New Mercedes-AMG C63 S: A new dawn for the German captain
There's no escaping from the engine downsizing trend. Before we address the powertrain issue here, say hello to the headliner in the C-Class range, which is now called the C63 S E Performance. Pretty much just as we speculated a little while ago…
The all-new Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance is finally here following some online teasers as well as leaked images of it. The biggest change here happens under the hood. Instead of the larger 4.0-litre V8 Bi-Turbo engine settling underneath the outgoing model, the new kid on the block wields a small yet potent 2.0-litre in-line 4-cylinder turbocharged engine. Mercedes-AMG had some help with the F1 team's electrification expertise taking the lead here.
2.0-litre? C63? Bizarre…
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Packing a turbocharger paired with instantaneous electric spooling plus a rear-mounted electric motor with a battery pack, the new C63 S E Performance puts out a total of 500 kW of power and an earth-shaking 1,020 Nm of torque sent to all four paws via the 4Matic+ system with fully-variable torque distribution and drift mode. You see, this is the most powerful 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine in the world.
The electric motor is mounted at the rear axle and pumps out 150 kW of power and 320 Nm of torque, while the ICE engine, on the other hand, gushes out 350 kW and 545 Nm. Power for the electric motor is provided by a 6.1 kWh energy density and provides the C63 S E Performance with 13 km of electric range. Quite bizarre for a C63 S, right?
Even though it weighs a heavy 2,111 kg, it requires 3.4 seconds to hurtle from 0-100 km/h before maxing out at 250 km/h while shifting through an AMG 9-speed MCT transmission. The top speed can be optionally raised to 280 km/h.
It looks the part
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Other than performance, the new C63 S E Performance is quite a looker with its bespoke narrow air outlet in the centre of the bonnet and for the first time in an AMG mode, there's a round badge with black AMG insignia replacing the brand's three-point star on the bonnet.
As you'd expect, it has an AMG-specific radiator grille that spawns vertical struts and an AMG front apron in a jet-wing design. For better air regulation, two electronically controlled air panels are behind the radiator grille and in the front apron.
It's even more muscular compared to the outgoing variant, thanks to a front end that's been stretched by 50 mm, wider front wings plus an overall length that measures 83 mm extra. As for front track width and wheelbase, it are now 76 mm and 10 mm longer respectively.
In typical AMG style, the new C63 S has two trapezoidal dual tailpipes, matching side skirts, a rear apron with a large diffuser, as well as 19" AMG light-alloy wheels shod with mixed rubbers as standard. Buyers can fit optional 20" wheel and tyre combinations including one new set of forged wheels.
Familiar elements remain
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Stepping inside, buyers are greeted by a familiar AMG-specific interior that's been painstakingly crafted to include every detail and nuance that makes AMG so special. Sports seats with a unique upholstery layout that's further complemented by seat-side bolsters and extra openings that helps with enhanced ventilation and weight-saving is available optionally.
The C63 S gets the MBUX multimedia system with hybrid-specific displays plus eight driving modes; Electric, Comfort, Battery Hold, Sport, Sport+, Race, Slippery and Individual. As standard, it's equipped with AMG Ride Control steel suspension with an Adaptive Damping System and rear axle steering for added agility.
Although the news about Mercedes-AMG downsizing the C63 S' powertrain was met with huge criticism, it is now that we believe smaller engines plus electrification are the future and there's plenty to look forward to.
When it launches sometime in 2023, it will go head to head with the BMW M3 Competition and Alfa Romeo's Giulia Quadrifoglio Verde, although it'll be considerably quieter than either. Your neighbours will thank you.
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