The same task is pursued by a large number of assistance systems, including the "Drive Pilot" for highly automated driving. On suitable sections of the motorway, the technology takes over the wheel completely up to a speed of 60 km/h.
Visually, the AMG differs from the normal S-Class with a slightly more aggressive appearance. The radiator grille has vertical slats, there are large nostrils in the lower bumper and at the rear four trapezoidal tailpipes and a diffuser indicate the special status of the sedan. Inside, up to four occupants can see instruments and trim parts in an AMG look.
The manufacturer has not yet given an official price. The most expensive plug-in hybrid model to date (580e, 375 kW/510 hp) costs just under 140,000 euros. AMG should again demand a hefty premium and break the 180 euro mark.
