2024 Mercedes-AMG GT63 SE Performance: The Ultimate Hybrid GT

Mercedes-AMG doesn’t do subtle. The 2024 GT63 S E Performance is proof of that. It’s not just a car; it’s a bold statement of engineering and a glimpse into the future of high-performance driving. Practicality is a stretch here, but it’s not entirely out of reach - if your idea of practical includes an 831-horsepower hybrid machine.

Exterior

The GT63 S E Performance announces itself immediately. The Panamericana grille, wide stance, and sharp lines signal that this car isn’t here to play. But there’s a degree of refinement that prevents it from feeling over the top. Its design walks the fine line between aggression and elegance, managing to be eye-catching without being garish.

Closer inspection reveals functional aerodynamic elements like air intakes and a rear diffuser, both of which are not just for aesthetics but enhance performance by reducing drag. Optional paint finishes and wheel designs allow for some personalization, but the car’s design intent is clear no matter how it’s dressed: purposeful, powerful, and ready to perform.

Interior

Step inside, and the GT63 S E Performance reminds you that it’s a luxury vehicle at heart. Leather, carbon fiber, and digital screens dominate the cabin. The optional Executive Rear Seat package makes it more accommodating for passengers, though the rear seats remain snug. While it’s not as spacious as a sedan, it’s far from cramped for a GT coupe.

The seats themselves are adjustable to an almost obsessive degree and come with heating, ventilation, and memory settings. Ambient lighting options add a touch of customization, while thoughtful storage solutions make the interior feel functional without losing its premium edge. The trunk space, while not massive, is practical enough for weekend luggage, showing that this car can manage more than just thrill rides.

Infotainment and Tech

The GT63 S E Performance features the MBUX infotainment system, which is responsive, modern, and easy to use. The dual-screen setup is sharp, and the menus are intuitive, making it approachable even for first-time users. Core tech features like augmented reality navigation, wireless charging, and smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included.

The heads-up display keeps essential information in your line of sight, while the augmented reality overlays on the navigation system provide clear and helpful directions. The Burmester 3D surround sound system is impressive, delivering clear, immersive audio that enhances the overall driving experience.

For drivers who like to push limits, the car offers performance data tools directly in the infotainment system. Features like real-time lap timing, G-force tracking, and power distribution monitoring are catered to track enthusiasts. Despite the complexity of these tools, the interface remains straightforward and avoids being overwhelming.

Charging and electric-only range details also add to its practicality. The hybrid system provides up to 7 miles of electric-only driving - suitable for short city trips. The battery can be charged using a standard wall socket or a Level 2 charger, with charging times varying based on the source. While limited, these features showcase its dual personality as both a performance car and a plug-in hybrid.

Performance

At the core of the GT63 S E Performance is its hybrid powertrain, a combination of a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 and an electric motor. Together, they generate 831 horsepower and 1,032 lb-ft of torque, numbers that are hard to wrap your head around. The result? A 0-to-60 time of just 2.7 seconds and a top speed of 196 mph.

The electric motor delivers instant torque, providing sharp, immediate acceleration, while the V8 roars into action as you climb through the gears. Despite its weight - over 5,200 pounds - it handles with remarkable agility, thanks to rear-axle steering and an adaptive suspension system that finds a balance between comfort and sportiness.

On winding roads, the car’s size seems to shrink as it responds to inputs with precision. It’s a car that feels equally at home carving up corners as it does cruising on a highway. Long stretches of road are handled with ease, and the cabin insulation ensures that even at speed, it remains a quiet and composed space.

Safety features are another standout aspect of this car. It comes equipped with adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, collision avoidance systems, and a full suite of active safety technologies that work seamlessly in the background. These systems enhance confidence whether you’re navigating busy city streets or cruising on the open highway.

Verdict

The 2024 Mercedes-AMG GT63 S E Performance doesn’t feel like it should work. It’s too heavy to be this fast and too focused on luxury to handle this well, but somehow, it manages to pull everything together. It’s a car that pushes boundaries without feeling like it’s trying too hard.

While it comes with a hefty price tag, the GT63 S E Performance isn’t about value - it’s about delivering an experience. For those looking for a grand tourer that defies convention and delivers on nearly every front, this is a car that demands attention.