When it comes to flagships, every company seems to take a slightly different approach. The LS 500 demonstrates Lexus’ exceptional craftsmanship, the BMW 7 Series gives drivers the ultimate feeling of control, and the Genesis G90 focuses on the passenger experience. The 2024 Mercedes-AMG S 63 E Performance, on the other hand, shows us a completely new way of experiencing luxury.
From the outside, the S 63 looks high-tech. The new Digital Light headlight design projects a dazzling pattern at night and sets the tone or what we can expect from future Mercedes-Benz models, and we like the classic luxury sedan proportions — short overhangs to bookend its long body. The oversized front grille and air intakes look appropriately aggressive for an AMG model, but we think the current-generation model lacks the presence that defined past S-Classes through the decades.
Moving inside, the S 63 is arguably at the top of its class. The overall look exudes a strong business class vibe, with its monochromatic dashboard contrasting over a vibrant ambient lighting system that not only acts as a mood lamp, but also as a warning system tied into its various driver and safety assists. The front seats are both inviting and supportive, with a wide range of adjustments — fore and aft, height, incline, seat cushion depth, backrest angle, headrest angle and height, heel support, lumbar support, you name it. On top of all that, Mercedes lets you choose from 10 different massage programs. As you would expect from a luxury sedan, the S 63 delivers the truly customized experience buyers in this segment seek. In other words, you can have your cake and eat it, too.
Traditionally, rear seats are the star of the show in sedans like this, and the S 63 did not disappoint. There are not one, not two, but five variations between the two wheelbase versions. Our tester came with the Comfort Seat configuration, consisting of two electrically adjustable outbound seats, plus a third in the middle. Despite it being a short wheelbase version, there was plenty of legroom, and the outboard seats were incredibly comfortable. We particularly liked the adjustable and heated cushion on the rear headrests; they are plush and added to the first-class vibe.
Another key element in the S 63’s status as the brand’s flagship is the engine. The team at Mercedes-AMG had leaned on some of the best in making fast and efficient engines — their own Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team — and created a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine good for 603 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of torque on its own. It is then teamed to an electric motor and a 10.5 kWh battery pack, making it a plug-in hybrid putting out 791 hp and 1,055 lb-ft of torque.
The electric motor and proven twin-turbo V8 work with a nine-speed automatic transmission and Mercedes’ 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system — tweaked by AMG here for sportier handling and power delivery — to put the power down nearly instantaneously. The end result is a zero-to-100 km/h run of only 3.3 seconds, but more than that, its thousand-plus torque figure means a full-throttle acceleration force that is unmatched for a vehicle this big. One thing we do miss is the signature soundrack; when the gas engine kicks in, the S 63 is loud, but it is missing the thunderous exhaust note we have come to associate with other AMG vehicles.
The S 63 E Performance is rated to consume 14.4 L/100 kilometres of premium fuel in the city, improving to 11.7 on the highway and 13.1 combined. Our observed, real-world numbers fared better, averaging 12.2 L/100 km by the end of our week with it, as we had taken advantage of the plug-in hybrid system by charging up overnight. The S 63 can run on pure electric power for up to 27 kilometres — shy of most PHEVs, but then again, worrying about fuel economy in a top-of-the-line, performance-oriented sedan misses the point.
Despite the coddling-first persona of flagship sedans, the S 63’s responsive handling and nimble reflexes surprised us. Thanks to standard active roll stabilization and rear-axle steering, the S 63 managed to carve corners shockingly quickly without losing composure. On top of that, the tight turning radius makes city driving a breeze. The upsized brakes offer good stopping power when called upon, but pedal feel is inconsistent, sometimes resulting in jerky stops in traffic.
Given its handling prowess, we are not surprised by the firm ride from the adaptive suspension system, even even in the most compliant setting. However, we find tire noise to be excessive for a vehicle of the S 63’s calibre. Much of this was caused by the standard Michelin high-performance tires, and of course, the relatively quiet hybrid powertrain did not help.
Protecting everyone in and around the S 63 is Mercedes’ full suite of their latest safety and driver assists. They have thrown everything and the kitchen sink into the S-Class, including adaptive cruise control, active steering assist, automatic emergency braking, lake-keep and lane-change assist, a sharp 360-degree camera system with multiple views, and naturally, the ability to drive itself on the highway provided you are still paying attention to the road ahead.
Predictably, all this luxury, tech, and performance comes at a price: the S 63 E Performance starts at $205,000 and only goes up from there. Our tester boasted the Edition 1 package for $29,800, as well as the phenomenal Burmester 3D surround sound system for $8,320—and much more. All in, it worked out to $274,825 as-tested before any additional fees and taxes.
At the end of the day, the 2024 Mercedes-AMG S 63 E Performance introduced us to a new way of experiencing flagship sedans. It combines performance, efficiency, and exclusivity in one sumptuous, technologically advanced package. It may not be without its flaws, but those longing for performance will not be disappointed, and passengers will enjoy the tech-laden lounge and will not have any qualms working or relaxing inside. This car feels undeniably special.
