TEST DRIVES
2024 Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance
It was early morning when I opened my front door, coffee in hand, and saw it for the first time—gleaming under the sunlight in my driveway.
The 2024 Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance 4-Door Coupe wasn’t just a car. It was a sculpture, a marvel of engineering, an unapologetic statement of power and elegance. From the moment my eyes locked onto its low-slung stance and aerodynamic curves, I knew this would be a special experience.
Walking around it felt ceremonial. The AMG-specific grille glinted proudly, flanked by razor-sharp DIGITAL LIGHT headlights that seemed to glare at the world with purpose. Sunlight danced off its contoured body, accentuating every purposeful line. The long hood hinted at the beast within—a handcrafted AMG 4.0L V8 biturbo engine paired seamlessly with an electric motor at the rear axle. Was this a supercar in grand-touring disguise? It felt like a perfect blend of style and menace.
I ran my fingers along the cool, sculpted door handle, pressed the unlock button, and was greeted by soft ambient lighting as the doors silently swung open. Sliding into the driver’s seat felt like stepping into a private jet cabin. Everything about the interior seemed tailored for me. The Nappa leather upholstery was buttery soft, and the stitching was immaculate. The Burmester® sound system grilles shimmered like fine jewelry, and the dash display, seamlessly integrated into the cockpit, exuded sophistication. How does Mercedes always manage to make you feel like royalty before you’ve even started the engine?
The First Start
And then I pressed the Start button.
The V8 roared to life—not just a sound, but an announcement to the world. Beneath it, a faint electric hum offered a reminder of the hybrid soul that set this car apart. The combination was intoxicating: raw, unapologetic power paired with the whisper of innovation. I could feel the car’s potential brimming beneath me, like an athlete poised at the starting line. As I eased out of the driveway, a grin spread across my face.
Out on the road, the reason for Mercedes-AMG’s legendary reputation became immediately apparent. The GT 63 S E Performance delivers an astonishing 831 horsepower and 1,032 lb-ft of torque, and you feel every bit of it. Acceleration is brutal yet refined, the kind that sends you hurtling forward with an air of supreme confidence. The car felt alive in my hands, reacting instantly to every throttle input and every slight turn of the wheel.
The Drive
The roads around my neighborhood are a mix of winding country lanes and open straights. As I hit the back roads, I switched into Sport+ mode. That’s when the GT 63 S E Performance revealed its true character. The adaptive suspension stiffened, the steering tightened, and the exhaust growled with primal intensity. It carved through corners like a predator, the active rear-axle steering giving it agility that defied its size.
Yet, when I shifted back to Comfort mode on the way home, the car transformed completely. The ride softened, the cabin fell quiet, and it became a serene cruiser. The electric motor even took over for short stretches, providing an almost eerie silence as I glided through town. This duality—track beast one moment, refined luxury cruiser the next—was unlike anything I’d ever experienced.
Indulging in the Details
What truly sets the GT 63 S E Performance apart isn’t just its immense power, but the experience it offers. The MBUX infotainment system is intuitive and futuristic, responding effortlessly to voice commands.
The ambient lighting—customizable to almost any color—creates a soothing sanctuary at night. Then there are the small touches: the perfectly weighted steering wheel, the tactile precision of the paddle shifters, and the satisfying click of the air vents as they lock into place. Mercedes doesn’t just build cars; they craft experiences.
The Farewell
Too soon, the time came for the AMG to leave my driveway. As it was leaving, I stood there with my hands in my pockets, already missing it. Few cars leave an impression that lingers, but this one? It stayed with me. It wasn’t just the raw power or advanced technology; it was the sense that Mercedes-AMG had poured their heart and soul into every detail.
If you’re in the market for a car that can dominate a track, cocoon you in luxury, and turn heads wherever it goes, the 2024 Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance is the one. This isn’t just a car. It’s an invitation to experience driving as an art form.
And as I watched it disappear down the street, I couldn’t help but feel grateful to have been part of its world—if only for a little while.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login