The 2nd generation Mercedes-AMG GT Coupé gets a V8 plug-in hybrid powertrain.
Back in September 2021, Mercedes-AMG showed off their first-ever plug-in hybrid vehicle – the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance 4-Door. Now, they’re making that same powertrain available in the 2nd generation Coupé model as well. It’s worth noting that the 4-Door AMG GT and the 2nd generation AMG GT Coupé are built on completely different platforms, which probably contributed to the long gap between the models.
The Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance Coupé was revealed in Shanghai over the Formula 1 weekend there. The vehicle pairs the 4.0L V8 biturbo engine with an AMG Electric Drive Unit for 816 horsepower and 1,420Nm of torque, enabling a 0-100km/h sprint time of just 2.8 seconds and a top speed of 320km/h.
Being a plug-in hybrid, a large battery is fitted in the AMG GT 63 S E Performance. Batteries require precise temperature control for optimal performance, longevity, and safety. Conventional cooling systems using air or indirectly cooling the entire battery pack have limitations, especially as energy densities increase.
The AMG 400-volt battery features innovative direct cooling where the 560 cells are individually cooled by a high-tech, non-flammable liquid coolant with 2-3x higher heat capacity than water. This required developing new thin cooling shafts matched to the cell dimensions. Inspired by Formula 1 technology, this high-performance lithium-ion battery offers 6.1 kWh capacity, 70 kW continuous power, 150 kW peak power, and enables 13 km of electric driving range. It allows rapid energy delivery and consumption to increase the AMG GT’s overall performance. The battery charges via an onboard 3.7 kW AC charger.
The car comes with AMG Active Ride Control suspension, which allows the shock absorbers to adaptively adjust in rebound and compression, and have semi-active, interconnected hydraulic elements replacing conventional torsion bar stabilizers. This reduces body roll movements. Hydraulic lines connect the damper chambers on all four wheels via control valves within the adaptive dampers.
The AMG GT 63 S E PERFORMANCE also features standard active rear-axle steering. Below 100 km/h, the rear wheels steer opposite to the front wheels for agility. Above 100 km/h, they steer in the same direction for stability. This allows both agile and stable handling characteristics. Other benefits include improved vehicle control at the limit and reduced steering effort from a more direct front steering ratio.
To distinguish this 63 S E Performance model from the rest of the line-up, there’s an integrated plug-in loading flap at the rear and the model name is finished in red. There are grooved twin trapezoidal taipipe trims on the outside too. Besides that, “E Performance” badges have been placed on the rear and the car rolls on aero-optimised 20″ AMG light-alloy wheels in a 10-spoke design as standard.
While it remains to be seen when this model will be sold here, you can get the 4-door version of the AMG GT with the same powertrain for just under RM2.1M or get the S-Class with the same powertrain for around RM2.2M.
