The German automaker introduced the new Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance sedan, featuring a muscular design and a plug-in hybrid powertrain that generates huge power. Mercedes shifted the entire C-Class lineup to four-cylinder mills last year and this AMG performance model also employs one of the four-bangers.
Powertrain
For the new C63 S E Performance, the automaker added a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine pumping out 469 horsepower and 402 pound-feet of torque, which gives it the distinction of the most robust production four-banger in the world. Previously, the A45 S had the most powerful motor. The power output isn’t far behind the present C63, but the turbo four does make a very different sound. The power goes to all the wheels via AMG’s nine-speed, wet-dual-clutch transmission that also boasts standard Drift Mode for the first time in a C-Class.
As the 476 horsepower isn’t enough, Mercedes-AMG installed an electric motor on the rear axle, which mates to a 6.1-kilowatt-hour battery and 400-volt electrical architecture. This motor is capable of generating 204 hp (150 kW) – either all on its own or working with the gasoline mill. With the motor in action, the super sedan can cover 8 miles of all-electric range. That’s too low for an advanced plug-in hybrid, but as AMG Chief Technical Officer Jochen Hermann stated, the focus here is performance, not drive range.
The plug-in powertrain creates a total of 671 hp and 752 lb-ft, allowing the vehicle to accelerate to 60 miles per hour in 3.3 seconds and top out at 174 mph.
Exterior
The brawny powertrain complements the aggressive exterior styling with a 2 inches (50 mm) longer nose and a 3-inches (76-mm) wider front track. The hood features a tactful vent in the centre to discharge hot air, and the AMG emblem is visible on the front. The Mercedes logo still finds a place in the grille, and there are three big air intakes underneath that, along with a shiny black nose spiller. The rear bumper gets a bigger diffuser and quadruple exhaust tips. 19-inch wheels are standard, while the 20-inchers are optional.
Interior
The interior welcomes you with sports seats and two big MBUX infotainment displays. You would find eight drive modes – Electric (up to 78 mph / 125 km/h), Comfort, Slippery, Sport, Sport+, and RACE to customize your drive. Yes, that’s two less!
The Battery Hold mode is there to hold the battery charge through little amounts of power and then balance with regaining. The last one is the Individual mode to let you customize the transmission, chassis, steering, and exhaust systems as per your desire.
Mercedes-AMG offers four-level regenerative braking with Level 0 mimicking the conventional ICE car, providing almost zero resistance. Level 3 turns up the regen over 100 kW as per the conditions, permitting one-pedal driving. The RACE mode changes the regenerative braking to Level 1, which is “the most reproducible vehicle behavior possible at the limits.”
Performance
New AMG C63 S E Performance comes with a Drift Mode and the AMG-adjusted continuously-adjustable adaptive damping system, with three drive modes. You can engage the rear-wheel steering anytime, allowing the sedan to turn the rear wheels up to 2.5 degrees, contrary to the front wheels. The automaker installed composite brake discs, with six-piston calipers on the front and single floating calipers at the back wheels.
Price
The automaker isn’t ready to give anything on pricing. Since the updated C-Class is quite new to most parts of the world, including the US and UAE, the new Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance will likely arrive by the mid of 2023.
Source: Motor1 and AutoGuide
Images: Motor1