Mercedes-Benz AMG GT 63 2023 Review

In Malaysia's supercar market, models that balance performance with everyday practicality have always been a niche yet precise demand—consumers want both track-level acceleration experiences and a four-seat layout to handle occasional family outings or business scenarios. The 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT 63 S E Performance is a product targeting this specific market segment. It not only features AMG's iconic 4.0T V8 twin-turbo engine but also incorporates a hybrid system to elevate performance while maintaining a practical four-door, five-seat design. In this test drive, we focus on verifying whether this hybrid supercar can truly balance "speed and passion" with "everyday usability," and whether its price of RM2.13 million matches its product value.

Approaching the bodywork, the typical AMG sporty style is immediately apparent. The front fascia uses a large-sized vertical-bar grille, paired with sharp LED headlight assemblies on both sides, resulting in a highly recognizable appearance. The muscular lines on the hood extend forward from the A-pillar, enhancing a sense of forward momentum. The car's side profile retains the flowing proportions of a four-door coupe, with 21-inch multi-spoke wheels (275/35 R21 at the front, 315/30 R21 at the rear) paired with wide-body fenders, further emphasizing its sporty attributes. At the rear, the quad-exit exhaust layout echoes the performance-oriented diffuser design, and the LED taillights adopt a through-line light strip that offers a clean and technology-infused visual effect when lit. The overall design not only preserves Mercedes-Benz's luxurious heritage but also highlights its performance identity through AMG-exclusive details.

Once inside, the combination of luxury and technology is instantly evident. The center console adopts a symmetrical layout, with a 12.3-inch MBUX central touchscreen and a fully digital instrument cluster (noted as a standard feature for AMG models) forming a dual-screen design. Both operation smoothness and display clarity are in line with mainstream standards for this segment. The interior materials mainly consist of Nappa leather, with carbon-fiber trim used on areas such as the door panels and center console, offering a refined touch and premium texture. The front seats feature electric adjustment with memory function, balancing both support and comfort to ensure fatigue-free long-distance driving. Although rear legroom is limited by the coupe-style body design (wheelbase 2951mm), short trips for passengers up to 175cm tall remain viable. Additionally, independent air conditioning vents and power outlets are provided in the rear (not listed among the data but standard for luxury vehicles). In terms of storage space, the front center armrest and door storage compartments offer moderate capacity, while the trunk can accommodate 2-3 carry-on suitcases, sufficient for daily use.

Performance is the core highlight of this car. It is equipped with a 4.0T V8 twin-turbo engine combined with an electric motor in a hybrid system, delivering a total system output of 639PS and a peak torque of 900N·m. This is paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive system. The official 0-100km/h acceleration is achieved in just 2.9 seconds. During our test drive, when switched to Sport+ mode, the throttle response was extremely sharp, providing a strong and sustained thrust upon acceleration. Mid-range acceleration (80-120km/h) during overtaking offered ample power reserves with virtually no lag. Even in comfort mode, the power delivery remained smooth, making it suitable for daily city commutes.

The handling and chassis performance align with AMG's tuning style. The steering is precise with minimal play, and in Sport mode, the damping becomes heavier, providing clear feedback from the road surface. The chassis employs front and rear multi-link independent suspension, offering excellent support, with good control of body roll during cornering and strong stability at high speeds. On bumpy urban roads, the suspension can filter most small vibrations in Comfort mode, avoiding any significant stiffness. The braking system performs reliably, maintaining stable body posture during emergency braking, and the braking distance meets supercar standards (not independently tested, but subjective experience inspires confidence). In terms of fuel consumption, the official combined fuel consumption is 8.6L/100km. In actual congested urban conditions, it is approximately 12-14L/100km, while on highways, it can drop to around 9L. Considering its performance orientation, fuel consumption is within an acceptable range.

The details of driving and riding comfort are well-handled. The Burmester sound system delivers clear audio quality, effectively masking wind and tire noise at high speeds. Features like engine start-stop technology and automatic parking enhance daily usability. The HUD (Head-Up Display) can show key information such as speed and navigation, reducing the need to look down at the instrument cluster. However, rear headroom is slightly limited due to the coupe-style design, and passengers over 180cm may feel constrained. This is a common issue among four-door coupe models.

Overall, the core advantage of the 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT 63 S E Performance lies in its “balance between performance and practicality”: it offers supercar-level acceleration and handling while maintaining a practical four-door, five-seat layout. Additionally, the luxurious interior and rich features (such as the Burmester sound system, panoramic sunroof, ACC adaptive cruise control, etc.) meet the demands of high-end car buyers. Compared to models in the same class (such as the Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid), its price (2.13 million MYR) is slightly lower, and its power figures are superior, making it stand out in terms of cost performance.

This car is suitable for two types of consumers: first, young wealthy individuals who pursue performance but occasionally need to consider family practicality; second, business professionals who value luxury and brand image. It can fulfill the need for weekend track day experiences while also addressing daily commutes and short business trips, making it a "versatile" high-performance coupe.

In summary, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT 63 S E Performance successfully balances performance, luxury, and practicality, making it an unmissable "all-rounder" in Malaysia’s supercar market. If you need a luxurious performance car that can both “turn heads on the street” and “take care of the family,” it is worth considering.