Skip advert
Advertisement

New 2021 Mercedes-AMG S 73 e PHEV spied for the first time

The Mercedes-AMG S 73 e PHEV will be an AMG-tuned, plug-in hybrid version of Mercedes' flagship saloon

Mercedes is preparing to unveil a new AMG variant of the latest S-Class limo. These spy shots offer our first look at what we anticipate will be a V8-powered, plug-in hybrid S 73 e model. We expect it’ll reach the UK market late next year, where it will act as a direct competitor for the BMW M760Li, Audi S8 and Bentley Flying Spur.

Advertisement - Article continues below

This prototype is still heavily camouflaged, but there’s a few tell-tale signs that give it away as the new AMG version. There’s a slightly more aggressive front splitter, broader side skirts, flared wheel arches, larger drilled disc brakes and, at the rear, a squared-off quad-exit exhaust system – which is a trademark of every range-topping AMG model.

What’s more, this test mule features two filler doors – one to house the fuel filler nozzle and one to house a charging socket – which further points towards this being a plug-in hybrid model. Mercedes has already confirmed that a V8-powered plug-in hybrid S-Class is in the works, and that it’ll be capable of travelling up to 62 miles on electric power alone.

Mercedes is yet to confirm any details about the AMG S 73 e’s powertrain, but we expect it’ll be based on the same twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine found in the AMG GLS 63 – which is capable of generating 603bhp and 850Nm of torque on its own. Earlier rumours regarding the development of the new 73 e powertrain have hinted at a combined petrol and electric power output in excess of 800bhp. 

Like the GLS 63 and the standard S-Class, the combustion engine will also send drive through a nine-speed automatic gearbox to all four wheels, although it’ll be supported by a lithium-ion battery pack and electric motor mounted somewhere along the drivetrain.

Buyers will also get the usual suite of AMG chassis technology – that means adaptive air suspension, a limited-slip differential, a sophisticated traction control system and larger alloy wheels wrapped in fatter tyres. Like the smaller AMG E 63 S, Mercedes could also programme a “Drift Mode” setting into the car’s drive mode selector.

The interior design of the new Mercedes-AMG S 73 e shouldn’t stray too far from the standard model. Major changes will likely include more heavily bolstered sport seats up front and a slightly tweaked sports steering wheel. The standard S-Class’s 12.3-inch digital instrument binnacle and 12.8-inch infotainment system will be shared between the two cars – although the AMG model will likely feature unique graphics.

What do you make of the new Mercedes-AMG S 63? Let us know in the comments section below…

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Best cars for £15,000 or less
Best cars for £15,000 - header
Best cars & vans

Best cars for £15,000 or less

Spending around £15,000 doesn’t get you much in the new car market these days, but it can land you a brilliant used model
18 Mar 2024
New Brabus 930 fuses opulence and performance for 917bhp of autobahn eating limousine
Brabus 930 - front
News

New Brabus 930 fuses opulence and performance for 917bhp of autobahn eating limousine

Brabus has cooked up a Mercedes S-Class with 917bhp and looks to match
13 Mar 2024
Top 10 best luxury cars to buy 2024
Best luxury cars - header image
Best cars & vans

Top 10 best luxury cars to buy 2024

Indulge yourself with our list of the most luxurious cars on sale today
2 Feb 2024
Top 10 best plug-in hybrids to buy 2024
Best plug-in hybrids - header image
Best cars & vans

Top 10 best plug-in hybrids to buy 2024

The plug-in hybrid market has grown exponentially in recent years. Here are our electrified favourites
25 Jan 2024

Most Popular

Huge Audi new car blitz to bring us 9 models in 2 years
Upcoming Audi models - four-way image
News

Huge Audi new car blitz to bring us 9 models in 2 years

After a quiet few years, the German giant is gearing up for its biggest product onslaught to date
25 Mar 2024
Posh new trim level for Dacia Sandero while the Sandero Stepway gets more power
Dacia Sandero - front
News

Posh new trim level for Dacia Sandero while the Sandero Stepway gets more power

Both the Sandero and Sandero Stepway ranges have been tweaked, gaining more safety features to meet the latest regulations
26 Mar 2024
Road tax set to rise in April: here’s how much more you’ll pay
Road tax documentation
News

Road tax set to rise in April: here’s how much more you’ll pay

Drivers with newer cars can expect to be paying roughly £10 more per year, a although the biggest gas guzzlers will fare the worst
26 Mar 2024