► Facelifted AMG GT four-door
► Hybrid V8 has explosive power
► Straight-six models available, too
Mercedes recently refreshed its AMG GT four-door model, and has now revealed the hottest one yet. But there’s a difference: it’s now a plug-in hybrid.
The new AMG GT 63 S E-Performance is not only a mouthful, but the flagship of the refreshed model.
Just to jog your memory, the AMG GT four-door shares more platform componentry with the CLS and E-Class over its soon-to-be-replaced two-door coupe sibling, and is a rival to the Porsche Panamera and Audi S7 and RS7.
Keep reading for what we know about the new GT four-door.
So, what are the headlines?
That new 63 S model, for a start. It’s the first AMG E-Performance model to arrive, with the next being the new AMG C 63 S due later on in 2021. The twin-turbo V8 remains, but it now benefits from punchy electric assistance for a combined power output of 831bhp and an eye-watering 1033lb ft. Mercedes says this new PHEV can hit 0-62mph in 2.9 seconds and a top speed of 198mph.
The power from the 201bhp electric motor is sent to the rear wheels by default, with AMG saying it ‘acts directly’ on the rear axle for more instant throttle response. However, the power can be sent to the fronts via a propshaft and driveshafts if slip is detected. The 6.1kWh battery pack is mounted above the rear axle to help with weight distribution, and there’s a two-speed gearbox for the e-motor’s power output, like a Porsche Taycan.
AMG says you can benefit from a rather paltry seven miles of engine-off range, with claimed economy figures clocking in at 32.8mpg and 196g/km CO2.
As for the range more generally, Mercedes says one of the biggest changes is its suspension system. The AMG GT four-door still rides on air with AMG’s Ride Control+ setup, but the damping system is all-new; two pressure-limiting valves are used on each damper, with one controlling compression and the other controlling rebound. Merc says the tweaks allow those inside to be ‘almost completely shielded from uneven road surfaces.’
The range for Europe starts with two six-cylinder versions: the GT 43 and the GT 53. Both use straight-six power with mild hybrid assistance (that generates 21bhp and 184lb ft as an overboost function), all-wheel drive and a nine-speed double-clutch automatic.
The GT 43 has 362bhp and 369lb ft on tap, capable of a 4.9sec 0-62mph sprint; the GT 53 has 429bhp and 384lb ft, and can sprint to 62mph in 4.5 seconds. Not slow.
Anything else new?
It’s more superficial stuff from here on out. The front end look has been mildly tweaked and there are new wheel options, for example.
Inside, the AMG GT four-door has been fitted with the new steering wheel creeping into all new Mercedes and AMG models that has sensor pads for your hands to know if you have them on the wheel and haptic feedback touch panels.
There’s an Edition model full of toys and painted in ‘rubellite red’, and you an tart up your new AMG GT four-door with the AMG Night Package (paints various bits in black) and a carbonfibre pack (ditto… but with carbonfibre, obviously).
When and how much?
UK prices and specs aren’t known yet, but deliveries are expected later on in 2021.
Read our Mercedes reviews here