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 under way.
As with the previous-generation car, the S63 can be expected to retain the tech-heavy interior and overall proportions of the luxury-focused standard car, while gaining significant chassis tweaks alongside its more powerful engine, which will be exclusively hybridised for this iteration.
Two plug-in AMG-badged variants are inbound, both propelled 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 engine with a 134bhp electric motor for a combined output of around 700bhp, while the more potent S73e 4Matic+ will boost overall output to more than 800bhp, courtesy of an uprated 201bhp electric motor.
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.
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.
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LOL classic Cavellini
If this was any other article, PC would be saying "oh no chaps, do we really need such high horsepower cars? I think we can get along with 300hp just fine." Especially if it's an electric car, then he really hates them having lots and lots of hp...
Erm....
It's not how fast, the top speed, it's how quick you reach that speed these days, or at least I thought it was, your not allowed by law to drive on any type of Road ,except motorways, at 60mph (70mph M-ways) , why the hell would you want to do over 300mph?, ok, its amazing, a pat on the back for technology ,but that's it.
Peter Cavellini wrote:
He was probably referring to your usual comments that people will be unable to drive a car with more than 300 hp, 400 hp, 500 hp...
Burning rubber.
Will be interesting to see one of these in full flight, let have a video Autocars!