THE FASTEST AWD GERMAN SEDAN IN 2024

When it comes to cars, Germany develops some of the finest blends of performance and luxury in the world. From coupes to SUVs, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and Porsche create some of the finest examples of automotive engineering and innovation that the world has to offer. What is really their forte, though, is V-8 power.

If you’re specifically looking for a sedan, then Mercedes-Benz has the fastest option on the market. Teaming up with their in-house performance brand, AMG, the GT63 S is the four-door car with the highest top speed. It isn’t just about performance, though, and its interior is just as impressive as what is under the hood.

To show just how Mercedes-Benz has perfected the performance sedan formula, we dissect the GT 63 S. From its incredible V-8 engine to its luxurious interior, you’ll get a sense of just how impressive this German car is. We also show off the Mercedes-AMG’s closest competition.

A 4.0-Liter Twin-Turbocharged V-8 Sits At The Heart Of The GT 63 S

While it shares its name with the GT Coupe, the GT 63 S is actually based on the E-Class sedan. It does, however, live up to the performance benchmark set by the GT in just about every way. Key to this success is the brilliant engine that sits at the heart of the four-door monster.

Performance

(Source: Mercedes-Benz)

The GT 63 S showcases the absolute peak of automotive engineering, with Mercedes-AMG instilling it with the precision that we would expect from the Germans. The GT 63 and GT 63 S both get access to the incredible twin-turbo V-8 engine and its outstanding acceleration. While Mercedes claims a 3.1 second zero to 60 miles per hour time, Car And Driver managed to complete the run in 2.6 seconds.

The GT 63 S four-door coupe is capable of reaching a blisteringly fast 196 miles per hour, something people have proven the car is capable of. However, straight-line speed isn’t the only impressive feat this sports car is capable of. On par with the impressive engine is other technology like the electronically controlled limited-slip differential, the AMG ride control system, dynamic cornering assist, rear-wheel steering, and AMG composite brakes.

Fuel Economy

(Source: Fuel Economy.gov)

One would expect a car that is so finely tuned and so performance-oriented to be thirsty. However, the GT 63 sedan is not as bad as you would think when it comes to fuel consumption. We aren’t trying to imply that the sports sedan is a fuel-efficient car, however, and it is still going to need to be filled up often with a range of 359 miles on a single tank.

There Is An Optional E-Performance Package Which Turns It Into A PHEV

The biggest change to the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 for the 2024 model year is the inclusion of a plug-in hybrid option. The E-Performance package will not only increase the efficiency of the engine but will also make the impossibly fast car even faster. This is not to be mistaken with the 2025 AMG GT Coupe which was recently revealed.

Performance

(Source: Mercedes-Benz)

The E-Performance package takes the insane GT 63 S and turns it up a couple of notches. It is brand new for 2024 and adds a rear-mounted electric motor to the sports sedan. This bumps up the combined horsepower into absurd realms. The system can provide a 201-horsepower boost for ten seconds, or a constant 94-horsepower boost, matted to a two-speed transmission.

While the E-Performance package doesn’t trump the top speed of the regular GT 63 S, it does improve on acceleration. Mercedes-AMG claims a zero to sixty time of 2.9 seconds. We’ve seen that tests prove the estimates provided by Mercedes to be conservative, and we can imagine the car will be quicker in reality.

Range

Mercedes-AMG has yet to confirm some of the specifications for the U.S. market. However, we can make some assumptions based on European specs. The GT 63 S E-Performance’s electric motor draws power from a 6.1-kWh battery. Charging takes place through a 3.7-kW AC charger. In Europe, they claim an electric-only range of seven miles.

The Interior Is A Mix And Match Of The Highest End Mercedes Parts

While the GT 63 S is named after the AMG GT, it's actually based on the E-Class sedan. That means a lot of its design cues are influenced by the E-Class sedan. It also features a ton of other design elements from the other AMG four-door, the CLS.

Key Features

• Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
• Heated/Ventilated Front Seats
• Ambient Lighting
• KEYLESS-GO
• Burmester Audio System
• Digital Gauge Cluster

The GT 63 S is not just a performance car, it's a luxury car too. It still houses all the levels of luxury that you would expect from the German manufacturer. Seats in the four-door coupe are covered in Nappa leather and the front seats are heated and ventilated. Heated rear seats are optional, as well as a three-zone automatic climate control.

Connectivity is also a priority in the Mercedes-Benz cabin, with two 12.3-inch displays, one for infotainment and the other acting as a digital gauge display. AMG Track Pace also tracks and stores performance data and displays it for you. An optional 3D Burmester audio system is available, as is an AMG heads-up display.

Passenger And Cargo Space

The GT 63 S is a four-seater, which may be an issue for some families. However, we doubt most people opting for the high-performance sports sedan will be too bothered. With a fastback design, the GT 63 S also has slightly less rear headroom compared to the regular E-Class.

As far as cargo space is concerned, the GT 63 S has 12.7 Cubic Feet of space, plenty for most. The rear seats can also be folded down in order to accommodate larger amounts of luggage.

The Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S Goes Neck-And-Neck With The Porsche Panamera

The GT 63 S may seem like it would stand far ahead of every other German sports sedan in terms of top speed. However, Porsche’s Panamera has consistently been able to keep up with the 196-mile-per-hour top speed. For the 2025 model year, it’s also received some tweaks, and the new Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid provides some brilliant competition for the GT 63 S.

Performance

(Source: Porsche)

There are still some details that we’re waiting to uncover about the 2025 Porsche Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid. Porsche has given us enough to believe that it's going to be a monster that can quite closely rival the GT 63 S. Previous non-hybrid models were capable of reaching 196 miles per hour and the new hybrid model matches that. Porsche also claims a quicker zero to 60 time than the Mercedes-AMG, claiming it can achieve the run in three seconds. CarBuzz goes into deeper detail regarding the hybrid system.

Porsche includes a bevy of performance technology that will help the Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid compete with just about anything on the road. Air spring suspension is a standard feature, as are active dampers. You can also equip your Panamera with a rear-steering system as an optional extra, something the GT 63 S comes standard with. Porsche’s new Active Ride air suspension also dynamically adjusts ride stiffness to reduce body roll and will be featured on the new Panamera.

Interior

Just like the GT63 S, the Panamera Turbo is a four-seater that is fitted with tons of technology. The Panamera is a little more spacious than the GT 63 S and has a decent amount more cargo space, with the rear seats either up or folded down.

The Panamera features an exciting fully digital dashboard on all models. A 12.6-inch curved glass panel acts as the digital gauge display and sits in front of the driver. A 10.9-inch screen sits in the center of the cabin and houses the infotainment system. A second 10.9-inch screen sits in front of the passenger seat. Along with the bevy of classic Porsche options is a 21-speaker Burmester audio system. Equip it with all the options, and you need to have deep pockets.

2024-04-29T09:01:06Z dg43tfdfdgfd