Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E Performance: four-cylinder engine, hybrid technology and 680 CV of power

Mercedes-AMG has just unveiled worldwide its new Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E Performance, the most sporty version of its popular mid-size sports saloon. A renewal that debuts new design elements and a hybridised 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that marks a major change in direction for AMG in its 55 years of history.

For the first time, the new saloon has moved away from the traditional V8 powertrain to a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and an electric motor on the rear axle, producing a combined 680 CV of power and 1,020 Nm of torque. A system with technology inherited directly from Formula 1, also achieving an impressive output of 238 CV per litre.

Focused on performance

Its plug-in hybrid system has not been included with sustainability in mind: since it fits a 150 kW (204 CV) two-speed electric motor powered by a 6.1 kWh battery, it can cover up to 13 kilometres of range in electric mode. Its real purpose is precisely to further enhance the brutality of the new model.

Starting with its design, the new C 63 S retains AMG’s characteristic muscular proportions, with a structure 50 millimetres longer, wider front wings and a wheelbase that has grown by 10 millimetres compared with the standard version of the model.

New elements of the ensemble

From the front view, a air outlet in the centre of the bonnet stands out, a round badge with the AMG black shield replacing the star surrounded by the laurel wreath on the bonnet, and two large cooling intakes electronically controlled according to the needs of its powertrain.

Turning 90 degrees, the AMG alloy wheels of 19 inches can be swapped for 20-inch ones or even new forged wheels if the customer wishes. In addition, the V8 Biturbo gill plate has also been replaced by an insert showing the Turbo E Performance badge.

At the rear, the major new feature is its new carbon-fibre spoiler above the boot which, together with the large diffuser and the twin double exhaust outlets, emphasises the character of this sports saloon.

An interior that matches the overall concept

Inside, as is typical of AMG, the new C 63 radiates sportiness and luxury in equal measure thanks to the new AMG sports seats with various Nappa leather upholstery options and the AMG emblem on the headrests, leather-trimmed door panels and dashboard with carbon-fibre trim, the AMG Performance steering wheel with a double-spoke design, and the new MBUX infotainment system with AMG-specific functions, where we find the AMG Dynamic Select system, from which the eight available driving modes can be selected. This latter system also includes AMG Track Pace, which records more than 80 vehicle-specific data points on track and displays lap and sector times.

With the mechanical configuration named above, the new C 63 S E Performance is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds in both the saloon and estate versions, and reaching a top speed of 280 km/h electronically limited. Impressive figures considering its weight of 2,111 kg.

Technology inherited from competition

According to the brand itself, the AMG High Performance battery has been developed with technologies that have already proven their effectiveness in the Formula 1 hybrid cars of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team, combining high power with a genuinely low weight and sophisticated direct cooling of the battery cells so that it can deliver its power optimally without damage.

With regard to its tuning, the new model is equipped with the AMG Ride Control chassis with adjustable adaptive damping, three-level parametric steering and rear-axle steering as standard, and a high-performance AMG ceramic brake system with 6-piston calipers at the front and 1-piston calipers at the rear.