Mercedes-Benz GT AMG PHEV

Overview

The Mercedes-AMG GT PHEV is the plug-in hybrid iteration of Mercedes-AMG’s flagship two-door high-performance sports car. Positioned as the range-topping powertrain in the AMG GT lineup, the model was officially introduced in 2024 as a cornerstone of the brand’s "E-Performance" high-performance electrification roadmap. Slotting neatly between the pure-petrol AMG GT and the ultra-exclusive AMG One hypercar, it highlights "performance paired with efficiency" as its core proposition, locking horns with plug-in hybrid supercars like the Porsche 911 Turbo S Hybrid and Ferrari 296 GTB. In the Chinese market, this model is badged as the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E PERFORMANCE, carrying an official recommended retail price of RM2,285,500.

Design Language

Aesthetically, the AMG GT PHEV retains the model line’s signature long-bonnet, short-tail proportions, complemented by a low-slung, wide-body stance. Up front, it sports the iconic AMG Panamericana vertical-slat radiator grille, flanked by Digital Light headlamps with adaptive illumination. The lower front bumper features enlarged air intakes to boost cooling efficiency for both the hybrid powertrain and braking hardware. Along the flanks, sharp body lines are accented by "E PERFORMANCE" wing badging and a dedicated charging flap. At the rear, an active deployable spoiler (three-stage adjustable), a track-inspired rear diffuser, and signature quad trapezoidal exhaust tailpipes complete the aggressive look. In terms of dimensions, the grand tourer measures 4,728mm in length, 1,984mm in width, and 1,354mm in height, riding on a 2,700mm wheelbase.

Inside, the AMG GT PHEV features a driver-focused, wraparound cockpit equipped with a 12.3-inch all-digital instrument cluster and a driver-canted 11.9-inch portrait-oriented central touchscreen. Premium appointments include generous swathes of Nappa leather, Alcantara, carbon-fibre trims, and metallic accents, with top-tier variants offering optional AMG Performance bucket seats and the AMG Carbon Fibre Interior Package. Drivers grip an AMG Performance flat-bottom sports steering wheel fitted with dedicated AMG drive mode rotary dials and twin shortcut buttons.

Powertrain and Performance

Under the skin, the AMG GT PHEV runs on a plug-in hybrid setup pairing a 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 engine with a rear-axle electric motor:

• Engine: 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 (M177), producing a maximum power of 450kW (around 612PS) and 850Nm of peak torque.

• Electric Motor: Rear-mounted permanently excited synchronous motor generating 150kW (around 204PS) and 320Nm of torque. The motor directly propels the rear axle through an integrated two-speed gearbox for optimised top-end pull.

• Combined Output: A massive 600kW (around 816PS) and 1,420Nm of system torque.

Power is channelled through an AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9-speed sports transmission (wet multi-clutch automatic) and the AMG Performance 4MATIC+ fully variable all-wheel-drive system. It dispatches the 0-100km/h sprint in just 2.8 seconds, reaches 200km/h from rest in 9.2 seconds, and tops out at an electronically limited 320km/h.

Energy storage comes courtesy of a 6.1kWh liquid-cooled high-performance battery pack (400V architecture), mounted over the rear axle to optimise front-to-rear weight balance. It delivers a WLTP-rated pure electric range of around 13km, supports 3.7kW AC charging, and can reach a top speed of 140km/h in EV mode. Fuel consumption is rated at a combined 8.6L/100km on the WLTP cycle.

Chassis and Handling

The AMG GT PHEV sits on AMG’s bespoke MHA modular high-performance architecture. The chassis setup incorporates front and rear independent double-wishbone suspension (five-link setup front and rear), paired with AMG RIDE CONTROL adaptive damping (with three-stage adjustment) and an active hydraulic roll stabilisation system that counteracts body roll through high-speed cornering.

The car comes standard with the AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive system, which can dynamically vary torque distribution between the front and rear axles from 0:100 to 50:50. An electronically controlled rear-axle limited-slip differential is standard to sharpen cornering agility. Steering is handled by an AMG speed-sensitive electromechanical power steering rack with variable ratios. Stopping power comes from AMG high-performance composite brakes (six-piston fixed front callipers, single-piston floating rear callipers), with optional AMG carbon-ceramic brakes featuring 420mm front and 380mm rear discs.

Drivers can choose from six AMG DYNAMIC SELECT drive modes: Electric, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Race, and Individual. In Race mode, the AMG Dynamics vehicle dynamics control system (including Drift Mode) unlocks maximum agility, leveraging synchronized motor-and-engine output maps to post blistering lap times.

Cabin and Equipment

The AMG GT PHEV features a 2+2 seating configuration, with the rear seats best suited for short journeys or supplementary luggage stowage. Up front, standard AMG sports seats come with multi-way power adjustment, heating, and memory functions, while track-ready AMG Performance seats with aggressive lateral bolsters and integrated headrests are available as an option.

Convenience highlights include dual-zone automatic climate control, Keyless-Go with push-button start, and a hands-free powered tailgate. The cockpit runs on the intuitive MBUX infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, cloud navigation, over-the-air (OTA) updates, AMG-specific telemetry displays, and the AMG Track Pace data logger. Audiophiles are treated to a factory-fitted Burmester® surround sound system.

Safety and Driver Assistance

On the active safety front, the AMG GT PHEV is loaded with Mercedes-Benz's latest Level 2 advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Key features include Active Brake Assist (with pedestrian detection), Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC (adaptive cruise control), and Traffic Sign Assist. A 360-degree surround-view camera and front and rear parking sensors are standard kit. Passive safety is bolstered by a rigid aluminium-steel hybrid body shell and a comprehensive airbag suite, including dual front, side, and curtain airbags.

Market Positioning and Verdict

The AMG GT PHEV marks a decisive step for Mercedes-AMG in preserving its pure performance pedigree in the electrified era. Its "E-Performance" hybrid setup directly trickles Formula 1 hybrid technology into a road-going car: the rear-mounted electric motor works alongside a two-speed transmission to provide instantaneous torque-fill out of corners and on straightaways. This proven setup previously propelled the AMG GT 63 S E PERFORMANCE 4-Door Coupé to a record-breaking Nürburgring Nordschleife lap time of 7 minutes 23.009 seconds in the executive class.

In the two-door GT landscape, the AMG GT PHEV blends thunderous V8 acoustics, electrifying instant torque, and razor-sharp AMG chassis tuning into a track-capable yet daily-usable super-GT. That said, its compact 6.1kWh battery pack prioritises instant power deployment over range, offering merely 13km of zero-emission driving—reinforcing AMG's "performance first, efficiency second" philosophy. With the Porsche 911 Turbo S Hybrid yet to make its official debut and the Ferrari 296 GTB commanding a far higher price bracket, the AMG GT PHEV carves out a niche of its own in the 800PS German plug-in hybrid GT space, making it a compelling proposition for enthusiasts demanding both track performance and day-to-day usability.