The first high performance hybrid from Mercedes-AMG is entering series production. Mercedes-AMG claims their new GT 63 S E PERFORMANCE combines superior performance and impressive driving dynamics with maximum efficiency thanks to its special powertrain. The combination of 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine and electric motor generates an impressive 831 hp and even more impressive 1,033 lb-ft of torque. However, you should not expect it to set any new Nürburgring records because at 7 miles electric range, the electric motors won’t even last one lap.
In the AMG GT 63 S E PERFORMANCE, the 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine is combined with a permanently excited synchronous electric motor, a high-performance battery developed in Affalterbach and the fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system.
The combination of engine and electric motor creates the most powerful series-production vehicle from Affalterbach to date. The big 4 door will accelerate from a standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 2.9 seconds, and 200 km/h (125 mph) is reached in less than ten seconds. Top seed is 316 km/h (196 mph).
The 201 hp electric motor is positioned at the rear axle, where it is integrated with an electrically shifted two-speed gearbox and the electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential in a compact electric drive unit. Experts refer to this layout as a P3 hybrid. The lightweight high-performance battery is also located above the rear axle. This compact design has numerous advantages:
- The electric motor acts directly on the rear axle and can therefore convert its power more directly into propulsion – for that extra boost when moving off, accelerating or overtaking.
- The power of the electric motor can inherently be applied at full torque, allowing for a particularly agile start.
- In addition, the driver immediately experiences a noticeable performance increase thanks to the integrated, electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential: The hybrid model is even more agile when accelerating out of bends, and provides more traction and therefore more driving safety.
- When slipping at the rear axle increases, the drive power of the electric motor is also transferred to the front wheels as required for more traction. The mechanical connection of the fully variable all- wheel drive makes this possible by means of a propshaft and the drive shafts of the front wheels.
- The positioning on the rear axle improves the weight as well as the axle load distribution in the vehicle and thus forms the basis for the convincing handling.
- The AMG concept offers very high regeneration efficiency, as the system allows only minimal mechanical and hydraulic losses from the engine and transmission.
- The automated two-speed transmission at the rear axle with its specially calibrated gear ratio ensures the spread from high wheel torque for agile starting to safe continuous output at higher speeds. An electric actuator engages second gear at around 140 km/h (87 mph) at the latest, which corresponds to the electric motor’s maximum speed of around 13,500 rpm.
- With the increase in performance due to the additional electric motor, the development team was also able to improve the efficiency of the entire vehicle in parallel – and achieve lower emissions as well as lower consumption.
The electric only range of AMG GT 63 S E PERFORMANCE is only 7 miles because the battery capacity is only 6.1 kWh. On the positive side, the small battery weigh only 196 lbs.
Charging is via the 3.7 kW on-board AC charger, at a charging station, wallbox or household socket. The battery is designed for fast power delivery and draw, not for the longest possible range.
The electric motor makes peak output of 201 hp, but only for 10 seconds, which should be enough for a 1/4 mile drag race. The motor’s continuous power output is about 94 hp.
When driving on all-electric power, the Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System warns the surroundings that the Performance hybrid is approaching. A specially composed low-frequency, speed dependent AMG sound is emitted to the outside via single loudspeakers at the front and rear. The sound can also be heard at a subdued level in the interior, as acoustic feedback for the passengers.
At higher speeds, the customer can select their desired sound experience between “balanced” and “powerful” using the sound buttons in the center console or on the steering wheel. When driving on all-electric power, either a discreet or a powerful sound experience is generated. When the combustion engine starts, the selected setting influences the sound of the exhaust system.
