The 2023 Mercedes-AMG S63 E Performance is the most powerful factory S-Class ever thanks to a plug-in hybrid V8 powertrain that develops almost three times as much muscle as the base S350d sold in Europe. But it also costs nearly twice as much to buy.
Mercedes-AMG announced today that the first deliveries of the S63 flagship would reach their European owners in May of this year. Those lucky limo buyers – or their chauffeurs – will be getting their hands on a luxury sedan equipped with a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 whose PHEV power pack helps it punch out 791 hp (802 PS) and 1,055 lb-ft (1,430 Nm) of torque. And in exchange, they’ll have handed over €208,393 ($228,167).
Compare that with Germany’s entry-level S-Class, the S350d diesel, which makes just 282 hp (286 PS), but also only costs €107,814 ($118,044), and we’re reminded that while we view every S-Class as a high-dollar luxury car, some are considerably more expensive and more luxurious, plus, of course, much faster. The S63 can hit 62 mph (100 km/h) in an almost supercar-like 3.3 seconds and also offer a 33-mile (53 km) electric range.
That €208,393 price is for a car with no options, so you could easily inflate it to the wrong side of €230,000 by adding 21-inch forged wheels, the AMG carbon exterior package, an €8,925 ($9,772) carbon brake kit and the AMG Driver’s Package that increases the top speed limiter from 155 mph (250 km/h) to 180 mph (290 km/h).
Also guaranteed to send the sticker price soaring, though by how much AMG isn’t saying, is the launch version of the S63, the Edition 1. You’re probably familiar with the Edition 1 recipe from earlier AMGs: take the standard car then fling a load of options at it, plus a few bits of trim not available on the regular car, before offering it to early adopters for a tidy profit. In the case of the S63 AMG Edition 1, those upgrades include Manufaktur alpine grey uni paintwork, 21-inch AMG cross-spoke, forged wheels, plus seats upholstered with exclusive AMG Nappa leather accented by red seams and stitching.
You also get the AMG Exterior Night Package that adds a black finish to the nose, side skirts, mirror caps and window trim, black-chrome AMG tailpipes, heat-insulating dark glass, red brake calipers, and an AMG indoor car cover emblazoned with the ‘Edition 1’ pattern. We’d love to show you what it looks like but for some reason, Mercedes-AMG hasn’t provided any images, so you’ll just have to imagine the white car pictured here looking a heap moodier. Maybe try turning your phone brightness right down.
The S63 E Performance will also be available in North America later in 2023, though prices are still TBC.