Fresh off its triumphant public debut at the Simola Hillclimb in Knysna, where it clinched the top spot in the production car category with AMG Driving Experience head Clint Weston behind the wheel, the Mercedes-AMG GT63 S E Performance has officially landed in South Africa—along with its price tag.
A New Benchmark in Hybrid Performance
Replacing the previous-generation AMG GT R, the GT63 S E Performance now becomes Affalterbach’s second most torque-laden road car, following only the S65 E Performance. It features the familiar 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, producing 450 kW and 850 Nm, paired with a rear-mounted electric motor that adds 150 kW and 320 Nm, powered by a 6.1 kWh lithium-ion battery.
This setup delivers a combined output of 600 kW and 1 420 Nm, launching the car from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.8 seconds and propelling it to a top speed of 320 km/h.
Electrified Muscle Meets All-Wheel Precision
Despite being a plug-in hybrid, the GT63 S E Performance prioritizes performance over range, offering a modest 13 km of pure electric driving. Power is sent to all four wheels through the 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive system, ensuring maximum traction and dynamic stability.
Regenerative braking allows for up to 100 kW of energy to be recovered and stored in the battery during deceleration, enhancing both performance and efficiency.
Eight Driving Modes for Every Scenario
The local version includes the AMG Dynamic Select system, tailored for hybrid performance. It offers eight driving modes: Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Individual, Electric, and Battery Hold (which maintains battery charge by relying on the V8 engine for propulsion).
Premium Engineering, Inside and Out
Mercedes-AMG has equipped the GT63 S E Performance with a host of advanced features, including rear-axle steering, AMG Ride Control adaptive dampers, model-specific springs and shocks, AMG carbon-ceramic brakes, and staggered AMG alloy wheels—20-inch at the front and 21-inch at the rear.
Inside, the cabin offers an upscale driving experience, including optional diamond-stitched Nappa leather, hybrid-specific readouts in the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and an 11.9-inch MBUX infotainment screen.
Key Features at a Glance
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine | 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 |
| Electric Motor | Rear-mounted, 150 kW / 320 Nm |
| Combined Power Output | 600 kW / 1 420 Nm |
| 0-100 km/h | 2.8 seconds |
| Top Speed | 320 km/h |
| Battery | 6.1 kWh lithium-ion |
| Electric Range | 13 km |
| Transmission | 9-speed MCT automatic |
| Drive System | 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive |
| Drive Modes | Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Individual, Electric, Battery Hold |
| Brakes | AMG carbon-ceramic |
| Suspension | AMG Ride Control with rear-axle steering |
| Wheels | 20-inch front / 21-inch rear AMG alloy wheels |
| Interior Highlights | Optional diamond-quilted Nappa leather, 12.3″ cluster, 11.9″ MBUX display |
Pricing and Availability
In South Africa, the GT63 S E Performance is the flagship of a three-model GT range, joined by the GT 55 and the standard GT 63. It is priced at R4,369,287 and includes a five-year/100,000 km maintenance plan.
This pricing positions the GT63 S E Performance as one of the most premium performance hybrids currently available in the country. While its price tag may place it in rarefied territory, the combination of race-bred performance, cutting-edge hybrid technology, and AMG’s signature luxury makes it a compelling proposition for buyers seeking an exclusive, high-powered grand tourer with electrified credentials.
Related article: Mercedes-AMG S63: The Ultimate Fusion of Power, Luxury, and Hybrid Innovation
