The Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door is a stylishly understated yet unapologetically exceptional creation from the esteemed engineers at Affalterbach, often overlooked despite its impressive credentials. Depending on the perspective, a six-figure salary’s appeal can yield vastly disparate consequences, potentially leading some to feel unfulfilled. Notably, the GT 63 E-Efficiency exemplifies the pinnacle of efficiency within the AMG range, boasting an industry-leading torque output, a top speed of 317 km/h, and a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of just 2.9 seconds – capabilities that enable it to outperform numerous supercars currently on the market. Equipped with advanced all-wheel drive technology, this vehicle is designed to deliver exceptional traction and stability, while the sophisticated differentials and rear-wheel steering capabilities allow it to handle like a true sports sedan. Additionally, its plug-in hybrid powertrain features an impressive electric-only driving range of 10 km. What if NASA were to venture into the automotive industry?
The evolution of the sports car has culminated in a definitive statement: this is indeed the final word on sports activities sedans. The Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S 4MATIC+ effortlessly bridges the gap between performance and luxury, solidifying its position within the elite tier alongside the BMW Alpina B8 Gran Coupe, Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid, and Audi RS 6 Avant from a purely efficiency-driven perspective. While the AMG might boast superior speed, aggression, and agility on twisting roads, its pursuit of velocity has come at the cost of its very essence: a sense of refinement and balance. Let me clarify.
The E-Efficiency model combines the hand-built V8 engine found in every GLC 63 to G 63, with a rear-mounted electric motor and hybrid battery, resulting in an impressive total output of 831 horsepower and 1,084 lb-ft of torque. What’s the most effective method of getting away from this situation quietly? Properly, this limited edition trim obtains pink badging, high-performance carbon ceramic brakes, and a discreet electrically operated slot that opens out the rear end beneath the passenger-side taillight, elevating its visual appeal and dynamic capabilities. The low value of $214,500 – our test car was spec’d to the moon with over $40,000 in options, including a $7,020 Burmester 3D sound system and a $3,050 white and black leather interior. This exclusive new AMG model proudly sports the iconic AMG crest on its front grille, deviating from the traditional Mercedes-Benz silver star logo.
Its pace is outrageous. Do you recall the first time you rode a rollercoaster, and the sudden plummeting sensation in your chest combined with the euphoric tingling in your brain as you faced intense G-forces for the very first time? As the GT 63 roars to life, the hybrid system provides an initial burst of power before the V8 engine seamlessly kicks in, delivering a thrilling acceleration akin to having an afterburner engaged. With its acceleration, this sensation is addictive, outpacing numerous Lamborghinis we’ve driven, offering an exceptional yet pricier alternative to morning caffeine.
As you adopt a deliberate approach, accompanied by a steady pace, energy is efficiently transmitted akin to the seamless takeoff of a 787 Dreamliner. Planted firmly on the asphalt, the vehicle remains steadfast, its footing unwavering even as the 315-width Pirelli P Zero All-season tires, though still slightly chilly from the morning mist, grip the road with unyielding tenacity. One of the most critical and powerful sedans we’ve had the opportunity to test, boasting an impressive four-digit torque rating. The V8 engine alone yields a substantial 630 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of torque, while the 201-horsepower permanent-magnet synchronous motor and 6.1 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery contribute additional power through their dedicated two-speed transmission. It seems a pleasant and weighty experience to me.
While its efficiency is undeniable, the system falls short in effectively engaging drivers at reduced and calm speeds. While the ultimate product shows promise, it falls short of expectations in terms of overall refinement, a characteristic one might typically associate with an automobile priced at $250,000. The steering feels overly rapid and disconnected, lacking a genuine sense of feedback – it’s as if attempting to grasp a delicate piece of eggshell suspended within its viscous centre using only your fingertips. Can you pinpoint where you’d like to be, allow yourself to drift, and somehow seem to veer off course? While the GT 63 is straightforward to set up, its overly sensitive nature makes it less suitable for daily commutes where subtle handling nuances are preferred, unless you’re seeking more pronounced rotation from your tires. The carbon-ceramic brakes provide robust stopping power, capable of hauling this vehicle back from alarming velocities; however, the pedal has a spongy quality, making it challenging to smoothly modulate its response. The vehicle’s design gives off a dated vibe reminiscent of electric cars from the 2010s, and its braking performance does little to instill confidence.
The rear is hyperactive in some aspects, successful yet inherently unpredictable. You can toss this GT 63 into corners at ridiculous velocities and emerge unscathed on the other side, feeling like a hero. While undeniably engaging, the C 63 S Coupe falls short of harmoniously integrating its features into a seamless package, much like its SL 63 Roadster and EQS AMG Sedan counterparts. With a minimum of four doors, this car appears to have a laser-like focus on achieving blistering speed, unencumbered by the need for additional features or distractions. While this gearbox may be healthier polished than its peers, its performance falls short in certain areas. Specifically, the shift from second to third gear during automatic shifting can be jarringly rough, causing a brief but noticeable tremor throughout the vehicle’s chassis. Despite its abundance of energy, the automobile surprisingly displays an endearingly gentle nature at low speeds, showcasing a temperament that is refreshingly attainable.
While intended as a reliable daily driver, this four-door sedan’s performance falls short in critical areas, marking the beginning of its decline from former glory. The four-door Mercedes-AMG GT is essentially a high-performance sports car, albeit one that sacrifices some of its two-door counterpart’s agility and intimacy in favor of practicality and versatility. The odyssey unfolds through constricted spaces: cabins compactly designed, doorways truncated, and entry points reduced to minuscule proportions – an arduous challenge even for the affluent seniors whose golden years are meant to be carefree.
Inside, the seats envelop you in luxurious comfort, their tender cushioning and supportive design a respite from the cramped confines of the cabin. The sleek soapbox-inspired silhouette and aggressive roofline dominate the overall design, but the mismatched seating area is unfortunately compromised as a result. Perched atop the automobile, the seat offers limited adjustability, making it a challenge for taller individuals to clear the headliner without compromising their comfort. Standing at six feet tall, my long locks scrape against my scalp. The mid-console’s clutter overwhelms available space, with oversized driving mode controls dominating the layout and inadequate storage compartments, a scarcity that’s particularly striking. The cupholders in the center console are narrow, making them incompatible with larger containers, while the console itself is surprisingly shallow, leaving little room for anything other than the awkwardly placed wireless charging pad.
While elbow room may feel limited, the ample space in the footwell provides a comfortable reprieve. The glaring absence of a leather-wrapped airbag cowl on the steering wheel at this price point is an obvious oversight, but the dual-tone trim does offer some visual appeal. While the rear seats offer limited space, I find myself barely fitting within them; unfortunately, the seats’ upright position precludes a comfortable seating arrangement, and the single-pane sunroof fails to cover the entire rear cabin. Solely heated seats are offered once more in this model, with no adjustability or therapeutic massage features.
What about exploring the S 63 E Efficiency as a compelling option, offering significantly more interior space, a longer list of luxurious amenities, and a ride that’s nearly as silky-smooth, all while retaining a substantial portion of its straight-line prowess? It may generate significantly less power and torque, but it’s undeniably more affordable and easier on the eye. Why settle for just one when you could combine the best of both worlds? The answer lies in the unique fusion of a sports car’s agility and a luxury sedan’s refinement. While driving a GT apex predator, one can experience the thrill and raw elements typically associated with a luxury sedan.
Who is the GT 63 S E Efficiency really designed for? For those seeking a four-seat luxury sedan with the pinnacle of performance excellence that AMG has to offer? This sedan has undoubtedly been one of the most brutal ones we’ve tested. This muscle-bound beast, masquerading as a gentle soul, can outpace even the most potent supercars – Lamborghinis and Ferraris – as soon as its potent 8-cylinder engine roars back to life? Are you ready to take on the open road and claim your spot in the fast lane? The Z4’s reality is that it succumbs to the same trade-offs as many other 2+2 sports cars, including a busy travel experience, challenging access and exit, and a cramped interior space. Those skeptical of such a notion may find solace in Mercedes-Benz’s S-Class as a viable alternative.
The 2024 Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S 4MATIC+ E-Efficiency 4-Door Coupe.
MANUFAKTUR Spectral Blue Magno (matte)
$214,500
$255,245
A 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine combined with an electric motor and a 150kW battery.
A mighty engine! With 831 horsepower at 5,500 to 6,500 revolutions per minute, this beast is sure to leave all others in its dust.
1,084 pound-feet of torque at 2,500 to 4,500 revolutions per minute
9-speed multi-clutch transmission
Entrance engine, AWD
: 15.4
Pirelli P Zero All-Season tires offer exceptional grip and handling on both dry and wet roads. The specific combination is: 275/35R21 for the front, providing precise steering response and agile cornering, and 315/30R21 for the rear, delivering increased stability and traction.
