Throughout its history, Mercedes Benz has consistently pushed the boundaries of automotive performance, with motorsports serving as a relentless testing ground for innovation. From the breathtaking 300 SL Gullwing to the monstrous CLK GTR, each iconic Mercedes race car found its counterpart on the road. Take the Mercedes-AMG ONE, a hypercar that shattered expectations with its Formula One hybrid powertrain. This engineering marvel embodied the race track–to–road philosophy, boasting an aggressive aerodynamic package, an F1-inspired steering wheel, and a livery that mirrored its track-dominating cousin. The ONE stood as a testament to Mercedes’ commitment to bringing the thrill of motorsports to everyday driving.
This dedication to trickle-down performance reaches a new pinnacle with the arrival of the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance. As a Formula One enthusiast, I’d seen countless glimpses of this car on TV as the high-speed medical car, its imposing presence a constant reassurance during intense races. But witnessing it in person was an entirely different experience. The GT 63 S E transcended its medical car duties, emerging as a design masterpiece. Its sleek lines and muscular stance were unmistakably AMG, while the practical wagon format added a touch of unexpected utility. It was undoubtedly one of the most compelling and visually arresting AMG station wagons ever created.
Beyond its captivating looks lies a powerhouse waiting to be unleashed. The roar of the handcrafted AMG 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine promises exhilarating performance, further amplified by a permanently revved electric motor mounted on the rear axle. This innovative hybrid system pushes the boundaries of automotive engineering, offering a glimpse into the future of high-performance driving.
The opportunity to get behind the wheel of this AMG, got me buzzing, it’s a chance to experience the culmination of Mercedes’ rich championship-winning motorsport heritage and relentless pursuit of innovation. It’s a fusion of exhilarating power, groundbreaking technology, and undeniable style, all wrapped up in a car that’s both practical and undeniably head-turning.
favoured by Mercedes’s design chief Gorden Wagener, showcasing
the brand’s new design language
The AMG cuts a striking figure, and its design lineage clearly linked to the AMG GT. This four-door interpretation retains the clean and minimalist lines favoured by Mercedes design chief Gorden Wagener, showcasing the brand’s new design language. The long, imposing hood leads the eye to a sharply tapered rear end, which transforms dramatically depending on the spoiler’s position. With the spoiler retracted, the car exudes a sleek, almost dormant presence. But extend the spoiler, and the Merc is awakened, its aggressive stance hinting at the power lurking beneath the surface.
The bold shoulder line is particularly noticeable from the driver’s seat, offering a glimpse of the car’s muscularity even in a rearview mirror. Sleek headlights and taillights add a touch of flair, while the subtle AMG badge injects a dose of sporting heritage. Even parked, this AMG exudes an undeniable sense of speed and purpose. Subtle details like the “E PERFORMANCE” badge and the discreet charging port integrated into the rear bumper further highlight the car’s hybrid prowess.
The AMG GT 63 S modern dashboard boasts a dual-screen setup, but the surrounding materials tell a different story. Carbon fibre and Alcantara create an undeniably premium feel, instantly setting the tone for a performance-oriented cabin.
One of the most ingenious features is the tiny display beside each haptic button on the centre console. These mini-screens eliminate any guesswork, displaying the function of each button with a simple glance. This innovative detail not only elevates the aesthetics but also enhances usability.
For the audiophile within, the Burmester 14-speaker sound system is a revelation. It delivers an auditory experience so immersive and powerful, it can only be described as “mental” (in the best way possible). The remainder of the interior, carries a familiar AMG aura, with sporty accents peppered throughout.
The front seats are both supportive and comfortable, designed for long drives without compromising on the overall sporty theme. The rear seats offer a surprising level of space, considering the sloping roofline. While rear passenger accommodations might not be the primary focus of a car like this, the GT 63 S E Performance proves it can be surprisingly practical for occasional backseat duties.
However, a small price must be paid for the hybrid magic under the hood. The sloping roofline eats slightly into the rear headroom, and boot space is limited to 330 litres. But for those who prioritise exhilarating performance, this trade-off is a fair one. The sacrificed cargo space is a small price for the immense power and efficiency delivered by the electric battery and advanced hybrid powertrain.
The heart of the AMG GT 63 S E is a technological marvel: a complex dance between a powerful gasoline engine and a potent electric motor. Let’s delve into the specifics of this awe-inspiring powerplant. Nestled under the hood is the M177, a hand-crafted masterpiece as part of AMGs one man one-engine philosophy – a twin-turbocharged 4.0–litre V8 petrol engine churning out a formidable 630 bhp. But that’s just the beginning. The story takes a thrilling turn with the introduction of a 201 bhp electric motor powered by a 6.1 kWh lithium-ion battery. When these two forces combine, they unleash a staggering 831 bhp and a mind-bending 149.89 kgm of torque.
Imagine the relentless thrust provided by this combined might. Power is channelled to all four wheels via the lightning fast AMG Speedshift MCT 9 speed transmission, ensuring an uninterrupted surge of power at any speed. Despite its substantial weight of around 2400 kgs, the AMG GT 63 S E Performance defies expectations, transforming its bulk into an exhilarating performance. All of that results to a claimed 0-100 kph time of 2.9 seconds or its top speed of 316 kph. After all, it does go around that F1 track every other weekend performing its medical car duties so it definitely delivers on all the performance.
Adding to the driver’s delight is a range of drive modes that cater to every mood and road condition. You go to “Race” to unleash the car’s full potential, the GT 63 S E adapts seamlessly but this is restricted to race tracks only. Each mode fine-tunes the electric motor’s assistance, throttle response, gearshifts, and even suspension and steering, creating a tailored driving experience. But the party trick for this AMG has to be the electric (EL) mode, start the vehicle, and go out and not wake your neighbours up when you need to drive in EV mode (up to 12 km).
I had the unforgettable privilege of experiencing “Race” mode on the legendary Buddh International Circuit, a Formula One-sanctioned track. The memory of that encounter remains vivid – the feeling of acceleration upon flooring the throttle was exhilarating, a stark contrast to the often sterile feel of all-electric performance cars. The thunderous V8, every press of the pedal translates into a surge of power, a visceral connection between driver and machine.
Driving this AMG isn’t just about the raw power; it’s a symphony of precise handling and surprisingly comfortable ride quality. Despite its hefty weight, the car feels surprisingly light on its feet, thanks in part to the advanced air suspension that constantly adapts to road conditions. It strikes a remarkable balance between sporty firmness and a cushioned ride, ensuring you feel every corner with confidence yet remain comfortable on longer journeys.
The steering is another highlight. It delivers a beautifully precise feel, transmitting every detail of the road surface to your fingertips. This allows for pinpoint accuracy when carving through corners, making you feel like an extension of the car itself. The overall driving experience is nothing short of rewarding. Every press of the accelerator pedal unleashes a surge of power, urging you to explore the car’s full potential. Yet, even at high speeds, the GT 63 S E Performance feels reassuringly planted, thanks to its advanced all-wheel-drive system and active aerodynamics.
element is meticulously crafted to deliver an exhilarating drive
This isn’t just a car; it’s an adrenaline pump disguised as a four-door luxury machine. It’s a car that begs to be pushed, rewarding your inputs with exhilarating performance and a level of driver engagement that’s often missing in today’s world. There’s a sense of accomplishment that comes with piloting this beast, a feeling that you’re truly in control of a remarkable piece of automotive gem from Affalterbach.
Spending time with this AMG is more than just a regular drive; it’s an immersive experience in the world of high-performance motoring. From the unmistakable F1 connection to the breathtaking design, every element is meticulously crafted to deliver an exhilarating drive.
While the Rs 3.91 crore price tag might raise eyebrows, it’s easy to see where the value lies. This isn’t just a powerful car; it’s a practical four door masterpiece that seamlessly blends luxury, technology, and electrifying performance. It’s a car that embodies the very essence of the AMG motto – ‘Driving Performance.’ As you reluctantly hand back the keys to Mercedes Benz India, you can’t help but utter a heartfelt ‘Aah My God’ — a testament to the unforgettable experience this engineering marvel has delivered.
