We have already seen the range-topping Mercedes-Benz S-Class doing its pre-production test rounds (watch the video), but the latest example spotted on the Nürburgring and next to it barely had any disguise on, hinting that the premiere is right around the corner.
The pictured test car can be seen sporting a Panamericana grille, large air intakes, impressively sized brakes and a quad-tip exhaust system.
As Mercedes-AMG told us this spring, this specification will be named S 63 e, and it will draw its power from a plug-in hybrid system incorporating a 4.0-liter V8 and a rear-mounted electric motor. The output should lie close to 700 PS (690 hp / 515 kW), although an S 73 e model might also see the daylight with something like 800 PS (789 hp / 588 kW).
Rumors that the S-Class Hybrid would arrive packing a large 20-kWh traction battery with plenty of all-electric range proved false: the actual AMG battery is rated at only 6.1 kWh. On the plus side, redesigned cooling has enhanced the car’s regenerative braking capabilities.
The new S-Class range currently incorporates versions powered by inline-six and V8 engines, and the Mercedes-Maybach supports an optional V12, albeit a touch less powerful than the older one.
Aside from the above, the Affalterbach-based company is working on another superhybrid, an 800-PS modification of the AMG GT 4-Door Coupe.