How Mercedes-AMG’s new S-Class pulls off 3.3s zero-to-100-km/h sprints

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Another year, another iteration of the AMG S-Class executive sedan. No surprises there, so on to the real punchlines: hold on to your Hennessey, because the 2024 Mercedes-AMG S 63 E Performance promises to deliver 791 horsepower and 1,055 lb-ft of torque. Oh, and 3.3-second acceleration. 

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How Mercedes-AMG’s new S-Class pulls off 3.3s zero-to-100-km/h sprints Back to video

The S-Class is all about showing Mercedes at its best, and the flagship’s performance trim should prove no exception. A trim-first exclusive grille, adaptive air suspension, advanced driver assistance, evolved MBUX, six-piston braking, and gruntier-than-ever hybridization are set to make this one of the most impressive executive highway-pullers yet. 

The new E Performance runs a 4.0-litre biturbo V8 matched to an electric motor on the rear axle. Twin-scroll turbos are placed between the V8’s cylinder banks, a unique ‘hot vee’ setup pioneered by BMW’s N63 V8, which shortens the headers’ paths into the turbos for more immediate response. This architecture is now also used in supercars including the McLaren Artura and Ferrari 296. The internal-combustion engine runs its power through a wet nine-speed multi-clutch automatic transmission.

Key to the AMG S’ performance is its hybrid powertrain. The new S 63 E advances Mercedes’ 400-volt hybrid powertrains with an iterated battery which now more than doubles to a capacity of 13.1 kWh. Power is delivered at a constant 70 kW, or up to a peak of 140 kW in ten-second bursts. Regeneration can be configured across four levels, ranging from friction-free; to a 90-plus-kilowatt one-pedal setting. Power not recharged by passive regeneration can be topped up from the wall or public chargers at a trickling 3.7 kW. 

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Though the ‘hot-vee’ V8 is responsible for two thirds of the car’s torque and three quarters of its power, always-on electrification smooths its power band for strong and consistent performance across the rev range. That rear motor’s power is managed by a two-speed transmission and an electronically controlled limited-slip differential, all combined into what Mercedes calls an Electric Drive Unit (EDU).

Running a ‘P3’ configuration, this power can bypass the nine-speed to run the rear axle independently, or can power both front and rear axles for full-electric all-wheel driving. Finally, while the EDU takes a more complex approach than some of Mercedes’ milder hybrid setups, fans will still recognize AMG’s familiar use of a combined starter-generator (RSG) unit. 

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In addition to driving its four wheels, the S 63 E can also steer them all. Two-point-five-degree rear-wheel steering is offered as standard, reducing turning radii under 100 km/h and floating the car more gracefully between lanes. 

Though catered more toward the front-seat driver than the rear passenger, the Mercedes-AMG S 63 E nevertheless treats drivers and passengers to the full array of comfort and assists. Safety technologies include LiDAR hazard detection and interior camera-informed warnings, such as when occupants reach for a door handle as another vehicle approaches. 

As in the EQS and standard S-Class, German buyers will eventually be able to run Mercedes’ ‘Drive Pilot’ Level 3 automation. Though not expected to be available or enabled on Canadian roads for some time, such advanced capability is an exciting barometer for the development of Mercedes’ assistance systems and a glimpse of what is to come.