2019 Mercedes-AMG GT63 S performance testing data

With a claimed 0-100km/h time of 3.2sec the 2019 Mercedes-AMG GT63 S is the quickest machine ever to escape from Affalterbach. In a straight line, at least.

As part of our first Australian drive we ran the monster Merc up the Heathcote hotmix in an attempt to verify AMG’s bold claim and find out what happens after it’s broached triple figures.

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As it turns out, AMG is selling its quasi-coupe-hatch a bit short. Race Start primed, the GT63 uses its all-wheel drive traction to launch to 100km/h in just 3.16sec. A good surface is required; lining up on Heathcote’s slippery unprepped regular launch pad triggers the traction control resulting in consistent – but off-the-pace – 3.5sec efforts.

From there the 470kW/900Nm 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 takes over, making light work of the GT63’s substantial 2045kg bulk, passing 160km/h in 6.85sec, 200km/h in 10.67sec and crossing the quarter mile in just 11.08sec at 203.43km/h.

These numbers not only make the GT63 S the quickest AMG we’ve ever tested, it’s also the quickest four-door (or five-door if you think it’s a hatch) production car we’ve ever run numbers on. It’s quarter-mile effort would’ve put it number one of our Top 10 Quickest Cars of 2018 list by just one-hundredth of a second.

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Compared to the best numbers we’ve extracted from its E63 sibling, the GT63 S is 0.24sec quicker to 100km/h and 0.2sec quicker over the quarter mile but with a very similar trap speed. This suggests the GT63 is making good use of its extra 20kW/50Nm and shorter final drive at lower speeds before its 165kg weight disadvantage begins to make itself known.

As it happens, the GT63’s straight-line performance isn’t even the most remarkable thing about it, but to learn more check out our first drive review.