The Mercedes-AMG S-Class is an undeniably impressive car. It’s impressively fast, packed with cutting-edge technology, and capable of serious performance despite its size. Yet it’s also a large saloon car that feels at odds with itself – an S-Class should prioritise comfort and refinement above all else, and the AMG’s firm ride make it a less relaxing long-distance cruiser than its more traditional siblings.

The AMG S-Class comes in one version – the S63 E-Performance. It’s a brilliant technical showcase and a rare beast on UK roads, but at this elevated price, it’s difficult to see who it’s really aimed at. If you want a rapid, high-tech executive car, there are better-balanced alternatives. If you want an S-Class, you’re probably better off with a less extreme – and more comfortable – version.

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What’s new?

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The Mercedes-AMG S-Class is the ultimate version of Mercedes’ flagship luxury saloon line. It combines a potent twin-turbocharged V8 with plug-in hybrid technology to deliver a colossal 802hp and 1,430Nm of torque (pulling power). This is the most powerful S-Class in history, yet it remains a luxury limousine at heart.

Its closest rival is the Bentley Flying Spur Speed, which offers similarly extravagant power and luxury, albeit with a greater focus on comfort. BMW has no direct equivalent, with the all-electric i7 M70 coming closest, while the Audi S8 is more subtle and can’t match the AMG’s sheer firepower.

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What’s it like inside?

Step inside, and you’re met with a typically high-tech and luxurious Mercedes-Benz interior, without the niggling quality issues you find in the firm’s cheaper models, and you can read more about that in our S-Class review. The AMG-specific details add some sporting flair, but this remains a plush place to spend time. Material quality is mostly excellent, but the overuse of gloss black trim cheapens the experience. Some switchgear is shared with lesser Mercedes models, which isn’t ideal.

The infotainment system is handled by the latest version of MBUX, which is one of the better systems on the market, though still heavily reliant on a large touchscreen and multiple menus. AMG-specific shortcuts help access performance settings more easily, but the touch-sensitive steering wheel controls can be frustrating.

Seating is excellent. Up front, you get well-bolstered and supportive sports seats that actively adjust the side bolsters in corners to keep you in place. Rear passengers are well catered for, with ample legroom and comfortable seating, though the UK doesn’t get the full business-class recliner package available in some markets.

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Engine and performance

Under the bonnet sits a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8, paired with an electric motor. This makes it capable of launching from 0-62mph in 3.3 seconds. The engine power is sent to all four wheels and you’re presented with a nine-speed automatic transmission, while the e-motor has its own two-speed transmission.

The plug-in hybrid system prioritises performance over efficiency, with a relatively short electric-only range of 19 miles – though real-world figures are closer to 10 miles when driven with enthusiasm. Charging speeds are underwhelming, too. Unlike the regular S-Class plug-in hybrids, which offer up to 60kW DC fast charging, the AMG S63 is limited to 3.7kW AC charging, meaning topping up the battery takes a few hours.

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What’s it like to drive?

The S63 is a curious blend of limousine and high-performance sports saloon. At low speeds, it attempts to behave like a regular S-Class, gliding smoothly and running silently on electric power. But the AMG treatment brings a few compromises – the ride is firmer than you’d expect, and there’s noticeable road noise from the large wheels and performance tyres.

Turn up the pace, though, and it transforms. The V8 and electric motor work together seamlessly, providing instant acceleration with minimal lag. The car’s active anti-roll system and rear-wheel steering help shrink its size on twisty roads, making it feel far more agile than you’d expect from a 2.6-tonne luxury saloon.

Handling is impressive. The steering is light but precise, and AMG has tuned the rear-wheel steering to feel more natural than Mercedes’ own efforts on models like the all-electric AMG EQS. There’s minimal bodyroll, and the AMG Dynamics system allows you to tweak traction control and handling settings to your preference.

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What models and trims are available?

In the UK, the AMG S63 E-Performance is available in two trims: Touring and Night Edition. The former comes with chrome and silver exterior details, wood veneers inside, and a more traditional S-Class luxury feel.

The Night Edition adds darker trim, AMG-spec wheels, and carbon fibre replacing wood inside for a sportier appearance. Both trims come loaded with technology as standard, and both cost the same amount of money. A Performance Pack is available, adding carbon-ceramic brakes and raising the electronically limited top speed from 155mph to 190mph.

A rear-seat entertainment package can also be specified, adding screens and an Android-based tablet in the rear, but UK buyers don’t get the full four-seat luxury lounge option available in other markets.

What else should I know?

The AMG S63 sits in a niche part of the market. While it offers supercar-baiting performance, it’s also a limousine at heart. This makes it an unusual proposition – how many S-Class buyers really want such extreme performance?

Read on for our ratings, what we like and don’t, and to find out what processes we go through to get to these conclusions, read our how we test cars page.