Edmunds recently put two flagship plug-in hybrids head-to-head: the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E-Performance and the Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray, both retaining V8 engines. The Mercedes delivers over 800 hp—805 hp in U.S. figures—with roughly 604 hp from its V8 and 201 hp from its electric motor. That output comes at a cost, as the car tips the scales at 2,175 kg, nearly 2.2 tons.
The Corvette E-Ray is far lighter at 1,780 kg—395 kg less than the Mercedes—matching the weight of a BMW M3 Competition xDrive. Its powertrain pairs a 6.2-liter V8 producing 495 hp to the rear wheels with a 160-hp electric motor driving the front, for a combined output of 655 hp. Both cars use all-wheel drive.
In the Edmunds race format, which includes hard braking and a 180-degree turn, the Corvette did jump ahead off the line in both runs. However, as speeds increased, the Mercedes consistently reeled it in. The AMG braked later, turned with more precision, and exited corners harder, pulling away on the straights to win both races.
Despite similar power-to-weight ratios and a clear weight advantage, the Corvette couldn’t overcome the Mercedes’ superior suspension tuning, braking confidence, and overall integration. In the end, engineering refinement trumped physics, giving the AMG GT 63 S E-Performance a decisive victory.
