There are two schools of thought when it comes to hybrids: efficiency and performance. This 2024 Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance, as you might guess, focuses on the latter, and to mind-blowing effect.

This self-described four-door coupe uses a new plug-in hybrid system, complementing the handcrafted 4.0-liter biturbo V8. A rear-mounted 150-kilowatt electric motor brings total system output to 831 horsepower and 1,032 lb-ft of torque. The 6.1-kilowatt-hour battery enables some emissions-free driving, though even Mercedes themselves will tell you this electric setup prioritizes performance over range.

And the Mercedes-AMG dichotomy presented by the GT 63 continues from there. The seats, for example, while Mercedes plush, are AMG sporty with supportive bolstering for spirited driving. The 12.3-inch touchscreen and matching instrument cluster provide digital opulence and vital performance info. And although Comfort mode is just a dial-switch away, so is Race mode.

The Mercedes part was obvious throughout our testing, but the AMG side, well, that experience required a trip to none other than Mason Dixon Dragway. Weather prevented full quarter-mile times, but there was plenty of dry track for 0-60 passes.

ALEXANDER KELLUM: “Holy mother! Oh man, 0-60 in 3.21 seconds… Oh, yeah. That’s the AMG side I was looking forward to!”

That explosion off the was only our first try. It got better from there with our best pass a scant 3 seconds to 60. While still a tad short of the Mercedes-AMG claim of 2.8 seconds, we know in perfect conditions it’ll do it.

You may question Mercedes’ use of the word “Coupe” to describe it, but there’s no denying the pure thrills this four-door delivers. Rightfully so, considering a starting price north of $190,000.
And we’ll have more Quick Spins… soon!

Meet the 2024 Fiat 500e, a compact commuter if there ever was one. But don’t let its small stature fool you, as there’s more to the 500e than meets the eye.

The previous battery-electric 500 was sold with an advertised 87 miles of range— not enough for most buyers. This next-gen iteration sees a vast improvement: 149 miles. Not as high a number as other BEVs on the market today, nor is the 117 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque, but range and performance are adequate for this Fiat’s intended use: localized commuting.

That said, it’s not totally lost in modern highway traffic.

ALEXANDER KELLUM: “As one would expect, the Fiat 500e is perfectly at home on city and small-town streets; but then that extra heft from the battery pack actually gives it a kind of planted feel, which is appreciated out on the highway; though, you will be kept on your toes at first next to all these hulking SUVs and pickup trucks.

Now, the gearhead part of me does miss that noticeable bark of an Abarth-tuned engine, but there is something to be said about the bliss of silent EV propulsion. And, hey, there’s no need for the occasional ‘Italian Tune-Up’ with this thing, though that’s really a pro or a con depending on your personality type.”

Getting off the highway and into city streets, the 500e’s diminutive dimensions are appreciated. That does translate into less interior room for the 2+2 seating arrangement, but there’s more space than outward appearances let on. The cabin is a mix of materials depending on which trim or “edition” you opt for, but the 7-inch gauge cluster and 10.25-inch infotainment system are both standard.

The 2024 Fiat 500e starts around $34,000 or $38,000 for one of the special designer grades. We’ll have plenty more to say in an upcoming Road Test.