2024 Mercedes-AMG GT63 S E Performance coupe is the company’s quickest-ever car

The 2024 Mercedes-AMG GT63 S E Performance is the quickest-accelerating Mercedes-AMG, accelerating from zero to 100km/h faster than even the ultra-exclusive $2.75 million AMG One hypercar.

Unveiled at the recent 2024 Formula One Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai, the all-wheel-drive GT63 S E Performance two-door has a claimed 0-100km/h time of 2.8 seconds.

That’s 0.1 seconds quicker to 100km/h than the AMG One hypercar and the four-door version of the GT63 S E Performance, and a considerable 0.4 seconds better than the GT 63 S 4Matic+ two-door.

A Mercedes-Benz Australia spokesperson told Drive it is "too early to confirm plans" for the GT63 S E Performance coupe. The regular GT coupe range – expected to include the non-hybrid V8 GT63 – is due in the second half of this year.

The plug-in hybrid coupe is effectively the two-door counterpart to the $399,900 plus-on road costs four-door GT63 S E Performance introduced in 2023.

The rapid acceleration is delivered by a 450kW/850Nm ‘M177’ 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine and 150kW/320Nm rear-axle mounted electric motor producing a combined 600kW/1420Nm.

That is 20kW less power, but 20Nm more torque, than the four-door version with which it shares its mechanicals, and compares to the standard AMG GT63 coupe’s 430kW/830Nm.

Mercedes-AMG has not published the coupe's weight, but given the non-hybrid version is quoted as 1970kg, the plug-in hybrid is likely to top 2.1 or 2.2 tonnes, despite the footprint of a Hyundai Sonata.

The 782kW AMG One hypercar is the only two-door Mercedes producing more power, and also remains the fastest – with a top speed claim of 352km/h compared to the GT63 S E Performance’s 320km/h.

Previewed in September 2023 at the Munich motor show, the GT63 S E Performance is the latest ultra-high performance ‘S’ badged AMG and is the first hybrid version of the two-door sports car.

The coupe uses the same powertrain as its four-door equivalent, which uses a 6.1kWh lithium-ion battery that can be replenished by a 3.7kW on-board charger, with an electric-only driving range of just 13km.

Mercedes claims fuel use of 8.2L/100km when using the battery pack and engine in hybrid mode – marginally more than the four-door’s 7.7L/100km combined figure.

As well as all-wheel drive and a rear mechanical limited-slip differential (LSD), the E Performance offers eight driving modes and four different levels of energy recuperation – enabling up to 100kW to be fed back in the battery – accessed by steering-wheel mounted switches.

There’s also rear-wheel steering and adaptive suspension with ‘active roll stabilisation’ designed to improve handling.

As the flagship GT car – until a new Black Series or GT R arrives – the GT63 S E Performance two-door is distinguished by unique 20-inch alloy wheels, a revised aerodynamics package, and carbon-ceramic brakes as standard.

Changes include red badging including ‘E Performance’ lettering, with options offering customisation from Mercedes-Benz ‘Manufaktur’ programme and larger 21-inch wheels.

The rear of the two-door sees the charging port integrated into the bumper.

For the E Performance, the rear spoiler extends to one of five positions when the vehicle is travelling at speeds of 80km/h or more, and retracts automatically at slow speed.

There’s also a patented aerodynamic flap under the engine – not visible when the car is standing still – which lowers by 40mm at speeds above 80km/h to create a ‘Venturi effect’ for more downforce and better road holding, according to AMG.

Inside there is a massage function for the front seats trimmed in Nappa leather, while there are optional one-piece AMG Performance bucket seats.

The GT3 racing version of the Mercedes-AMG GT set a new class lap record at Mount Panorama, Bathurst in February 2024 when French driver Jules Gounon achieved a time faster than a V8 Supercar.