Mercedes-AMG S 63 E Performance : A Beast That Took Our Breath Away

Spending a week behind the wheel of the Mercedes-AMG S 63 E Performance feels like living with a monarch that has two faces. On one side, it’s a limousine wrapped in ultra-luxury, where every journey becomes a moment of calm. On the other, it’s a powerhouse—furious and untamed, ready to pin you to the seat like a supercar. Between refinement and excess, this plug-in hybrid S 63 masterfully plays a double game. And we loved every second of it.

Commanding Presence, Muscular Style

When it rolls up, the street clears. Measuring 5.34 meters long and tipping the scales at over 2.5 tons, the S 63 E Performance isn’t one to go unnoticed. And yet, nothing about it is ostentatious. The design remains true to the classic elegance of the S-Class, enhanced by AMG’s visual cues: vertical-slat grille, sculpted rear diffuser, trapezoidal quad exhaust pipes, and seriously aggressive wheels.

The blacked-out trims, red-highlighted AMG badges (a sign of its hybrid powertrain), and large air intakes exude performance without crossing the line into vulgarity. Its sleek silhouette masks its sheer size, and the long wheelbase only adds to the majestic feel as it moves. You don’t just see an S 63 drive by. You admire it.

Luxury Cocoon Meets Tech Haven

Once inside, you step into another dimension. Nappa leather, wood veneers, AMG stitching—every detail is designed to seduce the senses. The front and rear seats are heated, ventilated, massaging, and seem to whisper that the journey can take as long as it wants. At the rear right, the leg rest gracefully extends, turning the bench into a private lounge.

But luxury is nothing without tech. Facing us: a 12.3-inch 3D digital cluster, a 12.8-inch vertical central touchscreen, and a head-up display with augmented reality. Everything is at your fingertips. Connectivity is top-tier: Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, voice controls… all integrated into a system that disappears into the background. Bonus points for the customizable ambient lighting that transforms the cabin into a serene blue cocoon or a fuchsia lounge, depending on the mood.

The AMG Soul, Electrified

If we had to sum up the powertrain in one word, it would be: outrageous. The 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 delivers 612 hp, joined by a 190 hp electric motor mounted on the rear axle. Together, they produce a staggering 802 hp and 1,430 Nm of torque, catapulting the car from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.3 seconds. This is luxury artillery.

But it’s not just about numbers. The hand-built V8 still roars with fury—though a little more muffled now—while the electric motor provides an instant punch. Thanks to a 13.1 kWh battery, you can drive fully electric for about 30 kilometers. Perfect for gliding silently out of town… before unleashing the beast on the highway.

Paradoxical Yet Thrilling Driving Experience

What surprises most at the wheel isn’t the raw power—it’s the ease. Despite its XXL size, the S 63 E Performance corners almost flat. That’s thanks to an impressive combo: rear-wheel steering, air suspension, and active roll stabilization. Even on winding roads, it handles with near-unreal agility.

Drive modes—Comfort, Sport, Sport+—completely transform the experience. In Comfort mode, you float. Road imperfections vanish, cabin silence is total, and the steering feels featherlight. In Sport+, everything tightens. Steering becomes razor-sharp, the 9-speed gearbox downshifts with rage, and the V8 makes its presence known. You forget you’re in a limousine and start attacking corners like you’re in a sports coupe. It’s like piloting a private jet skimming the tarmac.

Conclusion: The Mastery of the Impossible

The Mercedes-AMG S 63 E Performance shouldn’t exist. It’s too heavy, too long, too powerful… and yet, it works. In fact, it’s mesmerizing. It embodies peak engineering excellence, without ever compromising on comfort.

What we loved:

• Insane performance for a luxury limo

• Unbelievable agility given the size

• Supreme comfort, especially in the rear

• Interior atmosphere and craftsmanship

• Versatile driving modes for every mood

What we liked less:
– Trunk space reduced by the battery
– Slightly muted sensations in hardcore driving
– Engine sound too filtered at times
– Brake pedal a bit too sensitive for daily use

After a week with it, one thing is clear: the S 63 E Performance doesn’t pick a side between worlds. It merges them. An explosive, luxurious fusion—perfectly orchestrated. A star that dazzles on the road and lingers in your memory.