Mercedes-AMG Proves Hybrids Are Cool

The all-new Mercedes-AMG GT 4-door Coupe further proves hybrids can be and are cool!

If cars such as the Porsche 918 Spyder, Honda NSX, McLaren P1 and Ferrari LaFerrari haven’t been able to convince you that hybrids are cool then nothing ever will but that doesn’t stop Mercedes-AMG from trying.

The all-new hybrid version of the AMG GT 4-door Coupe has recently been revealed and unsurprisingly, it’s still the ultra-cool grand touring coupe that it was from the get-go but now it’s even more powerful thanks to the power of electricity.

Keeping the twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8, the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E PERFORMANCE doesn’t feel like an attempt to create a GT 4-door Coupe that has better MPG and lower emissions to save the planet but instead, feels more like an already-fast car that has had another power source forced into it in order to be even faster.

The AMG GT 63 S that doesn’t use hybrid technology produces 631bhp. The AMG GT 63 S E PERFORMANCE that does use hybrid technology produces 831bhp.

This whopping 200bhp difference comes from a high-performance electric battery and motor that uses technology inspired by and taken from Formula One racing. Not only does this hybrid power figure dwarf the power outputted by the non-hybrid GT 63 S but also manages to outshine its closest competitor, the Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid which produces a meagre 671bhp. Pfft…imagine not even producing 800bhp, right?

You may be thinking that with over 800bhp, this new plug-in hybrid will just spin its wheels with all that power. Fortunately, you would be wrong for thinking that. The electric motor sends its power mainly to the rear wheels and thanks to a 2-speed gearbox and limited-slip differential controlled electronically. Some of this power will also be sent to the front wheels if the 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system detects slippage.

As for the twin-turbo V8, power will utilise the tried and true 9-speed dual-shift transmission and be distributed amongst all four wheels. As a result of these complex systems that are managing power from both the V8 and the 6.1kWh state-of-the-art battery, the AMG GT 63 S E PERFORMANCE will be capable of 0-62mph in just 2.9 seconds.

Top speed is said to be 196mph and the E PERFORMANCE will have RIDE CONTROL+ air suspension and ceramic brakes to stop this land-cruising missile on a dime. The rear and front bumpers have been refreshed with the charging port being oddly placed under the brake light and ‘E PERFORMANCE’ badges have been placed under the ‘V8 BITURBO’ badges on the wings.

Still as stunning as ever and even more powerful than before. Let us know your thoughts, in the comments!

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