At face worth, the 2025 Mercedes-AMG GT63 S E Efficiency seems to be like one more hybrid solely created to appease emissions regulators and set new horsepower data. Whereas sure, its 805 horsepower makes the plug-in-hybrid GT the quickest AMG ever, its small battery pack and meager electric-only vary make the hybridization appear pointless. Two days of driving the GT63 E Efficiency round Germany reveal that’s removed from the case.
The brand new GT makes the many of the marvels of electrification. It’s probably the most genuinely usable plug-in hybrids I’ve ever pushed, providing a lot higher electric-only operation than its small acknowledged vary suggests due to intelligent powertrain tuning. The GT63 S E Efficiency is pretty much as good at puttering round city as it’s blasting down the autobahn or racing alongside a twisty street, and that breadth of potential wouldn’t be attainable if it weren’t a plug-in hybrid.
Full disclosure: Mercedes flew me out to Germany to drive each the GT63 and SL63 E Efficiency hybrids across the higher Stuttgart space, placing me up at three completely different motels together with an extremely good one proper alongside Lake Constance. We additionally obtained to take a tour of the AMG engine manufacturing facility and experience alongside within the GT63 Professional at Mercedes’ Immendingen check facility. Half of our group obtained caught in Amsterdam due to the CrowdStrike outage, and Mercedes’ journey division graciously put us up in motels and made certain we have been on flights again to America as quickly as attainable, which I’m very grateful for.
The GT63 S E Efficiency’s plug-in-hybrid powertrain is identical one present in the brand new S63, and the numbers are practically an identical — the GT has slightly extra energy and rather less torque. Below the hood is AMG’s acquainted twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine, which within the E Efficiency makes 603 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque, 26 hp and 37 lb-ft greater than a typical GT63. In contrast to the previous-gen GT’s 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox that was a rear transaxle configuration, the brand new GT has a 9-speed dual-clutch transmission mounted extra historically proper behind the engine and sending energy to all 4 wheels.
That change was partially to make room for the hybrid’s electrical motor, which is mounted instantly on the rear axle and has its personal two-speed transmission and limited-slip differential. The electrical motor makes 201 hp and 236 lb-ft, and its torque is distributed by the identical driveshaft because the fuel engine’s, so in EV mode energy will be despatched to any wheel and distributed each between the axles or to both facet of the automotive as wanted. Above the rear axle is the System 1–impressed 400-volt battery pack that has 4.8 kWh of usable capability (6.1 kWh complete), with a continuing circulate of coolant across the cells to keep up a secure temperature of 113 levels fahrenheit. The battery can allow a 94-hp steady output or that 201-hp peak, and it may be charged at as much as 3.7 kW.
Add all of that up and the GT63 S E Efficiency makes 805 horsepower and 1,047 lb-ft. Mercedes says it can hit 60 mph in 2.7 seconds utilizing launch management, 0.4 seconds faster than the gas-only GT63 and a tenth or two faster than the AMG One hypercar. It feels much more fast than that in actual life, however energy supply is extra linear and fewer dramatic than within the non-hybrid GT. It’s a powerful, fixed wave of energy that by no means lets up, particularly noticeable within the mid-range or when powering out of a nook.
A lot of our drive again to Stuttgart from Lake Constance includes unrestricted sections of the autobahn, the place the GT63 is fabulous. No matter what velocity I’m already going or which drive mode I’m in, after I ground the accelerator the automotive positive aspects velocity at a fast tempo however with none unsettling motions. I get the GT as much as 185 mph, a brand new private file that’s simply shy of its 199-mph prime velocity, and the automotive feels completely calm and secure. It’s not even that loud within the cabin at such excessive speeds, and so long as I’ve obtained the suspension within the softest setting it’s greater than snug sufficient to make excessive speeds comparatively stress-free.
Folks will deal with the GT’s 8-mile vary (on the European cycle), which sure, is low when in comparison with mainly every other plug-in hybrid available on the market. That determine doesn’t inform the entire story, although. In the true world, due to the best way AMG tuned the hybrid system, the GT’s battery is continually getting refilled so electrical energy is at all times accessible and able to be deployed as wanted. That is the E Efficiency’s actual ace within the gap.
In Consolation mode the powertrain prioritizes utilizing solely electrical energy at any time when it will probably, although it can by no means take the battery under 25 p.c, the place the estimated vary is only a mile or two. The operation is so clean more often than not I barely even discover when the automotive switches between electrical and combustion energy; even beneath heavier acceleration after I meet the kick-down and the engine is available in at a better rpm it’s a pleasant transition. In Sport, however particularly Sport+ and Race, the powertrain hundreds the battery as rapidly as it will probably — and it actually does it rapidly. Beginning with an almost depleted battery, after only a few minutes of driving in Sport+ the battery is again to completely charged, and that’s with out driving like a lunatic, although the more durable you drive the faster it’ll replenish. It’s nonetheless consistently utilizing the electrical motor and saved power to extend efficiency, too.
AMG’s answer is a game-changer in a world the place many plug-in hybrids should be charged to replenish the battery and others take a very long time to do it whereas driving. You can by no means as soon as plug within the GT63 and absolutely take pleasure in the advantages of its electrification; you’ll by no means be left fiending for a charger after a short while of EV driving within the metropolis. There’s additionally a Battery Maintain mode that can maintain the battery at its present state of cost, as an illustration in the event you’re on the point of exit the freeway or know a congestion zone is arising forward.
The E Efficiency setup actually shines on the nation roads outdoors AMG’s headquarters Affalterbach, the place glorious single-lane twisty roads run by small villages. Regardless of its mega efficiency figures the GT63 will be wrung out fairly arduous on these tight roads, by no means feeling unwieldy or too highly effective for the road. Acceleration is cruel in Race mode, accompanied by throaty V8 exhaust noise that emits plenty of pops and bangs that at all times sound pure. Have to move a slow-moving van or tractor? Irrespective of the drive mode, even a lightweight squeeze of the accelerator is sufficient for the V8 to roar to life and thrust me forward.
Clicking the steering wheel–mounted drive mode knob into Electrical mode to right away minimize off the engine and waft silently by the quaint farm cities is gorgeous. In any ICE-only sports activities automotive just like the GT, even going right into a less-sporty drive mode may nonetheless trigger a ruckus and be annoying on the town, whether or not that be attributable to droning exhausts, jerky transmissions or grabby brakes. In its EV mode the GT63 E Efficiency is brisk off the road, but it surely’s a far cry out of your typical EV ranges of acceleration, particularly if accelerating above 40 mph. Press down the accelerator sufficient and the engine will mechanically kick in, with the automotive switching to Consolation mode. The GT will hit round 80 mph beneath simply electrical energy, at the least, and the facility is sufficient to sustain with regular freeway site visitors. Mercedes didn’t give the GT63 outrageous faux noises like its different EVs, with only a delicate warbling sound and a few cool whizzes emanating all through the cabin, however toggling the sound into its louder mode does up the depth.
There are 4 completely different ranges of regenerative braking to select from, from a no-regen crusing setting to one-pedal driving that may virtually carry the automotive to an entire cease and recuperate greater than 100 kW of power again to the battery. (Even in EV mode the automotive creeps ahead like an ICE automotive, which is annoying.) The max regen setting is on the market in all however the Race drive mode, but when the battery is at above round 65 p.c the automotive gained’t allow you to use the strongest two settings. The regen is mixed in regular driving, however beneath max braking or above 0.3 g the automotive makes use of the friction brakes solely. It feels seamless and pure even when driving rapidly, and within the sportier drive modes the automotive will make aggressive downshifts when decelerating simply utilizing regen. And don’t fear, the six-piston calipers and 16.5-inch discs up entrance and single-piston calipers and 15-inch discs on the rear do a wonderful job of rapidly bringing the automotive down from autobahn speeds with out drama.
Truly toggling by the regen modes is a bit annoying, at the least if you wish to change it on the fly. It’s important to press the spherical display on the right-hand steering wheel management that’s used to pick the completely different drive modes, then twist the knob to decide on your setting. I don’t actually know what a greater answer could be — it couldn’t be the paddles, as these are wanted for precise shifting — however the automotive does bear in mind the final regen setting you used even when transferring by the completely different drive modes.
Whereas it doesn’t have the identical sharp edge because the outgoing automotive, I feel the brand new GT is a blast to drive. Positive, you’re feeling its (doubtless) 5,000-ish-pound heft, however the automotive manages its weight properly sufficient that I don’t actually care. The usual Lively Trip Management suspension does away with conventional anti-roll bars in favor of lively hydraulic parts that maintain the GT completely flat by corners, and even on non-obligatory 21-inch staggered-width wheels experience high quality is nice if fairly agency. Rear-axle steering can also be customary, enhancing low-speed maneuverability and high-speed stability. I discover it to be a confidence-inspiring automotive to drive, with properly tuned steering and dealing with dynamics which might be enjoyable sufficient to rival the 911 with out giving up on luxe grand touring stuff. It’s referred to as GT, in any case.
The battery’s positioning above the rear axle eats up lots of the cargo space, however the GT nonetheless has sufficient room beneath its hatch for a pair’s value of weekend baggage, and you’ll at all times fold down the rear seats or use them as an extra parcel shelf to get extra space. The central touchscreen has a bunch of show pages that present the circulate of power by the powertrain and different hybrid-specific stuff, however in any other case the cabin is an identical to different GTs. It’s an incredible place to spend time; much more luxurious than the first-gen GT, retaining a sporty cockpit really feel whereas being a lot simpler to see out of. A lot, a lot simpler. New expertise options like a wonderful 360-degree digicam and class-leading driver-assist methods assist make the redesigned GT even higher to stay with.
The entire GTs I drive have the non-obligatory efficiency seats, which have a racing bucket look with fastened headrests. They’re lots adjustable, together with the bolsters, and provide heating and air flow. Even after eight hours within the automotive the buckets really feel snug and supportive, however I feel I’d go for the usual seats — I would like their therapeutic massage perform that the buckets lack. And you’ll possibility a pleasant panoramic sunroof that doesn’t impression headroom too badly, and it has a legit sliding sunshade.
The one tells from the skin that you just’re taking a look at a hybrid GT are the purple trim across the rear badge and the cost port within the rear bumper, the one location it may simply be positioned in. Whereas I do miss the first-gen GT’s, uh, phallic proportions, I feel the brand new automotive seems to be fabulous. It’s without delay lithe and muscular, with broad hips and a purposeful stance. It’s completely different sufficient from the SL, too, due to the bigger mouth, less complicated bumper intakes, vertically oriented headlights and funky three-dimensional taillights.
Mercedes is increasing its Manufaktur program for the GT, providing a number of latest visible choices and colours to select from. I really like the Copper Orange Magno paint of a few of our check automobiles, and the chrome exterior trim bundle and light-weight gold wheels of others. The Manufaktur inside choices add leather-based to extra surfaces and quilted stitching patterns, plus color-matched steering wheels and deep-pile ground mats.
As Hannah Montana stated in her 2006 smash hit Better of Each Worlds, “Chill it out, take it sluggish, then you definately rock out the present, you’ve obtained the most effective of each worlds.” Mercedes ought to use that tune within the GT63 S E Efficiency’s advertisements. Expend your battery to calmly waft by town, cost it again to full whereas getting entertained by the V8, rinse and repeat — the E Efficiency powertrain is at all times primed and prepared for both, all with out ever having to consider it. If you find yourself plugging the automotive in at house or on the mall, that’s only a bonus.
Mercedes says the GT63 S E Efficiency will attain U.S. sellers on the finish of this 12 months, and whereas pricing has but to be introduced, count on it to start out at round $200,000, about $25,000 greater than a traditional GT63. At that value, the GT PHEV doesn’t have a lot competitors. The 911 GTS T-Hybrid is the simplest reply, the extra good sports activities automotive however with out the AMG’s EV advantages, and plug-in-hybrid supercars just like the McLaren Artura are dearer and fewer dailyable. There aren’t actually any electrical sports activities automobiles available on the market but, both. For now, if you need the most effective of each worlds, the GT63 S E Efficiency is your automotive.
