Mercedes‑AMG S63 E Performance is the most powerful S‑Class ever

A clue as to how that power is generated, is in the name: Mercedes-AMG S63 E Performance. That’s right, the most powerful S-Class ever is a hybrid, with the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 now working in tandem with an electric motor. Combined output is precisely 802PS (590kW), with 1,430Nm (1,055lb ft) of torque, with the V8 adding 612PS and the electric motor adding 190PS. 

That means this luxury limo, weighing 2,595kg at the kerb, can get to 62mph in 3.3 seconds, on the way to a 155mph heavily-limited top speed. Needless to say, that power and performance very much has the 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system to thank for this prodigious deployment, via AMG’s nine-speed transmission.

Obviously being a luxury AMG, it has to be classy yet imperious. With the new body kit using more body colour than is common for an AMG. Very AMG is the quad pipes that are present and correct, as is the Panamericana grille and large multi-spoke wheels.

The inside is a typically lavish place to spend your time, with this show car pairing white quilted leather with dark wood-look material. There’s plenty of sporty red mood lighting paired with the screen fest that is the new S-Class’s cabin. All in all, short of a Maybach, this is top of the list of balling S-Class specs.

The price for the most powerful, fastest S-Class ever made? The new S63 E Performance starts from £182,000, with fully-specced cars (including AMG driver’s package, carbon packages, et al) likely to stretch well beyond £200,000. German deliveries begin in May, with other areas presumably to follow.

So what do you think, is E-Performance enough to replace 65, on the back of a proper gangster’s S-Class? It certainly does the numbers…