It’s the biggest, fastest and most powerful S-Class of all time. Petrolheads feast your eyes on the (W223) 2024 Mercedes-AMG S63 E Performance (S63 E), now officially launched in Malaysia starting from RM 2,238,888.

Just how powerful? Well, the S63 E features a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 that develops 612 PS and 900 Nm of torque aided by a 190 PS/320 Nm rear-axle electric motor for a whopping total of 802 PS and 1,430 Nm of torque.

Also read: Review: 2022 (W223/V223) Mercedes-Benz S580e - Still the default luxury option?

The e-motor is positioned at the rear axle, where it is integrated with an electrically shifted two-speed transmission and the electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential to form a compact electric drive unit (EDU). AMG refers to this layout as the P3 hybrid concept.

The EDU also features an AMG-developed 13.1 kWh battery (above the rear axle) which is specifically designed for fast energy delivery to aid the engine. Power is sent to all four wheels via an AMG Speedshift MCT-9G (DCT) transmission with a wet starting clutch.

By bypassing the transmission, the EDU’s e-motor acts directly on the rear axle which converts its power more directly into propulsion whilst enabling the motor to aid the engine at full torque across the entire rpm range. However, if the rear axle loses traction, the e-motor can still send power to the front axle via a prop shaft that connects to a clutch located behind the transmission. This also allows the car to have AWD traction in EV mode as well.

The same system also features in the(X290) AMG GT 4-Door Coupe and (W206) C63S E-Performance, though with varying power numbers.

In terms of performance, the S63 E can deliver up to 33 km of pure electric driving range, whilst still accelerating from 0-100 km/h in 3.3 seconds onto a top speed of 250 km/h, or 290 km/h with the optional AMG Driver’s Package. The S63 E is also able to drive purely in electric mode up to speeds of 140 km/h.

Charging takes place via a 3.7 kW onboard AC charger, at a charging station, Wallbox or household socket.

Augmenting the powertrain is 7 AMG Dynamic Select driving modes—Electric, Comfort, Battery Hold, Sport, Sport+, Slippery, and Individual—tailoring the drive system, steering, suspension, and sound to range from efficient to dynamic. The electric motor's boost varies by mode, accessible via the display, steering wheel buttons, or the kick-down function for peak power.

In the handling department, the S63 E is managed by the AMG Ride Control+ air suspension with adaptive damping and rear-axle steering and an AMG composite braking system with 6-piston fixed callipers at the front and 1-piston floating callipers at the rear as standard.

Additional features include active engine mounts (a first for an S-Class), AMG Active Control for roll stabilization, a chassis reinforced with aluminium stabiliser bars both at the front and rear and a lightweight Fibre-Reinforced Plastic (FRP) boot floor that increases rigidity.

Visually, the S63 E maintains the elegant S-Class silhouette but takes on a sportier front bumper, large side air intakes and functional air curtains as well as other AMG front grille and AMG emblems.

Other key equipment highlights include the Digital Light package, Adaptive High Beam Assist Plus and ambient lighting package with logo projection. Meanwhile, the AMG Night package adds exterior elements such as wing mirror housings in high-gloss black and black chrome-plated tailpipe trims. 

The S63 E features also features 21-inch AMG forged cross-spoke wheels. 

On the inside, the S63 E features the AMG Exclusive package with sports seats in black Nappa leather, an AMG performance steering wheel as well as Anthracite open-pore Poplar wood trim.

Other notable features Air Balance package, active ambient lighting and the Burmester 3D Surround Soundsystem with MBUX Rear Seat Entertainment System.

The S63 E is also equipped for SAE Level 3 autonomous driving courtesy of an extensive suite of ADAS driving assistance systems which features Active Distance Assist Distronic, Active Steering Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Lane Change Assist and Evasive Steering Assist amongst others.

This is how the (W223) Mercedes-Benz S-Class range shapes up now: 

• Mercedes-Benz S580e (CKD): RM 718,888
• Mercedes-AMG S63 E Performance (CBU): from RM 2,238,888

Also read: Mercedes-Benz launches Drive Pilot – L3 automated driving, higher than Tesla’s L2 Autopilot