2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT 63 S E Performance Review

When the supercar market is still debating whether "performance and practicality can coexist," Mercedes-AMG introduced the GT 63 S E Performance in 2023—a model labeled as a "hybrid super four-door coupe." Its core selling point is straightforward: the combination of a 4.0T V8 twin-turbo engine and an electric motor delivers 639PS of horsepower and 900N·m of torque. With an official 0-100km/h acceleration time of just 2.9 seconds, it still retains a practical four-door, five-seat layout. The purpose of this test drive is to verify whether it can truly balance "track-level performance" and "daily commuting practicality."

From the exterior, this car has a high level of recognizability. The front features the iconic AMG vertical slat grille, paired with sharp LED headlights on both sides. The raised line on the hood enhances the sense of performance. The side profile of the car is sleek, and the 21-inch multi-spoke wheels with wide tires (front 275/35 R21, rear 315/30 R21) directly underline its performance positioning. The rear design is relatively simple, with smoked LED taillights and quad exhausts on both sides complementing each other. The addition of a rear diffuser further improves aerodynamic performance. Overall, the style retains the elegance of a coupe while incorporating AMG's signature aggressiveness.

Step inside, and the sense of luxury and technology in the interior is immediately apparent. The center console is wrapped in a generous amount of soft-touch materials, complemented by metallic trims and carbon fiber panels, with a solid and premium feel wherever you touch. The 12.3-inch MBUX central touchscreen and the fully digital instrument cluster are seamlessly connected, offering a smooth user interface, with support for voice control and CarPlay connectivity. In terms of features, the front seats are equipped with power adjustment and memory functions, providing good support and wrapping. The rear seats come with independent air-conditioning vents, and the middle seat can also temporarily accommodate an adult. For storage, the center console compartment in the front row and door pockets are spacious enough for daily use, and the trunk can fit two 28-inch suitcases in its standard configuration, fully meeting the needs of short trips.

Dynamic performance is the highlight of this car. The powertrain is composed of a 4.0T V8 twin-turbo engine and a rear-mounted electric motor, delivering a combined system output of 639PS and a peak torque of 900N·m. It is paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. When switched to Sport+ mode, throttle response is extremely responsive, and the instant burst of acceleration provides a nearly dizzying sense of thrust. Mid-to-high-speed acceleration shows no significant diminution, and overtaking only requires a gentle press of the accelerator. Even in Comfort mode designed for daily commuting, power delivery remains smooth without the abruptness typical of performance cars.

In terms of handling, the steering wheel provides precise control, with minimal slack. It feels stable when driving at high speeds and isn’t too heavy while maneuvering at low speeds. The suspension system adopts a multi-link independent setup for both the front and rear. In sport mode, the suspension offers strong support and controls body roll exceptionally well during cornering. When switched to comfort mode, the suspension softens and absorbs most minor bumps, smoothly handling speed bumps without harsh impacts. The braking system performs reliably with a linear pedal feel. During emergency braking, the vehicle maintains stable posture, and the braking force is evenly distributed.

In terms of fuel consumption, the official combined fuel consumption is 8.6L/100km. During the actual test drive, the fuel consumption in urban traffic jams was around 12L, while on the highway it could drop to about 7L. Considering its performance positioning, this performance exceeds expectations. Noise control is well-executed, with wind noise and tire noise not being obvious at high speeds, and the sound quality of the Burmester audio system manages to effectively mask any remaining noise. Additionally, the inclusion of a HUD head-up display and a 360-degree panoramic camera makes daily driving more convenient.

In terms of safety features, this car comes standard with 7 airbags, lane departure warning, active braking, lane change assist, and other functionalities. The ACC adaptive cruise control significantly reduces driving fatigue on highways. The automatic parking function is a practical addition, especially for a car of this size.

Overall, the 2023 AMG GT 63 S E Performance has very distinct core advantages: it offers supercar-level acceleration performance while maintaining the practicality of a four-door, five-seat layout. Its luxurious features and safety configurations are also very comprehensive. Compared to competing models in the same class, such as the Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid, it has a more competitive price and richer features.

This car is suitable for two groups of people: one group includes consumers who love performance cars but also need to consider family use; the other group includes young individuals who pursue a sense of luxury and technology while having high power requirements. It does not sacrifice too much practicality for performance, nor does it compromise performance for comfort, making it a "versatile" super sports sedan.

In summary, the AMG GT 63 S E Performance proves through its actual performance that performance and practicality are not mutually exclusive. It can unleash passion on the track and commute effortlessly in the city, making it a truly “daily drivable supercar.”