Mercedes-AMG S63 E Performance (W223)

The all-new Mercedes-AMG S63 E Performance ushers to the age of the new normal because of the electrified performance inspired by the Mercedes-AMG GT63 E Performance, the king of AMG saloons. The unrivaled high-performance premium flagship sedan has gone to the dark side, literally.

2024 Mercedes-AMG S63 E Performance

With prices starting at nearly 210K euros plus additional costs, the Mercedes-AMG S63 E Performance is no longer the AMG flagship we're fond of because it has gone through the dark side of electrification, thank you New Normal. Anyway, what's it all about the new S63 E Performance?

For starters, it looks and feels like a normal S-Class judging by its looks, the massive touchscreen that adds irritation to speedo boys behind the wheel, the MBUX user interface, the long wheelbase, and tons of high-tech safety features loaded to it. Since this is the AMG model, the S63 features signature AMG elements on the exterior, carbon fiber panels on the dashboard, and a choice of two interior colors; Peak Performer and Luxurious Athlete, each with fine AMG stitching in the seats. With the AMG treatment in the bay, you can rest assured that this is a premium flagship sedan on steroids.

Under the hood, the S63 E Performance runs on the same plug-in hybrid setup as the GT63 E Performance; meaning you can expect the same 4.0L V8 BiTurbo engine bolted to a high-performance electric motor. However, it's been toned down to produce 802PS of power and 1430Nm of torque. Mated to a 9-speed SPEEDSHIFT MCT, it does 0-100kph in 3.3 seconds and has an electronically-limited top speed of 250kph. That's all.

Asked about fuel economy, it's good for 4.4L/100km combined based on the WLTP scale.

In terms of dynamics, the S63 E Performance is a challenging feat because of its titanic weight but once you get hooked with its AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive, AMG RIDE CONTROL+ suspension, rear-axle steering, and the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT, you'll find plenty of reasons to enjoy this monster saloon that doesn't sound monstrous but behaves like one spectacularly.

Although less powerful than the king of AMG saloons, the GT63 E Performance, the all-new S63 E Performance is what happens when you inject a gentleman's limousine with anabolic steroids and show off its beastly side, not in a furry kind of way but in a furious way. As the unrivaled high-performance flagship saloon no one dared to challenge, the all-new S63 surely knows who's in control and such power deserves respect because respect is everything with this.

Photo: Mercedes-Benz

My FH5 Log: Be The ONE

Since Horizon Europe, The Goliath became the tradition in every Horizon Festival as the ultimate race reserved for the festival's finest, and Mexico is no exception.

Having tackled every race at Horizon Mexico, the time's come to take on the festival's "final boss", The Goliath. As the name implies, it's the biggest circuit race ever assembled. The ultimate cannonball run for the festival's fastest drivers.

Although not as big as the festival's extreme races such as The Colossus and The Gauntlet, it's still the most challenging and you'll need more than speed to bring down the final boss of the festival.

As they said, "where it all began, where it all must end". This means I'll be using the cover car of Forza Horizon 5, the Mercedes-AMG Project ONE, for Horizon Mexico's final battle. It started it all, it must end. No exceptions.

Because The Goliath is the most challenging race ever assembled, cars need to be maxed out to be prepared and for the Project ONE, it's time to make the necessary preparations before tackling the festival's Super Bowl.

The AMG Project ONE is now fully prepared to take on The Goliath. I've even added a pretty touch to it, saying it's time to unleash...CHAOTIC HURRICANE! Get it? The song of the hysteric bunny the world knows.

Speaking of chaos, tackling The Goliath is no joke as this race requires more than just speed and endurance to show the whole festival who's the boss. From the Riviera Maya, the Copper Canyon, the Bahia De Plano, and La Selva, all the way back to the Riviera Maya, admiring the Mexican scenery is not welcome in The Goliath as speed, endurance, and overall awareness are essential for winning the festival's final battle.

I'm used to tackling Goliaths in past Horizon adventures and the Mexico one is no exception as I'm getting ready to take on the drive of my life, but before that, I made a very special request. Since this is all about The Goliath, my request will be a free-for-all-cars race starting at dawn.

With my special request commissioned, it's time for me and the ONE to take on The Goliath against well-kept festival veterans on reserve. It's time to finish it off. LET'S iGO! Wait, what? Anyway, LET'S iGO!

The Goliath is done. Horizon Mexico dominated. Mission complete!

Now that The Goliath's finally behind me and with the entire Horizon Mexico dominated, the question now is, what should I do next? I've finished all of the races but...since this is Horizon, the fun never ends.

My Horizon Mexico journey's over because I've completed all of the races but because of the surprises in store for me, feels like I would like to explore some more for the time being.

With that, THE JOURNEY CONTINUES!

Mercedes-AMG C43 (W206)

The Mercedes-AMG C43 is what happens when you put the W206 C-Class to Normal Mode, making this S4 rival the well-balanced sports car built for daily use, whether going to work or for a little Sunday Cup at a nearby track.

2023 Mercedes-AMG C43 4MATIC Estate

2023 Mercedes-AMG C43 4MATIC

With prices starting at around 71,460 Euros plus additional costs, the Mercedes-AMG C43 is offered in sedan and estate versions, and no matter which body style you choose, you are greeted with the C43's eclectic mix of performance and efficiency, attributes that are broadly similar to its W205 predecessor.

While the exterior design is broadly similar to your typical W206 C-Class, this Normal Mode difficulty setting features AMG treatments from top to bottom, giving the W206 C43 a sporty character fit for daily use. On the interior, it works just like the C-Class, meaning you still have the  Tesla-like large touch screen, the rather annoying MBUX user interface including the Alexa-ish "Hey Mercedes" voice function, and others. 

In the C43, it's packed with AMG Performance seats, an AMG Performance steering wheel, and the additional AMG TRACK RACE lap time, giving the interior the impression of an athlete going to work in a suit and tie while wearing a basketball jersey on the inside, getting ready for another game after work.

Under the hood, the previous C43's 3.0L V6 twin-turbo engine was replaced by a smaller 2.0L 4-cylinder engine featuring the world's first electric exhaust gas turbocharger. Inspired by AMG's F1 involvement, this new electrified and compact engine produces 422PS of power and 500Nm of torque. Mated to a 9G-TRONIC gearbox and AMG Performance 4MATIC, it does 0-100kph in 4.6 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 250kph.

Because the 4MATIC AWD system features a rear-biased torque distribution with adaptive damping and rear-axle steering, it feels well-balanced to drive even during track days at the Hockenheimring. Although the struggle is real, it feels just right full-stop. Mind you, this is the C-Class that has its difficulty setting to Normal, meaning it has a mix of comfort and challenge behind the wheel, even while fiddling with the three-stage ESP and AMG DYNAMIC SELECT.

Call it challenging or comfortable because, in the end, the new Mercedes-AMG C43 is the ideal balance drivers can't get enough of.

Photo: Mercedes-Benz

My FH5 Log: Who is the ultimate Horizon Hero?

As the Forza Horizon 10th Anniversary celebration came to its bittersweet end, it's time to find out which of the Horizon hero cars is the ultimate Horizon Hero. Will it be the SRT Viper GTS? The Lamborghini Huracan? The Lamborghini Centenario? The McLaren Senna? Or the Mercedes-AMG Project One?

Five Horizon heroes are gathered at the Volcan Sprint and all they have to do is to set the fastest time, ultimately deciding once and for all who is the ultimate Horizon Hero. It's all or nothing now. It's do-or-die for these machines as they are giving this Forza Horizon 10th anniversary celebration the ideal sendoff I've envisioned.

Without further ado, let the battle commence. GO!

With their bravery tests done, here are the results;

Viper - 3m18.665s

Huracan - 3m08.155s

Centenario - 3m00.864s

Senna - 2m51.905s

One - 2m52.890s

So, after ten years of enjoying the Forza Horizon series since the first one up to now, this is the ultimate Horizon Hero. The McLaren Senna, the hero car of Forza Horizon 4, is the ultimate Horizon Hero.

FOREVER KING.

And that's a wrap! This is the end of the Forza Horizon 10th Anniversary celebration. The celebration has ended but our journey on Forza Horizon 5 continues because there will be more surprises in store, starting with tomorrow's Donut Media collaboration series update as well as December's holiday series update. There will be more to come this 2023 so stick around!

Here's to ten more years of the Horizon Festival! 

The party never ends...

My FH5 Log: The evolution of the AMG GT

Having obtained the AMG GT S from Forza Horizon 5's Series 8 Dry Season Playlist, it's time to uncover how much Mercedes-AMG's 911-fighting sports car has changed from the normal AMG GT in S variant to the track-focused AMG GT R.

This is the chance to find out how much the AMG GT has matured through the years and looks like I'm onto something with these two AMG GT variants. Before that, let's have a quick re-introduction.

Although the AMG GT doesn't count as a worthy successor to the SLS AMG because of the power output that separates these two, the AMG GT's 4.0L V8 BiTurbo engine produces 502HP of power and 478.8ft-lb of torque in the S version while mated to a 7-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT. Apart from that, it features an aluminum spaceframe, an electronic rear-axle locking differential, race-derived double wishbone suspension, and electronically-controlled damping with AMG DYNAMIC PLUS package and ceramic high-performance composite brake system.

The AMG GT R, meanwhile, is a more potent version of the AMG GT which uses every bit and bobs from the AMG GT3 racecar. The 4.0L V8 BiTurbo engine has been uprooted to 585HP of power and apart from that, it uses an upgraded suspension, new aerodynamics, and intelligent lightweight construction to deliver a race-honed feel on the road and on the track.

Using a makeshift track in an area that is near the fancy resort, it's time to find out how much maturity the AMG GT has gained from the S to the R. From sporty to racy if you prefer. Send in the tape.

And now the results...

AMG GT - 1m:00.928s

AMG GT R - 0m:57.991s

It took nearly three seconds for the AMG GT to mature from the GT S to the GT R. Impressive indeed.

Although the AMG GT may change very soon, I'm very glad that Mercedes-AMG built a car that can satisfy even the most hardened veterans on the road and track. From subtleness to obviousness, looks like the AMG GT really is the sports car worth driving, whatever it takes.

Yes, the AMG GT R is a clear winner, and while in the middle of brainstorming about what to do with the AMG GT R in my next entry, something about comparing it to the AMG GT63 4-Door, this little runner-up has a little something from me.

All dressed up as Tej's AMG GT from The Fate of the Furious. Isn't she lovely? Speaking of which...

Let's give Tej's AMG GT a chance to live up to its reputation with a little street race. Clip in the hole!

This is what they called in the world of fighting games GREAT. Still, that was a close call!

Enjoy your new ride!

Mercedes-AMG SL (R232)

For nearly seven decades, the SL became a legend in the Mercedes heritage since the legendary 300SL of the 50s. Fast forward to this decade and the SL legend lives on at the hands of Mercedes-AMG. Welcome to the Mercedes-AMG SL.

2023 Mercedes-AMG SL

No longer called the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, the first-ever Mercedes-AMG SL continues the SL lineage in a whole new approach by delivering a new kind of driving experience speedo boys will never forget.

For starters, the sizing of the AMG SL is somewhat bigger compared to the R231 predecessor despite being sized to AMG GT standards. Of course, the AMG SL served as the replacement for the AMG GT Roadster so no complaints here. As for the design, it's obviously similar to the AMG GT so, again, no complaints. Oh wait, there's one and that's the roof because, being on the left side of their tradition, the new model ditched the Vario-Roof approach in favor of a more traditional one. A snub on one of their innovations, if you know what I mean. Despite that, the AMG SL is still an elegant grand tourer that can be taken on the road and on the track as most speedo boys do.

2023 Mercedes-AMG SL

Moving aside from its dynamic and sporty exterior design, the AMG SL's interior is what happens when you invite Chappie for a cup of tea that tastes like lemons. Speaking of lemons, it's the massive touchscreen that most speedo boys will irritate the most. What's even more irritating is the "Hey Mercedes" voice feature and when your date starts saying this magic word, all hell breaks loose while cruising on the streets of New York, Miami, or Los Angeles. Leaving aside from the unfortunate touch screen that is sized like a Tesla, the AMG SL's seats can be tailored to either plushy or sporty, depending on whatever you want for this ride. After all, it's all in the name of the "make money, make dream" approach.

What about performance? Beginning with the SL55, which is priced at 158,240 Euros plus additional costs, the 4.0L V8 BiTurbo engine produces 476PS of power, while the 187,098 Euro SL63 produces a massive 585PS of power, capable of 0-100kph time of 3.6 seconds and 315kph of top speed. All are mated to a 9-speed MCT and 4MATIC+. What? The AMG SL is a four-wheel-drive roadster? Absolutely and while its layout irritates speedo boys, its fully variable torque distribution allows it to behave in either a four-wheel-drive or rear-wheel-drive, depending on road conditions.

Combined with the most sophisticated suspension and dynamics setup honed by AMG engineers, the end result is an all-rounder sports car that can be enjoyed almost everywhere and it delivers a mega punch on the straights.

Having a blast enjoying its dynamics fit for an open-top grand tourer, the AMG SL is stuck with the most advanced driving assistance systems and while such things work in normal driving conditions, they can be worth intimidating for speedo boys behind the wheel.

Is the Mercedes-AMG SL a revolution or a sacrilege to the SL lineage? No one knows until you get a hold of it but either way, this one's on the wish list because...argh, we just want one, please.

Photo: Daimler AG

My GT7 Log: The star of GT SPORT

The next Gran Turismo star we'll be showcasing in Gran Turismo 7 is the Mercedes-AMG GT, the star of GT SPORT.

Premiered at the 2014 Paris Motor Show, the AMG GT doesn't count as a worthy successor to the SLS AMG because of the power output that separates these two but needless to say, the AMG GT's newly developed 4.0L V8 BiTurbo engine produces almost the same amount of torques as the defunct SLS AMG. The S version produces 502HP of power and 478.8ft-lb of torque while mated to a 7-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT. It does 0-60mph in less than four seconds and has a top speed of 193mph. Performance aside, the AMG GT features an aluminum spaceframe with an intelligent material mix on the body which sets the new standards for modern sportscars and resulted in lightweight but rigid sportscars that accommodate rather well with its drivetrain. Apart from that, the AMG GT comes with other key points that make it capable on the road and on the track such as an electronic rear-axle locking differential, race-derived double wishbone suspension, and electronically-controlled damping with AMG DYNAMIC PLUS package and ceramic high-performance composite brake system.

If memory serves me correctly, the AMG GT feels like a well-balanced sports car built for discerning drivers. It can be poised and elegant but it can be downright tricky when you stick its tail out. Looks like elegance is not excused in the making of such a fine sports car that can show off its wild side on the track. Guess it takes a considerable amount of skill to get this car right if you know what I mean.

Anyway, with being a sentimental waste of my time, it's time to give the AMG GT a quick lap around Interlagos, the famed venue of the Brazilian Grand Prix and one of the GT SPORT tracks returned to GT7. Let's roll the tape.

After a quick lap, the AMG GT did it in 1:53.219.

Balancing its elegant looks and wild behavior is what the AMG GT sums it up and to be honest, it's by no means one of the best sports cars to emerge from Germany. Not as powerful as the SLS but it still behaves like one.

What other Gran Turismo stars should I drive next? Stay tuned for more.

My GT7 Log: The star of GT5

The next Gran Turismo star we'll be showcasing in Gran Turismo 7 is the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, the hero car of Gran Turismo 5 that was launched in 2010.

The SLS is an AMG original masterpiece that serves as the spiritual successor of the legendary 300SL because of the gullwing doors it possesses. While the gullwing doors hark back from the said classic, the SLS AMG is powered by a 6.2L V8 engine that produces 571 PS (420 kW; 563 hp) of power and 650 N·m (480 lb·ft) of torque. It was the most powerful naturally aspirated V8 engine in the world when it was unveiled and when mated to the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT seven-speed sports transmission, it does 0-100kph in less than four seconds and has a top speed of 317kph.

While the styling draws inspiration from the 300SL, the SLS AMG does behave like an American muscle car. Sounds like one as well. I had a lot of fun driving the SLS AMG in GT5 many years ago from Suzuka to the Nurburgring, from the Top Gear Track to Daytona. This thing is challenging but charming in every way and there are no other words to describe the assertive performance the SLS delivers. With the SLS part of the GT7 car roster, this future classic German has some unfinished business to do. Speaking of which...

It's time to give the SLS AMG a quick refresher around Monza, the venue of the Italian Grand Prix. It may be more of a trip down memory lane because both the car and the track appeared in GT5 but this is serious stuff I'm conducting for the sake of Gran Turismo nostalgia. Let's roll the tape.

After a quick lap through memory lane, the SLS did it in 2:09.201. Not the best attempt I've done but the deed is done for nostalgia's sake.

The SLS AMG may be extinct several years ago but it has left a huge lasting impression in the world of Gran Turismo. For a car that is muscular and elegant, this future classic is rather excellent in every way.

What other Gran Turismo stars should I drive next? Stay tuned for more.

My FH5 Log: A German super saloon and a vintage racer

Having fought my way through the FH5 Series 2 Wet Season Playlist, I got my hands on two exclusive vehicles such as the W213 Mercedes-AMG E63 and the ancient Maserati 8CTF race car. Let's get to know my new prized possessions.

The W213 Mercedes-AMG E63 sets the standards of fast executive-class super saloons as the rear-wheel-drive layout of the past has been ditched in favor of its AMG-tweaked 4MATIC+ four-wheel-drive system with a special Drift Mode feature that allows this sedan to oversteer like a rear-wheel-drive car. It is powered by the same 4.0L V8 BiTurbo engine as the Mercedes-AMG GT sports car but in the S version, it produces up to 612PS of power and 850Nm of torque. With the nine-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT, it does 0-100kph in 3,4 seconds and it is electronically limited to 250kph or with an additional extra, the limit can be raised up to 50kph more, resulting in 300kph.

The 8CTF is Maserati's attempt to take on the likes of the Germans on the Grand Prix scene of the thirties. Taking advantage of Adolfo Orsi's acquisition of Maserati, the 8CTF is derived from the team's voiturette chassis while powered by a 2991cc eight-cylinder in-line engine with double overhead camshafts and twin Roots-type superchargers. It is capable of hitting 131.2mph of top speed during its maiden campaign at Tripoli with Count Felice Trossi behind the wheel. Despite its unsuccessful run, the 8CTF dominated Indianapolis and Pikes Peak in the late '30s.

Now that I had my word on these two new beauties, let's give them a quick run just to see what's like to be with these machines. Roll the tapes.

Enjoy your new ride!

My FH5 Log: El Protagonista

The Mercedes-AMG Project ONE, the future hypercar inspired by its championship-winning F1 cars, served as the hero car of Forza Horizon 5, which caught the world by surprise because while this hypercar is still in development, the producers somehow managed to sneak into it and made the ONE's world debut in the game rather in the real world. The One is not yet finished but they made it the hero of the Horizon Mexico festival.

So, what's it all about the One and why is it "the one" to have in Forza Horizon 5?

Unveiled at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show, the AMG Project ONE uses all of the know-how from the championship-winning F1 team to create a Formula 1 car for the road. The hybrid powertrain that powers the ONE, a turbocharged 1.6L V6 hybrid petrol engine with an electrically driven front axle and Li-ion battery, is almost similar to the Formula 1 machine. Mated to an 8-speed AMT, it theoretically produces over a thousand horsepower and is capable of over 350kph of top speed. Apart from the performance it delivers, the AMG ONE features superior aerodynamics, bespoke wheels, multi-link suspension with pushrod suspension, and lightweight construction, delivering the same level of dynamics as the Formula 1 car it was based on.

A fully functional and strictly limited-production version of Project ONE is under development and how will the production version compare with the concept version remains to be seen because, like I said, it's under development. In the world of FH5, fans can experience what's like to drive the ONE before the real thing comes alive very soon.

I got my first dibs on it and this hypercar really is a blast to drive even while I'm not racing against other festival-goers. Like all good track cars, the AMG ONE truly valued its aerodynamics and dynamics rather than the shocking performance and I'm starting to make an impression with it.

Since this is the hero car of the game, it's time to put the AMG ONE in one of the most demanding situations ever experienced as me and the ONE took on...the Colossus. Although less than The Goliath, which I'll be dealing with later on, The Colossus is a long P2P race that stretches across Mexico and looks like your capture settings won't last a minute capturing this herculean moment. Oh no. Anyway, time to flush in the videotape and brace yourselves.

As experienced, The Colossus really is long, and seems that my capture settings won't survive the duration of The Colossus, unless I resort to the pause-stop record-start record-resume trick, which is ugly but it worked.

Although it's hard to question the true potential of the ONE, I'm glad I had my first taste of AMG's Formula One car for the road. Not a perfect masterpiece by new normal standards but it really is a true masterpiece and we should really thank AMG for creating a hybrid hypercar that will soon rise. With the AMG ONE's arrival at Forza Horizon 5, looks like the real fun begins.