Following the debut of the SL63 S E Performance back in December, Mercedes-AMG has unveiled the range-topping plug-in-hybrid version of the new GT coupe using the same V8 powertrain. With a 0-to-60-mph time of just 2.7 seconds, the new GT63 S E Performance is the quickest series production Mercedes ever made, beating even the AMG One hypercar.
The GT’s setup is identical to that of the SL. It pairs a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine and 9-speed automatic transmission with an electric motor and a 6.1-kWh battery pack both mounted at the rear axle. The electric motor has its own two-speed transmission, and its power can be sent to the front axle if needed as well. On its own the engine makes 603 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque while the electric motor puts out 201 hp and 236 lb-ft; combined the GT63 PHEV makes 805 hp and a whopping 1,047 lb-ft.
Mercedes says the GT63 S E Performance will hit 60 in 2.7 seconds, a tenth quicker than the SL63 PHEV and four tenths quicker than the nonhybrid GT63. Its top speed of 199 mph is 3 mph faster than both the SL PHEV and the standard GT63. Other performance features include a limited-slip rear diff, rear-axle steering, AMG’s hydraulic suspension with active roll stabilization, eight drive modes, carbon-ceramic brakes and lots of active aerodynamic elements.
We don’t have any EV range estimates yet, but it should be around a dozen miles. The GT63 can be recharged with a 3.7-kW onboard AC charger, with the port located in the rear bumper. The GT63 has four levels of regenerative braking, with up to 100 kW of energy able to be recuperated, and one-pedal driving is possible in the strongest setting.
Rear charge port aside, the only tells that you’re looking at a plug-in-hybrid GT are grooved exhaust tips and red accents on the badges. There are a bunch of new colors available through Mercedes’ Manufaktur Signature program, including the awesome Desert Sand beige, along with a number of leather interior color schemes and color-matched trim accents.
Pricing has yet to be announced, but the GT63 S E Performance will surely carry a number 2 at the front of its price tag when it goes on sale later this year. It remains to be seen whether there will be a lower-powered PHEV variant using the base GT43's four-cylinder engine, as well.
