Testing continues for the large AMG-infused Mercedes sedan. This new spy video captures a new S63 prototype making mincemeat out of corners at the Nurburgring. Given the size and likely weight of the hot Merc S-Class, tires could also be minced meat after these aggressive testing sessions.
We mention weight because the regular S-Class sedan has become a heavyweight. The S63 will almost certainly be heavier, as we hope to pack a new plug-in hybrid powertrain. The addition of an electric motor and battery pack comes with a substantial weight penalty, as seen in the recent debut of the Mercedes-AMG C63 SE Performance. The mid-level super sedan gained a whopping 700 pounds in the transition to hybrid performance, despite being downgraded from a V8 to a turbocharged four-cylinder combustion engine.
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The S63 was expected to be a hybrid, but that won’t using four cylinders. A twin-turbocharged V8 will live under the hood, and we can clearly hear its roar in this spy video. There’s no mistaking the deep burble of the V8, and with the help of a hybrid of the electric motor, it can produce over 700 horsepower.
Stylistically, the AMG won’t differ significantly from the standard S-Class that debuted back in 2020. The camouflage wrap still covers the front and rear fascia, no doubt hiding slight tweaks for a more aggressive persona. We expect similar non-changes for the interior, though upgraded seats and some AMG graphics for the MBUX display are pretty much guaranteed. AMG’s special driving mode will accompany productive power.
That driving mode seems to handle the added weight pretty well. The spy video captures the massive AMG carving a lot of corners on the Nordschleife, both at slow and fast speeds. There’s very little body roll to be seen in some of the more difficult corners, and there’s not even a lot of tire noise.
We’ve seen the AMG S63 prototype hanging around for quite some time now, and we think its debut is getting closer. Mercedes could make things official before the year is over. launched as model 2023. If it debuts in 2023, it could push the S63 to model year 2024. In the meantime, enjoy more automotive banter at Chatting About Cars podcast, available below.
