MERCEDES-AMG GT 63 S E 4DR COUPE - TESTED 9.3.23, HERTFORDSHIRE ON SALE APRIL

As if a 630bhp V8 weren't enough, AMG has added a 201bhp electric motor as well

- MATT PRIOR

I've just spent a couple of hours in central London, during which my expensive Mercedes spotto count read: G-Classes seven, AMG GT 4-Door Coupés none.

Only anecdotal evidence, I know. But there are only ever a few used GT 4-Doors in the classifieds, too, and tell me, reader, have you ever seen one? I can't shake the feeling that AMG's bespoke coupé-saloon (technically a five-door hatchback), introduced in 2018, is a very rare groove, a niche option. But if you prefer to roll around in a G-Class, well, I think you're missing out.

So far we've had the 63 S variant in the UK, plus the less powerful 63, now dropped but continuing abroad. Brits like high-spec cars, so we settled on the one with a 630bhp 4.0-litre V8 and a price of £153,755.

That's now joined by this £177,715 variant, the 63 S E Performance, which keeps the V8 in the same tune and gains another 201bhp from an electric motor mounted at the back axle for a combined 831bhp. That makes it the second-most-powerful AMG behind the One - which is no less than a rebodied Formula 1 car.

I would say 831bhp in a big coupé-hatchback thing ought to be plenty. The most powerful comparable Audi RS, BMW M and Porsche models don't get that close.