When it comes to the cars he most enjoys driving, Mick Doohan is a big advocate for the classics. Having owned a succession of Mercedes-AMG models since the early 1990s, he is quick to nominate the cars that have been powered by AMG’s brutally powerful V12 engine as his most cherished.

“With Mercedes-AMG, motorsport is part of their DNA, so they’re always developing the next level of technology,” he says. “I’ve been lucky enough to drive AMGs for more than 30 years. Every model delivers something different, but you’d never mistake them for anything else… there really is nothing else like driving a Mercedes-AMG.”

But ever since he became the proud owner of a Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E PERFORMANCE in 2023 – the first performance hybrid from Mercedes-AMG – the five-time MotoGP world champion is prepared to call it. This highly civilised, four-door grand tourer might actually be the all-time favourite Mercedes-AMG model he has owned.

“It's a cracking car. I drive from the south of France down to Barcelona, or up to Milan, and it's a great car for that,” Mick says. “It's terrific in and around the city, too.”

To find out precisely what it is about the AMG GT 63 that makes it his favourite AMG model to date, we joined him at Sydney Motorsport Park for a test drive.

An electrified experience

The AMG GT 63 may have been developed utilising technologies pioneered by the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team – but the key to Mick’s heart is the electric motor mounted on the rear axle and paired with the 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 engine under the bonnet. With the addition of the E PERFORMANCE system, the AMG GT 63 punches out a staggering 620 kW of power and 1400 Nm of torque.

“This GT 63, with 1400 Newton metres of torque, it's mind-blowing. On the motorway it handles well, it stops well, it's comfortable to drive, and you've got all the luxury. So look, this is the favourite,” he says.

It’s the duality of the AMG GT 63’s nature that most intrigues Mick. “I've been a [Mercedes-Benz] customer since I bought an SL 500 in 1991 or ’92. My next car after that was an AMG, and I've been hooked on them ever since,” he says.

“With this GT 63, you’ve got the pure sports car performance so if you want to be a boy racer, then it's more than capable. But you've also got a sedate road car that’s comfortable and quiet and just a pleasure to drive.”

A key benefit of the AMG GT 63’s ground-breaking powertrain? Its ability to intelligently combine the required power and torque from the V8 combustion engine and the electric motor to meet the needs of any driving situation – from racetracks and motorways to city streets. That includes up to 13 kilometres of all-electric driving range.

“I’ve driven some other hybrids which will jolt you a little bit, whereas this is seamless. That's typical of AMG and Mercedes-Benz, they do things correctly,” Mick says.

The AMG GT 63 can be plugged in to draw electrical energy from charging stations, a Mercedes-Benz Wallbox or even a standard household electrical outlet. Significantly, it can also harvest energy during each drive via adjustable recuperation settings.

“That means less stopping on the motorways and looking for recharge stations,” Mick explains. “I’ve found if you're driving efficiently, it'll actually grow the battery as you're driving.”

The ultimate grand tourer

Not only does the AMG GT 63 have the responsiveness and performance Mick wants – it also includes individual seating for up to four adults. This masterful combination of performance, comfort and luxury only enhances its credentials as a grand tourer.

“You actually don't even feel like you've driven anywhere. You hop out as refreshed as when you hopped in, and away you go,” he says.

It also serves as a preview of sorts, featuring the same F1-derived hybrid technology as the highly anticipated all new Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E PERFORMANCE. The storied C 63 is one of the world’s most popular sports sedans – with an incredible 500 kW and 1020 Nm output from the combination of an electric motor and highly tuned AMG four-cylinder engine.

“Every AMG car that I've experienced over the years just keeps getting better and better,” he says. “Not having had [a hybrid] before, I didn't know what to expect, but I can tell you I’m pleasantly surprised. I'm convinced that it's the way of the future.”

Discover the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E PERFORMANCE here.