Throttle House recently pitted three heavyweight contenders in the luxury sedan segment against each other: the Mercedes-AMG S 63 E PERFORMANCE, BMW’s M760e, and the Audi S8. While these opulent machines share the same playing field, they represent vastly different approaches to performance and efficiency.
The Audi S8, the lone internal combustion engine representative, harnesses a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 capable of producing 563 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. As the most lightweight and budget-friendly option in the trio, it tips the scales at 5,126 pounds and carries a starting price of $123,400.
In stark contrast, the Mercedes-AMG S 63 E PERFORMANCE blends the best of both worlds with a hybridized powertrain. Its 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, when combined with an electric motor, delivers a staggering 791 horsepower and an equally impressive 1,055 lb-ft of torque. This potent combination allows for an estimated electric range of 20.5 miles and introduces a complex drivetrain architecture.
A two-speed transmission dedicated to the rear electric motor works in conjunction with a nine-speed automatic gearbox for the gasoline engine, all while channeling power to all four wheels. The Mercedes-AMG S 63 E PERFORMANCE is a substantial departure from its competitors in terms of both price and weight. Coming in at $182,250, it’s the most expensive of the trio, and its curb weight of 5,721 pounds is notably higher than the Audi S8.
The BMW i7 M70 xDrive, while slightly more affordable at $168,500, is the heaviest of the three, tipping the scales at a hefty 6,190 pounds. Its electric powertrain, featuring dual motors producing 650 horsepower and 811 pound-feet of torque with overboost, promises explosive acceleration.
However, the i7’s performance of the line was unexpectedly underwhelming. In direct comparison, the Audi S8 secured the quickest launch, though its quarter-mile performance couldn’t match the hybrid might of the S63 or the electric thrust of the i7.
When the race commenced from a rolling start, the competition intensified, with the Mercedes ultimately edging out the BMW by a slim margin. This outcome underscores the benefits of the S 63’s hybrid setup, which combines the immediate torque of electric motors with the sustained power of a combustion engine.
