The Mercedes-AMG S-Class E-PERFORMANCE
Quick facts
- 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine, synchronous electric motor, high-performance battery (13.1 kWh)
- 9-speed transmission
- AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system
- Output: 590 kW and the maximum system torque of 1430 Nm
- Acceleration: 0 to 100 km/h in 3.3 seconds
Mercedes-AMG has traditionally relied heavily on the S-Class. The founders demonstrated more than 50 years ago that they could use the innovative spirit of the Swabians to turn a luxurious sedan into a very dynamic vehicle. With the Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.8 AMG, the performance and sports car manufacturer from Affalterbach achieved its first major milestone in 1971. The brand-new Mercedes-AMG S 63 E Performance with AMG hybrid technology is the segment standard right now. The AMG 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine, an AMG-specific hybrid powertrain, and a new expansion stage of the AMG high-performance battery (HPB) are all combined in the E-Performance model.
The well-known HPB 80's high-performance, directly cooled battery cells serve as the foundation for the new HPB 150. From 6.1 kWh in the HPB 80 to 13.1 kWh in the HPB 150, the energy content rises. This extends the 33-kilometer range of the all-electric vehicle.
Exterior
The Mercedes-AMG S63 E's expressive outward appearance also alluded to its remarkable performance. An S-Class Saloon has the AMG-specific radiator grille with vertical louvres and a sizable center star for the first time. The AMG insignia in silver chrome and black has taken the place of the old Mercedes star on the radiator. The front view also features a front apron with a jet-wing design, huge side air inlets, and useful air curtains. The up to 21-inch AMG forged wheels and the side sill panels that are exclusive to AMG are particularly noticeable from the side. The large diffuser with longitudinal fins and the diffuser board, as well as the trapezoidal, fluted twin tailpipes, are distinguishing design elements of the 1963 vehicles.
Interior
The AMG-specific features are mixed in with the high-quality S-Class interior furnishings. The seats' exquisite stitching and unique AMG upholstery pattern highlight their opulent appeal. Exclusive colors and different nappa leather upholstery, along with an engraved AMG symbol in the front head restraints, highlight the S 63 E Performance's sporty or opulent side. The First-Class rear compartment and four multicontour seats demonstrate the vehicle's aspirations to be the market leader. Additionally, the standard AMG Performance steering wheel with AMG steering wheel buttons and AMG-specific trim components are included.
Infotainment
The MBUX infotainment system has a number of displays and features that are exclusive to AMG and hybrid vehicles. These consist of the displays on the multimedia central display in portrait mode in the center console, the instrument cluster displays, and the optional head-up display. With many display options and individually selected primary views, the instrument cluster view can be customized. A vertical menu structure can be used to present a variety of contents in the AMG-specific Supersport style. These include a menu with temperatures tailored specifically for hybrids or a setup menu that shows the suspension's or transmission's current settings. A navigation map, fuel usage information, and all the telemetric data accessible in the AMG Track Pace can also be presented for Supersport-style drivers.
AMG's own display styles, like Race and Supersport, are also available on the head-up display. These can be accessed using the instrument cluster's main menu. The multimedia display's top-notch graphics visualize the power flow throughout the complete drive system, including the electric motor's speed, output, torque, and temperature, as well as the battery's temperature.
The striking twin-spoke shape and flawlessly integrated shifting buttons on the AMG Performance steering wheel add to the brand's signature appearance. The AMG steering wheel buttons dazzle with their stunning displays and simple control schemes. They let the driver operate all driving modes and significant driving functions without taking their hands off the wheel. The controls on the steering wheel also allow you to choose the hybrid drive's recovery levels.
The 140 kW electric motor is mounted at the rear axle, where it is combined with a limited-slip rear differential and a two-speed electrically-shifted transmission to create a small electric drive unit (EDU). This design is referred described as a P3 hybrid by experts. Also towards the back, above the rear axle, is where the high-performance battery is housed. The bypassing of the 9-speed transmission, which is flanged to the V8 engine, is the clear advantage of this EDU location. It can completely utilize the torque of both drive units because it is placed behind the transmission.
And there are a ton more reasons why the P3 arrangement is advantageous as a performance hybrid:
- The P3 concept makes it possible to boost electrically at full torque across the entire rpm range.
- 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 inherent design of the electric motor means that its power can kick in straight away at full torque, making particularly agile starting possible.
- In addition, the driver immediately experiences a noticeable performance increase thanks to the integrated, electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential: the hybrid model accelerates out of bends with great agility.
- In the event of slip at the rear axle, the drive power from the combustion engine and electric motor is also transferred to the front wheels as required. This is made possible by mechanical connection of the fully variable all-wheel drive by means of the propshaft and drive shafts of the front wheels. It also makes it feasible to drive purely electrically with all-wheel drive.
- The positioning at the rear axle improves the weight and axle load distribution in the vehicle. This forms the basis for the compelling handling.
- The AMG concept offers very high recuperation efficiency, as the system allows only minimal mechanical and hydraulic losses from the engine and transmission. In the "Comfort" driving mode, the combustion engine can be specifically disconnected. This reduces drag torque when the driving situation permits.
- The two-speed transmission at the rear axle shifts automatically. With its specially tuned gear ratio, it ensures a combination of high wheel torque for agile starting and smooth, continuous performance at higher speeds. An electric actuator engages second gear at around 140 km/h 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.
