At face worth, the 2025 Mercedes-AMG GT63 S E Efficiency appears like one more hybrid solely created to appease emissions regulators and set new horsepower information. Whereas sure, its 805 horsepower makes the plug-in-hybrid GT the quickest AMG ever, its small battery pack and meager electric-only vary make the hybridization appear pointless. Two days of driving the GT63 E Efficiency round Germany reveal that’s removed from the case.
The brand new GT makes the many of the marvels of electrification. It’s probably the most genuinely usable plug-in hybrids I’ve ever pushed, providing a lot higher electric-only operation than its small said vary suggests due to intelligent powertrain tuning. The GT63 S E Efficiency is nearly as good at puttering round city as it’s blasting down the autobahn or racing alongside a twisty street, and that breadth of skill wouldn’t be attainable if it weren’t a plug-in hybrid.
Full disclosure: Mercedes flew me out to Germany to drive each the GT63 and SL63 E Efficiency hybrids across the higher Stuttgart space, placing me up at three totally different resorts together with an extremely good one proper alongside Lake Constance. We additionally acquired to take a tour of the AMG engine manufacturing unit and trip alongside within the GT63 Professional at Mercedes’ Immendingen take a look at facility. Half of our group acquired caught in Amsterdam due to the CrowdStrike outage, and Mercedes’ journey division graciously put us up in resorts and made positive we had been on flights again to America as quickly as attainable, which I’m very grateful for.
The GT63 S E Efficiency’s plug-in-hybrid powertrain is similar one present in the brand new S63, and the numbers are practically similar — the GT has a bit extra energy and rather less torque. Beneath the hood is AMG’s acquainted twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine, which within the E Efficiency makes 603 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque, 26 hp and 37 lb-ft greater than a regular GT63. Not like the previous-gen GT’s 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox that was a rear transaxle configuration, the brand new GT has a 9-speed dual-clutch transmission mounted extra historically proper behind the engine and sending energy to all 4 wheels.
That change was partially to make room for the hybrid’s electrical motor, which is mounted straight on the rear axle and has its personal two-speed transmission and limited-slip differential. The electrical motor makes 201 hp and 236 lb-ft, and its torque is shipped by way of the identical driveshaft because the gasoline engine’s, so in EV mode energy will be despatched to any wheel and distributed each between the axles or to both facet of the automotive as wanted. Above the rear axle is the Components 1–impressed 400-volt battery pack that has 4.8 kWh of usable capability (6.1 kWh whole), with a continuing circulate of coolant across the cells to keep up a steady temperature of 113 levels fahrenheit. The battery can allow a 94-hp steady output or that 201-hp peak, and it may be charged at as much as 3.7 kW.
Add all of that up and the GT63 S E Efficiency makes 805 horsepower and 1,047 lb-ft. Mercedes says it can hit 60 mph in 2.7 seconds utilizing launch management, 0.4 seconds faster than the gas-only GT63 and a tenth or two faster than the AMG One hypercar. It feels much more speedy than that in actual life, however energy supply is extra linear and fewer dramatic than within the non-hybrid GT. It’s a robust, fixed wave of energy that by no means lets up, particularly noticeable within the mid-range or when powering out of a nook.
A lot of our drive again to Stuttgart from Lake Constance entails unrestricted sections of the autobahn, the place the GT63 is fabulous. No matter what velocity I’m already going or which drive mode I’m in, once I ground the accelerator the automotive features velocity at a speedy tempo however with none unsettling motions. I get the GT as much as 185 mph, a brand new private report that’s simply shy of its 199-mph high velocity, and the automotive feels completely calm and steady. It’s not even that loud within the cabin at such excessive speeds, and so long as I’ve acquired the suspension within the softest setting it’s greater than snug sufficient to make excessive speeds comparatively stress-free.
Folks will deal with the GT’s 8-mile vary (on the European cycle), which sure, is low when in comparison with principally some other plug-in hybrid available on the market. That determine doesn’t inform the entire story, although. In the actual world, due to the way in which AMG tuned the hybrid system, the GT’s battery is continually getting refilled so electrical energy is at all times out there and able to be deployed as wanted. That is the E Efficiency’s actual ace within the gap.
In Consolation mode the powertrain prioritizes utilizing solely electrical energy every time it might probably, although it can by no means take the battery beneath 25 p.c, the place the estimated vary is only a mile or two. The operation is so easy more often than not I barely even discover when the automotive switches between electrical and combustion energy; even underneath heavier acceleration once I meet the kick-down and the engine is available in at a better rpm it’s a pleasant transition. In Sport, however particularly Sport+ and Race, the powertrain hundreds the battery as shortly as it might probably — and it actually does it shortly. Beginning with an almost depleted battery, after only a few minutes of driving in Sport+ the battery is again to completely charged, and that’s with out driving like a lunatic, although the more durable you drive the faster it’ll replenish. It’s nonetheless consistently utilizing the electrical motor and saved vitality to extend efficiency, too.
AMG’s resolution is a game-changer in a world the place many plug-in hybrids should be charged to replenish the battery and others take a very long time to do it whereas driving. You may by no means as soon as plug within the GT63 and totally get pleasure from the advantages of its electrification; you’ll by no means be left fiending for a charger after a short while of EV driving within the metropolis. There’s additionally a Battery Maintain mode that can hold the battery at its present state of cost, for example if you happen to’re on the point of exit the freeway or know a congestion zone is developing forward.
The E Efficiency setup actually shines on the nation roads outdoors AMG’s headquarters Affalterbach, the place glorious single-lane twisty roads run by way of small villages. Regardless of its mega efficiency figures the GT63 will be wrung out fairly exhausting on these tight roads, by no means feeling unwieldy or too highly effective for the road. Acceleration is cruel in Race mode, accompanied by throaty V8 exhaust noise that emits a number of pops and bangs that at all times sound pure. Have to cross a slow-moving van or tractor? Irrespective of the drive mode, even a light-weight squeeze of the accelerator is sufficient for the V8 to roar to life and thrust me forward.
Clicking the steering wheel–mounted drive mode knob into Electrical mode to right away minimize off the engine and waft silently by way of the quaint farm cities is beautiful. In any ICE-only sports activities automotive just like the GT, even going right into a less-sporty drive mode may nonetheless trigger a ruckus and be annoying on the town, whether or not that be attributable to droning exhausts, jerky transmissions or grabby brakes. In its EV mode the GT63 E Efficiency is brisk off the road, nevertheless it’s a far cry out of your typical EV ranges of acceleration, particularly if accelerating above 40 mph. Press down the accelerator sufficient and the engine will robotically kick in, with the automotive switching to Consolation mode. The GT will hit round 80 mph underneath simply electrical energy, a minimum of, and the facility is sufficient to sustain with regular freeway site visitors. Mercedes didn’t give the GT63 outrageous faux noises like its different EVs, with only a delicate warbling sound and a few cool whizzes emanating all through the cabin, however toggling the sound into its louder mode does up the depth.
There are 4 totally different ranges of regenerative braking to select from, from a no-regen crusing setting to one-pedal driving that may virtually deliver the automotive to an entire cease and recuperate greater than 100 kW of vitality again to the battery. (Even in EV mode the automotive creeps ahead like an ICE automotive, which is annoying.) The max regen setting is offered in all however the Race drive mode, but when the battery is at above round 65 p.c the automotive received’t allow you to use the strongest two settings. The regen is mixed in regular driving, however underneath max braking or above 0.3 g the automotive makes use of the friction brakes solely. It feels seamless and pure even when driving shortly, and within the sportier drive modes the automotive will make aggressive downshifts when decelerating simply utilizing regen. And don’t fear, the six-piston calipers and 16.5-inch discs up entrance and single-piston calipers and 15-inch discs on the rear do a wonderful job of shortly bringing the automotive down from autobahn speeds with out drama.
Truly toggling by way of the regen modes is a bit annoying, a minimum of if you wish to change it on the fly. It’s important to press the spherical display screen on the right-hand steering wheel management that’s used to pick out the totally different drive modes, then twist the knob to decide on your setting. I don’t actually know what a greater resolution can be — it couldn’t be the paddles, as these are wanted for precise shifting — however the automotive does keep in mind the final regen setting you used even when shifting by way of the totally different drive modes.
Whereas it doesn’t have the identical sharp edge because the outgoing automotive, I believe the brand new GT is a blast to drive. Certain, you are feeling its (seemingly) 5,000-ish-pound heft, however the automotive manages its weight properly sufficient that I don’t actually care. The usual Lively Experience Management suspension does away with conventional anti-roll bars in favor of energetic hydraulic parts that hold the GT completely flat by way of corners, and even on non-compulsory 21-inch staggered-width wheels trip high quality is sweet if fairly agency. Rear-axle steering can also be normal, enhancing low-speed maneuverability and high-speed stability. I discover it to be a confidence-inspiring automotive to drive, with properly tuned steering and dealing with dynamics which can be enjoyable sufficient to rival the 911 with out giving up on luxe grand touring stuff. It’s referred to as GT, in spite of everything.
The battery’s positioning above the rear axle eats up quite a lot of the cargo space, however the GT nonetheless has sufficient room underneath its hatch for a pair’s price of weekend baggage, and you may at all times fold down the rear seats or use them as a further parcel shelf to get more room. The central touchscreen has a bunch of show pages that present the circulate of vitality by way of the powertrain and different hybrid-specific stuff, however in any other case the cabin is similar to different GTs. It’s a terrific place to spend time; much more luxurious than the first-gen GT, retaining a sporty cockpit really feel whereas being a lot simpler to see out of. A lot, a lot simpler. New expertise options like a wonderful 360-degree digicam and class-leading driver-assist methods assist make the redesigned GT even higher to dwell with.
All the GTs I drive have the non-compulsory efficiency seats, which have a racing bucket look with fastened headrests. They’re lots adjustable, together with the bolsters, and supply heating and air flow. Even after eight hours within the automotive the buckets really feel snug and supportive, however I believe I’d go for the usual seats — I would like their therapeutic massage operate that the buckets lack. And you may possibility a pleasant panoramic sunroof that doesn’t influence headroom too badly, and it has a legit sliding sunshade.
The one tells from the skin that you just’re a hybrid GT are the purple trim across the rear badge and the cost port within the rear bumper, the one location it may simply be positioned in. Whereas I do miss the first-gen GT’s, uh, phallic proportions, I believe the brand new automotive appears fabulous. It’s directly lithe and muscular, with vast hips and a purposeful stance. It’s totally different sufficient from the SL, too, due to the bigger mouth, easier bumper intakes, vertically oriented headlights and funky three-dimensional taillights.
Mercedes is increasing its Manufaktur program for the GT, providing a bunch of latest visible choices and colours to select from. I really like the Copper Orange Magno paint of a few of our take a look at automobiles, and the chrome exterior trim package deal and lightweight gold wheels of others. The Manufaktur inside choices add leather-based to extra surfaces and quilted stitching patterns, plus color-matched steering wheels and deep-pile ground mats.
As Hannah Montana mentioned in her 2006 smash hit Better of Each Worlds, “Chill it out, take it sluggish, you then rock out the present, you’ve acquired the very best of each worlds.” Mercedes ought to use that track within the GT63 S E Efficiency’s advertisements. Deplete your battery to calmly waft by way of town, cost it again to full whereas getting entertained by the V8, rinse and repeat — the E Efficiency powertrain is at all times primed and prepared for both, all with out ever having to consider it. If you find yourself plugging the automotive in at dwelling or on the mall, that’s only a bonus.
Mercedes says the GT63 S E Efficiency will attain U.S. sellers on the finish of this 12 months, and whereas pricing has but to be introduced, count on it to begin at round $200,000, about $25,000 greater than a standard GT63. At that value, the GT PHEV doesn’t have a lot competitors. The 911 GTS T-Hybrid is the simplest reply, the extra excellent sports activities automotive however with out the AMG’s EV advantages, and plug-in-hybrid supercars just like the McLaren Artura are dearer and fewer dailyable. There aren’t actually any electrical sports activities automobiles available on the market but, both. For now, if you would like the very best of each worlds, the GT63 S E Efficiency is your automotive.
