Massive power from first PHEV AMG
Model looks nearly identical to standard GT 4-Door
The first PHEV from Mercedes-AMG is here, and it is going to be a powerhouse. The performance brand has added an electric motor to the rear axle of the Mercedes-AMG GT Four-door to create a super sedan with 843 hp and more than 1,000 lb-ft of torque.
That’s right, more than 1,000 lb-ft. A total of 1,033 to help rocket the car off of the line, making it the most powerful AMG production car ever built.
The gas engine is the 4.0L twin-turbo V8 that’s found in the rest of the Mercedes-AMG V8 lineup. Here it makes 639 hp and 664 lb-ft with that torque peak flat from 2,500 to 4,500 rpm. The engine isn’t untouched, though, using a new turbo ducting that allows the engine computer to control how much exhaust flow is making it to the turbos to reduce back pressure.
Fitted to the gas engine is a belt-driven starter generator that runs the air conditioning and lights as well as other low-voltage demands. The real motor, though, is the 204 hp one mounted to the rear axle and integrated into a two-speed gearbox and limited-slip differential. Though it’s connected to the rear, the all-wheel drive system allows some of the electric motor’s power to be sent to the front wheels too.
A lithium-ion battery was developed using some of the same tech found in the company’s F1 cars. The 6.1 kWh battery weighs just 89 kg and can deliver an all-electric range of 12 km for getting you from the highway to downtown without using gasoline. To meet AMG’s performance metrics, a new cooling system was developed that cools each cell directly. Mercedes-AMG says this adds battery life and performance.
0-100 km/h takes 2.9 seconds and it’ll hit 200 in just under 10. The top speed is 315 km/h if you can find a long enough closed course. New drive modes include an Electric mode to let it cruise at up to 130 km/h on battery power. It also has four levels of regeneration including one that offers one-pedal driving and one that is meant specifically for the race track.
Most of the rest is standard AMG GT 63 S, including adaptive suspension with air ride and massive carbon ceramic brakes. The cabin carries over, and exterior visual changes include a revised bumper up front and the addition of a charging port in the rear. Expect the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance to start deliveries this fall.
