2021 Mercedes-AMG S63e: 520kW-plus PHEV spotted testing

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aria-label="sb38729"Following the recent unveiling of the all-new Mercedes-Benz S-Class, we’ve had our first sighting of the performance-oriented AMG variant ahead of its anticipated launch next year.

Marking itself out as the Affalterbach-fettled car by its sports wheels, unique grille, bespoke bumper designs and square-tip quad-exit exhaust, the pictured prototype was captured by our photographers on public roads, hinting that an advanced development programme is underway.

aria-label="sb38723"As with the previous-generation car, the S63 can be expected to retain the tech-heavy interior and overall proportions of the luxury-focussed standard car, while gaining significant chassis tweaks alongside its more powerful engine, which will be exclusively hybridised for this iteration.

aria-label="sb38727"Two plug-in AMG-badged variants are inbound, both powered by a variation of the same twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 that powers the brand’s GT supercar and GLE 63 performance SUV. The standard S63e 4Matic+ will mate the petrol motor with a 100kW electric motor for a combined output of around 520kW, while the more potent S73e 4Matic+ will boost overall output to more than 600kW, courtesy of an uprated 150kW electric motor.

aria-label="sb38733"It’s not yet clear which model has been spotted here, but visual differences between the performance duo are likely to be minimal, as is the case with AMG’s E-Class-based E53 and E63.

aria-label="sb38708"The S65 will not return for this generation, with its V12 engine continuing only in the Maybach-badged range-topper. Early last year, Mercedes launched the S65 Final Edition as the previous-generation S-Class bowed out of production, taking with it the 12-cylinder engine and marking an end to nearly 30 years of V12-powered S-Class models.

Felix Page

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