The very first Mercedes AMG high-performance hybrid, based on Formula 1 technology, is now in serial production. The design features a unique drive arrangement with an electric motor and battery on the back axle, as well as an in-house-built high-performance battery.
Thanks to its unique engine, the Mercedes AMG GT 63 S E PERFORMANCE combines outstanding performance and excellent driving characteristics with maximum economy. As a result, the E PERFORMANCE model carries the AMG Driving Performance DNA into the electrified future. The system output of the 4.0-liter V8 bi-turbo engine and electric motor is 620 kW (843 horsepower) with a maximum system torque of over 1,400 Nm.
The quick reaction of the electric motor at the rear axle, as well as the rapid torque build-up and better weight distribution, provide a unique, extremely dynamic driving experience. The battery, like those used in Formula 1, is intended for rapid power supply and draw. The 12-kilometer (7.5-mile) electric range enables for a realistic operation radius, such as in cities or residential areas.
“With the new Mercedes AMG GT 63 S E PERFORMANCE, we are transporting our brand DNA into an electrified future. In doing so, we are following our own technical path, which is what has always made AMG so special and desirable. Developed entirely in Affalterbach, the performance hybrid offers a fascinating level of driving dynamics and rightly bears our new technology label E PERFORMANCE. With this new concept, we are also opening up to new target groups who will experience Mercedes AMG as the performance luxury brand of the 21st century.”, explained Philipp Schiemer, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.
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Mercedes AMG really packed on the muscles on the 63 S E PERFORMANCE
The four-door coupé’s athletic characteristics are highlighted by the expressive design, which includes a low front section, muscular body, squat greenhouse, and dynamic fastback. The distinctive front apron, which is based on the design of the two-door AMG GT, is another eye-catching element. It seems to be cast from a single mold and fits seamlessly with the entire vehicle’s dynamic appearance. The exterior air intakes are larger and more angled toward the car’s center. Three vertical fins route the airflow to the wheel arch coolers.
The rear apron with integrated plug-in charging flap and the model name highlighted in red are unique identifying characteristics. AMG is also integrating outwardly fluted trapezoidal dual exhaust tailpipes with the hybrid. The hybrid drive is indicated by the “E PERFORMANCE” logo on the wings. The hybrid variant, like the rest of the model series, comes with a variety of paint treatments and equipment options.
The new AMG Night Package II, or a combination of the Night Package and the Carbon Package, for example, may enhance the external appearance. There are also new light-alloy wheels in 20 and 21-inch sizes, each with two color options. The performance hybrid is also available in the exclusive Edition.
The MBUX system displays hybrid-specific info
The MBUX multimedia system with AMG hybrid-specific displays and functions is standard in the Widescreen Cockpit. The driver may see the electric range, power consumption, output, and torque of the electric motor, and battery and electric motor temperatures in the instrument cluster.
The power flow of the whole drive system, as well as the rpm, output, torque, and temperature of the electric motor, are shown in high-quality graphics on the multimedia display. On their optional multimedia display, the rear-seat passengers may see information on the energy flow as well as the power and torque of the electric motor.
The first Mercedes AMG hybrid is as mean as it looks: 843 hp and 1,400 Nm
The 4.0-liter V8 bi-turbo engine in the AMG GT 63 S E PERFORMANCE is paired with a permanently excited synchronous electric motor, an Affalterbach (AMG headquarters)-developed high-performance battery, and the completely variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive system. The 4.0-liter V8 bi-turbo engine and electric motor work together to provide a system output of 620 kW (843 horsepower) and a maximum system torque of over 1,400 Nm. The driving performance of Affalterbach’s most powerful series-production car to date is also impressive: acceleration from zero to 100 km/h takes only 2.9 seconds, and 200 km/h takes less than ten seconds. At 316 km/h, the acceleration comes to a halt.
The 150 kW (204 hp) electric motor is housed in a small electric drive unit that also includes an electrically moved two-speed gearbox and an electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential (EDU). This design is referred described as a P3 hybrid by experts. Also at the back, above the rear axle, is a lightweight high-performance battery.
Formula 1-inspired top-performance battery
It was obvious from the start that all critical components would be created in Affalterbach while designing the electrification plan. The AMG high-performance battery is at the core of it all (HPB). The development of this lithium-ion battery was influenced by technologies that have previously proved themselves in the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team’s Formula 1 hybrid racing vehicles under the most extreme circumstances.
During development, the High Performance Powertrains (HPP) Formula 1 engine shop in Brixworth and Mercedes-AMG in Affalterbach had a dynamic exchange of professional information. To improve the vehicle’s overall performance, the AMG high-performance battery combines high power that can be called up often in succession with low weight. The rapid energy drain and high power density are other factors.
This implies that during uphill sections of a fast drive in mountainous terrain, for example, drivers may instantly tap into their maximum power capability, while downward recovery is robust.
The AMG GT 63 S E PERFORMANCE’s high-performance battery has a capacity of 6.1 kWh, a constant output of 70 kW, and a peak output of 150 kW for 10 seconds. The 89-kilogram weight allows for a very high power density of 1.7 kW/kg. Conventional batteries with no direct cooling of the cells accomplish approximately half of this number.
The 3.7 kW onboard AC charger, a charging station, wall box, or a home plug are all options for charging. The battery is designed for quick power supply and drain, not for the greatest range feasible. Nonetheless, the 12-kilometer electric range provides a realistic operating radius, such as for peaceful and emission-free driving from a residential neighborhood to the city limits or the highway.
