The all-new 2021 Mercedes S-Class Sedan made its long-awaited world debut last month, setting new standards for luxury sedans with its class-leading technology. Currently, the most powerful variant in the US is the S580 4MATIC, which is powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 with 496 hp and 516 lb-ft, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. An EQ mild-hybrid assist also adds an additional 21 hp and 184 lb-ft.
This won't be the most powerful variant for long, however. It's just a matter of time before the new S-Class gets the AMG performance treatment. And now our spies have caught Mercedes-AMG testing a prototype of the upcoming S63e super sedan on public roads.
The prototype is covered in camouflage, but the charger port located on the left rear wing indicates the prototype has a plug-in hybrid powertrain. Reports claim the S63e will utilize a twin-turbo V8 and an the electric motor. Combined, this setup will reportedly deliver around 700 hp, while the even more powerful range-topping S73e is expected to pack around 800 hp. This will replace the S65 that bowed out last year with the S65 Final Edition, as AMG's V12 engine is being reserved for the new Maybach S.
As for the styling, it's easy to distinguish the sportier AMG S-Class thanks to its Panamericana grille, larger wheels, beefier brakes, and more aggressive front bumper. At the back, the AMG S63e sports a prominent diffuser and a quad exhaust system.
The super sedan also sits lower to the ground and will have a stiffer suspension setup than the more refined standard S-Class. Our spies were unable to snap any photos of the cabin, but expect the S63e to inherit the same technology as the standard S-Class including a 12.8-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and up to five touchscreens.
Considering the regular S-Class debuted only one month ago, it's going to be a while until the AMG S63e debuts. Mercedes-AMG hasn't hinted when the luxury super sedan will arrive, but we're expecting it to be unveiled next year and go on sale as a 2022 model.