Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance arrives in SA with serious muscle
What started in 2015 as a bold statement from Mercedes-AMG has now evolved into something far more serious and far more potent. The original AMG GT was a sleek, front-engined coupe that challenged the likes of the Porsche 911, and over the years, it matured into a proper high-performance sports car.
Then came the GT 4-door 63, one that left tongues wagging during our annual 2023 Speed Week and one car we still hold in high regard, thanks to its blend of track-ready performance and everyday usability.
Today, the evolution continues. Yes, we all remember the backlash AMG faced when it dropped a hybridised 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine into the new C63, and no, we’re not going to relive that drama. But it’s refreshing to see that not all AMG models are trading displacement for efficiency and better emissions.
Enter the new GT 63 S E Performance Coupe, now officially available in Mzansi, it packs the same hybridised 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 as in the GT 4-door that produces a serious 600kW and 1,420Nm – that’s 20kW less but 20Nm more than its 4-door sibling. All that translates to a sprint time of 2.8 seconds from 0-100km/h before tapping out at 320km/h while shuffling through a 9-speed automatic transmission. This makes the GT 63 S E Performance Coupe the fastest accelerating AMG series model ever. Even faster to 100km/h than an AMG One, which completes the 0-100km/h sprint in 2.9 seconds and the very car that holds the Nürburgring lap record.
We’ll be putting those claims to the test soon when we get behind the wheel, to see how those mind-bending figures translate in the real world. Because, as impressive as the spec sheet looks, it's how the car delivers that performance on SA roads that matters. And judging by what it brings to the table, the GT 63 S E Performance Coupé isn’t just quick on paper; it’s got the kind of muscle that makes cars like the Aston Martin Vantage, Ferrari Roma, and Porsche 911 Turbo sit up and take notice.
As a plug-in hybrid sports car, it uses a 6.1kWh battery pack that should give drivers a 13km EV range, but that is not the point in this instance. While hybrid cars generally have better efficiency, Mercedes-AMG makes it clear that the system isn’t designed for efficiency; it’s for performance and driving dynamics. We’ve seen this firsthand during our time with the GT 4-Door, the C63 S E Performance, and even its SUV sibling, the GLC 63 S E Performance.
Even on looks alone, it’s aggressive and edgy over its predecessor while having all the bits and pieces that make an AMG GT, an AMG GT. We are talking about features such as twin trapezoidal exhaust tips, ‘E Performance’ badge on the side, extendable rear spoiler, 20-inch alloys painted tantalum grey and finished with a high-sheen colour.
The AMG theme also extends into the interior. There’s a massive portrait-format infotainment system, electrically-adjustable AMG seats that can be swapped for optional AMG performance seats with integrated headrests, while the contrasting top stitching in yellow and red adds a bit of an elegant touch to the flair.
Priced at R4,369,287, the AMG GT 63 S E Performance Coupé undercuts key rivals like the Porsche 911 Turbo (R4,451,000) and the Aston Martin Vantage (R4,949,99). And unlike the old GT, which always felt like it was still figuring out its place in the world, this new version seems far more sure of itself. It looks confident, capable, and unapologetically AMG. It’s the kind of car that makes you want to give AMG a quiet nod of approval. Job well done, but we’ll reserve the final verdict for when we test it ourselves.
