Not 5 minutes into my drive of the 2024 Mercedes-Benz AMG S 63 E Efficiency, the automobile has determined I have to chill out. Possibly I’m tense about tapping into all 791 hp from this plug-in hybrid powertrain…or making the most of the efficiency suspension to slice by means of these roads within the Santa Monica Mountains…or deserving the belief afforded me to pilot a automobile with a sticker worth that can actually prime $150,000.

The S 63 E Efficiency stands out as the most technologically superior automobile that has ever hit the market. The S-Class has sometimes held that mantle, however turning the S 63 E right into a plug-in hybrid by incorporating know-how born of Components 1 takes it to the following step. It doesn’t simply use the hybrid system to chase effectivity. It additionally goals at efficiency whereas sustaining an air of civility. Basically, the S 63’s new tech is supposed to assist a automobile that does nearly every thing effectively add a number of extra bullets to its holster.

2024 Mercedes-Benz AMG S 63 E Efficiency

2024 Mercedes-Benz AMG S 63 E Efficiency

2024 Mercedes-Benz AMG S 63 E Efficiency

Mercedes-Benz AMG S 63 E Efficiency: Hybrid energy dealer

The engine makes the identical energy because it did within the final S 63, which was final supplied in 2020 as a sedan and 2021 as a coupe. It’s a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 that huffs out 603 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with the identical 9-speed automated transmission with a moist clutch as an alternative of a torque converter. By itself, this combo launched the 2020 S 63 from 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds.

An AMG grille with vertical slats, a singular entrance bumper with bigger airlets feed extra air to the engine than in different S-Courses. The S 63 additionally has a spherical AMG emblem on the hood as an alternative of a standing star decoration, cast wheels, AMG aspect skirts, and a rear diffuser. 

The engine is simply a part of the brand new powertrain. Like within the 2024 Mercedes-Benz C 63 S E Efficiency, an electrical motor sits on the rear axle the place it’s teamed with a 2-speed transmission and a limited-slip differential in a single drive unit. The electrical motor can add 188 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque to deliver the totals to 791 hp and 1,018 lb-ft. A 13.1-kwh lithium-ion battery can be mounted within the flooring above the rear axle. Utilizing know-how from the Mercedes F1 program, it consists of 1,200 liquid-cooled cells which might be stabilized at 113 F so the battery can present repeated pictures of power to the motor.

The powertrain doesn’t at all times make full energy, however then once more drivers not often use full energy. The total 188 hp from the motor is at all times accessible for as much as 10 seconds at a time at any time when the motive force pins the throttle, however the motor lends a peak 38 hp in Consolation mode and 94 hp in Sport mode.

The S 63 might have supercar energy, but it surely doesn’t hit like a supercar. At its core, the large Benz is a really civilized luxurious automobile in any case. Consolation mode offers a easy throttle pedal, although with out the laziness from the throttle and transmission that characterizes different S-Class fashions. Sport mode livens the reactions and Sport+ places them on excessive alert. Irrespective of the mode, when the engine is on, it rumbles reassuringly within the background, solely howling after I mash the throttle.

Sport+ additionally allows a launch management perform referred to as Race Begin. It’s straightforward to make use of: Merely come to a cease, apply the brake and throttle on the identical time, then let off the brake.

It strive it out at a cease signal on an deserted stretch of canyon highway. The V-8 lets out a collection of staccato barks because it runs up towards a rev limiter, and on this case the S 63 does launch like a supercar. Energy comes on so exhausting that the rear finish wiggles and the 0-60 mph run flashes by in a scant 3.2 seconds, in response to each Mercedes and my butt dyno.  The 9-speed automated cracks by means of the gears and the automobile tops out at an electronically restricted 155 mph.

On the different finish of the spectrum, I check out the default EL, or Electrical mode, which is accompanied by an artificial spaceship-like whirr. The motor has energy sufficient to get the automobile underway and as much as freeway speeds with out turning on the engine. It switches to Consolation’s hybrid mode when accelerating too exhausting, topping 87 mph, or pushing previous a detent close to the top of the throttle pedal journey.

2024 Mercedes-Benz AMG S 63 E Efficiency

All through my day within the S 63 E Efficiency, the battery cost pinballs up and down. EL saps the cost and Sport+ makes use of the brake regeneration and engine to cost it again up. An preliminary drive in EL mode drops the battery cost from full to 41%, however a number of miles in Sport+ push it again as much as 71%. Later, EL mode drops it to 25%, at which level the powertrain switches on and the automobile modifications to Consolation mode, however extra miles in Sport+ deliver it again as much as the mid 40s by the top of the day.

In any driving mode, drivers can select from 4 ranges of brake regeneration, from 0 to three. The automobile freewheels within the 0 setting, whereas 1 offers a really feel like engine braking with an automated transmission. Stage 2 has stronger regen, and three offers what Mercedes calls one-pedal driving.

For many of my drive, I don’t even discover what regen setting I’m in as a result of this seems like a gas-powered automobile. Later, I uncover that the regen settings are chosen by means of the drive mode dial on the suitable aspect of the steering wheel. I strive them out and discover that Stage 3 permits principally one-pedal driving, however I’m not assured about coming to a full cease and discover myself utilizing the brake pedal. It doesn’t matter as a result of one-pedal driving feels fallacious with the V-8 purr within the background, so I change again to Stage 1.

I by no means make a full vary run in EL mode, however count on the EPA determine to come back in at about 15 miles of electrical vary. Mercedes says the S 63 E Efficiency can cost from 25-100% in 3.25 hours on a Stage 2 outlet or 7 hours on a Stage 1 outlet by means of its 3.7 kw onboard charger..

2024 Mercedes-Benz AMG S 63 E Efficiency

2024 Mercedes-Benz AMG S 63 E Efficiency

2024 Mercedes-Benz AMG S 63 E Efficiency

2024 Mercedes-Benz AMG S 63 E Efficiency

Mercedes-Benz AMG S 63 E Efficiency: Wrangles its mass

The plug-in hybrid powertrain provides 450 kilos or extra to an already heavy automobile, bringing the whole to at the very least 5,700 kilos (that’s the European spec, and U.S. automobiles ought to weigh extra because of further gear). Nonetheless, Mercedes-AMG throws every thing it may well on the S 63 to manage its mass and make it sportier. Like different S-Class fashions, it comes with a three-chamber air suspension and adjustable dampers. It additionally will get lively anti-roll bars managed by a 48-volt system, lively engine mounts, and rear-wheel steering.

Firm engineers additionally strengthened the physique construction. Up entrance, they added an aluminum stabilizer bar underneath the engine and a suspension cross brace up prime to enhance torsional stiffness. Out again, they added aluminum struts in a diagonal structure throughout the underbody. The struts workforce with the battery and its fiber-reinforced plastic compartment to additionally improve physique rigidity. When of their stiffer mode, the lively engine mounts have the identical impact.

Regardless of its weight, the S 63 E Efficiency is extra managed than different S-Courses. At 210.1 inches lengthy, the S 63 carves out a big presence on the highway, but it surely drives smaller than that. The rear-wheel steering helps it minimize sharp corners tighter and maneuver extra simply in parking tons. The lively anti-roll bars and firmer settings for the air springs and dampers restrict physique lean, whereas lively bolsters assist maintain entrance seat occupants in place in turns. Fast, direct, mild steering makes all of it really feel very manageable. It’s no sport sedan and it’s not as sporty because the 2023 BMW 7-Sequence, however the S 63 E Efficiency beneficial properties some welcome physique management that lesser S-Courses lack.

The dealing with may be aided by the drive modes. The dampers and air suspension react by means of three ranges of firmness in Consolation, Sport, and Sport+ modes, with sharper reactions the upper you go up the dimensions. Fortunately, not one of the modes disrupts the S-Class’s famously easy journey high quality, even on the accessible 255/30R21 entrance and 285/35R21 Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires (20-inch wheels with equally staggered tires come commonplace). The baseline is actually firmer than different S fashions, but it surely’s fairly comfy and highway imperfections solely have the prospect to disrupt consolation in Sport+.

These so inclined also can select from Primary, Superior, and Professional stability management modes to tighten up or liberate the digital nannies. Should you’re driving this huge beast exhausting sufficient to wish Professional mode, you’re both knowledgeable stunt driver or insane.

Massive brakes arrest the S 63’s momentum. Up entrance, 15.7-inch rotors are clamped down upon by 6-piston calipers. On the rear, single-piston calipers pinch 15.0-inch rotors. On these mountain roads the brakes show robust with a pure pedal really feel as an alternative of the numb really feel in Mercedes’ electrical automobiles.

2024 Mercedes-Benz AMG S 63 E Efficiency

2024 Mercedes-Benz AMG S 63 E Efficiency

2024 Mercedes-Benz AMG S 63 E Efficiency

Mercedes-Benz AMG S 63 E Efficiency: Quiet consolation

Along with its managed character, piloting the plug-in hybrid S 63 is a pleasure as a result of its cabin, which blends mature consolation with sporty touches and leading edge know-how. The sporty bits embody a smaller twin-spoke steering wheel with paddle shifters, AMG nappa upholstery and logos on the seats, a Supersport theme for the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Race and Supersport choices for the head-up show, and entry to the AMG Monitor Tempo app that acts as telemetry and a driving coach on choose tracks world wide.

The usual 12.8-inch portrait-style touchscreen additionally has a number of screens to point out hybrid and efficiency shows, a few of which mix. The efficiency-based screens are Vitality Stream, which reveals the place the ability is coming from in addition to the state of the battery cost, and a Consumption display screen with a graph of consumption in 30- and 90-minute intervals, in addition to a three-hour interval.

Efficiency may be monitored by means of a Drive display screen that reveals engine and motor rpm and torque in actual time, a Car display screen that reveals the motion of the dampers and the angle of steering entrance and rear, and an Engine display screen with real-time hp and torque figures, in addition to a pair of further gauges.

I discover it enjoyable and informative to look at the Drive, Car, and Engine screens to see the place the ability is coming from, how a lot energy is getting used, and what the rear wheels are doing at numerous speeds. The rear wheels can flip as much as 2.5 levels reverse of the fronts, however that’s solely at car parking zone speeds. On these twisty roads, they flip solely a couple of half a level reverse of the fronts at 40 mph and solely a tenth or two-tenths of a level up close to the 62-mph inflection level at which they flip with the entrance wheels to enhance stability.

Mercedes hundreds up the S 63 with luxurious options as effectively, together with a Burmester audio system with Dolby Atmos encompass sound, wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 64-color ambient lighting, and multi-contour entrance seats with heating, cooling, and therapeutic massage. The seats are a part of that aforementioned rest program referred to as Energizing Consolation, which additionally incorporates audio and lighting parts to assist easy me out.

2024 Mercedes-Benz AMG S 63 E Efficiency

Prefer it at all times has, the S 63’s tech extends to security options. They embody adaptive cruise management, lively lane management, automated emergency braking with a cross-path perform, blind-spot displays that steer away from potential collisions, automated lane modifications, traffic-sign recognition, and a driver-attention monitor.

All of it provides as much as a technological tour de drive that makes use of its tech to enhance dealing with, energy, consolation, security, and connectivity. It should additionally, undoubtedly, come at a shocking worth. Anticipate at the very least a number of thousand greater than the $152,995 of the final S 63. For that cash, you’ll get a automobile that may do nearly every thing effectively, even deciding when it’s good to chill out.

Mercedes-Benz paid for journey and lodging for Motor Authority to deliver you this firsthand report.