2024 Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E-Performance Gets Final Facelift Before EV Replacement

The only plug-in hybrid in the GT Four-Door Coupe lineup is still the most powerful production Mercedes in history, not including the limited-edition Mercedes-AMG One hypercar, which is still the big dog regarding output thanks to its Formula 1-derived hybrid engine.

Despite having that title under its belt, the GT 63 S E-Performance has always lacked visual exclusivity compared to the rest of the GT Four-Door Coupe range. To the untrained eye, the only way to differentiate an 831-horsepower version from a 362-horsepower entry-level model was to check the slightly different tailpipes and the addition of an ungainly charging port lid on the E-Performance's rear bumper.

Coinciding with an announced switch of its production site from Sindefingen, Germany, to Valmet's Uusikaupunki plant in Finland, the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E-Performance finally gets an exclusive exterior.

Sadly, this revamp will likely be the last time we will see a refreshed four-door coupe powered by an internal combustion engine (ICE) in the Mercedes-AMG lineup, as its days are numbered.

Hungrier Look For Better Cooling?

By far, the biggest visual changes of the refreshed plug-in hybrid monster are found at the front. Drawing inspiration from the new Mercedes-AMG GT Coupe, the Panamericana radiator grille is enhanced by a more expansive air intake below it, making the car's "mouth-opening" appear much wider.

Vertical air ducts are now integrated into the outer sections of the front bumper, adding to the refreshed aesthetics and bringing the model, again, visually closer to the look of the two-door GT.

With that out of the way, the side view is identical to its predecessor. At the same time, the rear gets a similar taillights update as the non-plug-in hybrid versions, so there is little to write home about.

Those hoping for a more significant refresh inside the model will be disappointed, with Mercedes-AMG opting to keep it identical. That said, an updated MBUX infotainment system now features redesigned, AMG-specific displays and individually configurable functions.

Better Equipment Included

As part of the facelift, numerous features that used to be optional are now standard, which is probably why the model starts at a higher price than before (207,708.55 euros, including VAT in Germany).

The electric sunroof, wireless smartphone charger between the rear seats, Multibeam LED headlights, and Burmester Surround Sound System are now standard features on the passenger comfort side.

As far as the technical features are involved, the revamped GT 63 S E-Performance includes the tried and true AMG Speedshift MCT 9G transmission, which ditches a traditional torque converter for a multi-clutch system, AMG Ride Control+ air suspension with adaptive damping, ceramic composite braking system, and an active rear axle steering system.

Also as standard are the massively powerful 4.0-liter, twin-turbo V8, and the unique arrangement of the electric drive unit at the rear, powered by a 6.1 kWh battery with an impressive cooling system.

No Extra Performance, but It's Powerful Enough

When it first went on sale in early 2022, the GT 63 S E-Performance made many jaws drop with its combined output, thanks to the clever design of its plug-in hybrid system.

As a reminder, the model is powered by a twin-turbocharged, 4.0-liter V8 with 630 HP (639 PS) and 664 lb-ft (900 Nm) of torque, which is combined with an electric motor that can deliver up to 201 HP (204 PS) and over 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque.

The total output is up to 831 HP (843 PS) and a monstrous 1,047 lb-ft (1,420 Nm) of torque, sent to all four wheels via an AMG-developed all-wheel-drive system. That is plenty of oomph to catapult the 5,247 lbs (2,380 kg) fastback sedan from 0 to 62 mph (100 kph) in just 2.9 seconds and to a top speed of 196 mph (316 kph).

Even crazier than the performance and total output is the unique configuration of the plug-in hybrid drive. Unlike conventional PHEVs, the GT 63 S E-Performance has the electric motor sitting separately on the rear axle as part of a hybrid drive unit with its own two-speed gearbox and a limited-slip differential.

In other words, the electric motor can power all four wheels independently without caring about the V8 and its separate gearbox. It can also be used effectively even at 155+ mph (250+ kph) speeds, where other PHEVs would have long switched their motors off.

Swan Song for ICE-powered AMG Four-Door Coupes

Despite getting a little long in the tooth after being introduced in 2018, more observant AMG fans would have noticed a lack of pre-production prototypes of its successor testing.

There is a good reason behind that, as Mercedes-AMG is slowly but surely heading toward an all-electric future. A V8-powered GT Four-Door that sells in limited numbers needs to make a better excuse for a business case in that future.

In other words, yes, the model will have a successor eventually, but it will be completely different, with no fossil fuel powertrains. In fact, Mercedes-Benz recently acquired British company YASA, which specializes in developing and manufacturing avant-garde, axial flux electric motors.

Insiders have let it slip that the next generation of Mercedes-AMG models, built on a bespoke platform, will make good use of these lighter axial flux motors, which can deliver up to four times the torque numbers of similarly sized, traditional radial flux motors.

Mercedes-AMG recently showcased the One-Eleven concept car powered by this novel type of electric motor. Although the concept doesn't preview a future model, you can bet that the GT Four-Door Coupe successor will strictly use electrons to drive around.

To put it differently, the V8 is on the way out despite having been prepared to tackle Euro 7 regulations coming into force in 2025. In fact, no new Mercedes-AMGs are currently being developed to feature internal combustion engines.

Since the facelift has just been introduced and its entire production moved from Mercedes to Valmet, you can expect the model to continue being manufactured until at least 2026, when an all-electric descendant might appear. Anything burning fossil fuels built after that will only be a facelift at the most.