Mercedes-AMG S63 Is Back As A 791-HP Plug-In Hybrid

[ad_1]

Performance hybrid with Formula 1 technology transfer to new Mercedes-AMG S 63 E PERFORMANCE
Improved AMG high-performance battery with 13.1 kWh capacity
Handcrafted AMG 4.0L V8 Biturbo engine at the front and electric motor at the rear axle for 791 hp combined output – the most powerful S-Class of all time
Active roll stabilization and active rear-axle steering fitted standard
AMG-specific radiator grille featured on the performance luxury sedan for the first time

The S-Class has always played an important role for Mercedes-AMG. More than 50 years ago, the founders proved they could transform a luxury sedan into a very sporty vehicle with the Swabian spirit of innovation. The performance and sports car brand from Affalterbach set its first milestone in 1971 with the Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.8 AMG. Today, the new Mercedes-AMG S 63 E PERFORMANCE with AMG performance hybrid technology once again tries to set the benchmark in the segment. The E PERFORMANCE model combines the Handcrafted AMG 4.0L V8 Biturbo engine with an AMG-specific hybrid powertrain and a new expansion stage of the AMG high-performance battery (HPB). The new HPB 150 is based on the high- performance and directly cooled battery cells of the well-known HPB 80. The energy content increases from 6.1 kWh in the HPB 80 to 13.1 kWh in the HPB 150.

The focus of the powertrain, however, is less on electric range and more on best-in-class performance. With a combined system output of 791 hp and 1,055 lb-ft of torque, the AMG S 63 E PERFORMANCE sets a new standards for the segment. The acceleration from 0 to 60 mph takes just 3.2 seconds and the 180 mph top speed higher than any S Class before it. Systems such as the AMG RIDE CONTROL+ suspension, AMG ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL roll stabilization, and rear-axle steering – all fitted standard – ensure a wide spread between driving dynamics and comfort.

Expressive exterior design

The impressive performance of the Mercedes-AMG S 63 E PERFORMANCE is also suggested by the expressive exterior design. For the first time, an S-Class Sedan bears the AMG-specific radiator grille with vertical louvers and a large central star. The previous Mercedes star on the hood has been replaced by the AMG emblem in silver chrome/black. In addition, the front fascia with AMG’s jet-wing design with large side air inlets and functional air curtains characterizes the front view. In profile, the up to 21-inch AMG forged wheels and the AMG-specific side sill panels particularly stand out. At the rear, there are characteristic design features of the “63” models such as the trapezoidal, fluted twin-tailpipes and the wide diffuser with longitudinal fins and diffuser board.

Elegant interior with First-Class rear compartment

The interior combines the high-quality appointments of the S-Class with AMG-specific features. The seats, with a special AMG upholstery and distinctive stitching, underline the refined appearance. Exclusive colors and various Nappa leather upholsteries with an embossed AMG emblem in the front headrests emphasize the sporty and luxurious aspects of the S 63 E PERFORMANCE. Its position as a leader in the segment is also made clear by the First-Class rear cabin and multicontour seats for four occupants. This is further emphasized by AMG-specific trim elements and the standard AMG Performance steering wheel with AMG DRIVE UNIT steering wheel buttons.

MBUX multimedia system with hybrid-specific displays

The MBUX infotainment system features various AMG- and hybrid-specific displays and functions. These include the displays in the instrument cluster, multimedia central display in the center console and head-up display.

The instrument cluster view can be personalized with different display styles and individually selectable main views. The AMG-specific “Supersport” style offers the option of displaying various content via a vertical menu structure. These include a menu with hybrid-specific temperatures or a set-up menu that displays the current settings for the suspension or transmission. Drivers can also tailor the display to show the navigation map, fuel consumption data or telemetry data via the AMG TRACK PACE MBUX App.

The head-up display also offers AMG’s own display styles such as “Race” and “Supersport.” These can be accessed via the main menu in the instrument cluster. High-quality graphics in the multimedia display visualize the power flow of the entire drive system, speed, output, torque and temperature of the electric motor, as well as battery temperature.

The Dolby Atmos sound format takes the interior audio experience to a new level. Individual instruments or voices in the studio mix can be positioned all around the listening area. A new kind of sound animation thus becomes possible. While conventional stereo systems feed two channels to the speakers, Dolby Atmos® can use the entire range and create a 360-degree experience.

The AMG-specific E PERFORMANCE hybrid drive: combustion engine in the front, electric motor in the rear

In the new Mercedes-AMG S 63 E PERFORMANCE, the Handcrafted AMG 4.0L V8 Biturbo engine is combined with a permanently excited synchronous electric motor, a high-performance battery developed in Affalterbach and the variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system. The combined output of 791 hp and 1,055 lb-ft make for impressive driving performance. Acceleration from a standstill to 60 mph takes just 3.2 seconds. Power delivery only ends at an electronically limited 180 mph.

The 188 hp electric motor is positioned at the rear axle, where it is integrated with an electrically shifted two- speed transmission and electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential to form a compact electric drive unit (EDU). Experts refer to this layout as a P3 hybrid. The high-performance battery is also located in the rear above the rear axle.

The decisive advantage of this EDU position is bypassing of the 9-speed transmission, which is mated to the V8 engine. As it is positioned behind the transmission, the torque of both drive units can be fully utilized. The result is 1,055 lb-ft of combined system torque – a new record in this class. There are numerous other advantages to this design:

The P3 concept makes it possible to boost electrically at full torque across the entire rpm range.
The electric motor acts directly on the rear axle, and can therefore convert its power more directly into propulsion – for that extra boost when moving from a stop, accelerating or overtaking.
The inherent design of the electric motor means immediate power delivery at full torque, making particularly agile starting possible.
In the event of wheel slip at the rear axle, the drive power from the combustion engine and electric motor is also transferred to the front wheels as required. This is made possible by mechanical connection of the variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive by means of the driveshaft and axles of the front wheels. It also enables all-electric driving with all-wheel drive.
The positioning at the rear axle improves the weight and axle load distribution in the vehicle. This forms the basis for agility and handling.
The AMG concept offers very high recuperation efficiency, as the system allows only minimal mechanical and hydraulic losses from the engine and transmission. In the “Comfort” driving mode, the combustion engine can be specifically disconnected. This reduces drag torque when the driving situation permits.
The two-speed transmission at the rear axle shifts automatically. With its specially tuned gear ratio, it ensures a combination of high wheel torque for agile starting and smooth, continuous performance at higher speeds. An electric actuator engages second gear by approximately 87 mph, which corresponds to the electric motor’s maximum speed of around 13,500 rpm.

Seven AMG driving modes

The seven AMG DYNAMIC SELECT driving modes, “Electric,” “Comfort,” “Battery Hold,” “Sport,” “Sport+,” “Slippery” and “Individual,” are precisely tailored to the new drive technology, offering a wide range of driving experiences – from efficient to dynamic. The driving modes adjust important parameters including the response of the drive and transmission, steering characteristics, chassis damping and sound. The boost power of the electric motor also depends on the respective driving mode. It can be selected via the central multimedia display or the AMG steering wheel buttons. In all modes, the peak power of the electric motor can be easily called up via the accelerator pedal. The haptic accelerator pedal provides a tangible pressure point that the driver’s foot must overcome.

AMG high-performance compound brake system

In keeping with the extreme power and associated performance, the AMG high-performance composite braking system with 6-piston fixed calipers at the front and 1-piston floating calipers at the rear is fitted standard. The brake discs measure 15.7 x 1.5 inch (400 x 38 mm) at the front axle and 15 x 1.3 inch (380 x 32 mm) at the rear axle. The brake system impresses with short braking distances as well as maximum stability and fade-resistance under heavy use. In addition, it provides a long service life and a particularly fast response. Comfort features include Hill Start Assist and priming/dry braking in wet conditions. With the ignition switched off and the vehicle at a standstill, the transmission automatically selects the parking position “P.” Meanwhile, the electric parking brake releases automatically when pulling away. The AMG ceramic high-performance composite brake system is available as an option. The lightweight brake material saves weight and reduces unsprung mass.

More comfortable and safe driving with numerous assistance systems

Numerous new or enhanced driver assistance systems support the driver by providing situation-specific assistance with speed adaptation, distance control, steering and lane changes. The new assistance display in the driver display clearly shows the operating principle of the driving assistance systems as a full-screen view. Drivers recognize their car, lanes, lane markings and other road vehicles in an abstracted view. The system status and operation of the assistants are visualized in this depiction of the surroundings. The new, animated assistance display is based on a 3D scene generated in real time. This dynamic, high-quality representation makes the operation of the driver assistance systems transparent as an augmented reality driving experience.