2026 Mercedes-AMG S 63 E Performance Plays A Game Of Spot The Changes

Mercedes-AMG S 63 E Performance is far from being an aging product in Mercedes-AMG’s portfolio, as it debuted some two and a half years ago. However, the Affalterbach sub-brand is preparing its mid-cycle refresh, and we just got a batch of spy shots of the upcoming model.
 

Our spy photographers encountered this black tester in the open recently, featuring the usual camouflage at the front and rear to disguise its visual updates until its grand unveiling. Nothing out of the ordinary yet, though we think this prototype would have flown under the radar if it weren’t for the vinyl stickers, as the changes are very modest.
 
In fact, one needs to be a diehard fan of the current Mercedes-AMG S 63 E Performance to tell it apart from the facelifted one, as the front fascia seems to be almost identical. However, once you zoom in on the scoops, it becomes evident that the updated car features star-studded headlights, and these are the best way to tell it apart from its predecessor.
 

Moreover, it appears that the automaker’s design team also gave it a new bumper with reshaped vents and a tweaked central air intake. We expect the Panamericana grille, which is still decorated by a large three-pointed star emblem in the middle, to have been slightly updated, as well. The badging on the front fenders should carry over, and it seems that the side skirts are identical.
 
The novelties are just as discreet at the rear end, where the 2026 Mercedes-AMG S 63 E Performance features taillights with updated graphics and a new bumper and diffuser combo. We wouldn’t bet on it just yet, though it appears that the reflectors may have been repositioned. The trunk lid should still be home to the ‘AMG’ logo on the left side, the ’63’ badge on the right side, and the corporate logo in the middle. The exhaust tips carry over unchanged, at least on this prototype.
 

Some novelties are expected on the inside, too, and we wouldn’t be surprised to learn that the performance-oriented flagship sedan features self-driving capabilities. The bi-turbo 4.0L V8 should carry over with its electric assistance, and we do not think that the PHEV powertrain is punchier on the facelifted iteration (we could be wrong on that). The current car comes with 1,055 lb-ft (1,430 Nm) of torque and 791 bhp (802 ps/590 kW) combined, dealing with 0-62 mph (0 to 100 kph) in 3.2 seconds and topping out at 180 mph (290 kph) with the AMG Driver’s Pack or 155 mph (250 kph) without it.
 
Our spy photographers believe the facelifted Mercedes-AMG S 63 E Performance won’t premiere until early 2026, so we could be looking at a 2026 or maybe even a 2027 model-year machine by the time it reaches our shores.