The C63 AMG has always been part of performance car folklore for its tyre-shredding V8 and RWD histrionics, however, the party is now over with the new generation C63 S E Performance losing its eight-cylinder engine and receiving a four-cylinder motor with F1 technology sprinkled on for good measure. What it lacks in noise it makes up for in power, with a total output of 680 hp alongside a huge torque rating at 1020 Nm. Will the claimed 0-100 km/h time of just 3.4 seconds be enough to convince enthusiasts this is the raucous performance saloon they remember? We’re not so sure.
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Image: Mercedes-AMG
Taking technology from the AMG One, the new C63 aims to use F1 trickery to make us forget that this nameplate used to have a noisy V8 some time back. Alongside the 2.0-litre turbo engine, the new C63 has a two-speed electric motor positioned on the rear axle to remove turbo lag and provide an electric boost of sorts. The electric powertrain and the high-performance battery with 400 volts have been developed by AMG in-house with a total output of 680 hp alongside a huge torque rating at 1020 Nm.
“With its Performance hybrid drive and electrically assisted exhaust turbocharger, the new C 63 S E PERFORMANCE is a technological masterpiece that takes a new approach. The electrified powertrain offers a whole new driving experience. The immediate response of the electric drive at the rear axle, the rapid torque build-up as well as the fast power output and draw of our battery are very special features,” said Jochen Hermann, Chief Technical Officer of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.
“Add to this the standard-fit rear axle steering and the fully variable all-wheel drive with Drift Mode – the new C 63 once again illustrates the high level of technical expertise that AMG possesses.”
The performance numbers of this fast hybrid sports sedan should help enthusiasts get over the loss of the V8 rather quickly since the new C63 has a claimed 0-100 km/h time of just 3.4 seconds. Just like the last version, there is a fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system along with a drift mode added in for old times’ sake with active rear axle steering being added for the first time.
Image: Mercedes-AMG
The driver has plenty to configure with a myriad of drive modes and regenerative modes built-in while AMG claims that the modified exhaust note would be able to replicate the V8 sound- at least it isn’t completely fake like those new EV exhaust systems.
Design-wise, the new C63 is more subtle without any of the cartoonish wheel arches of its predecessors but it still has a wider front end along with a purposeful stance with a meaner AMG grille at the front and a mean-looking diffuser at the back. 19 or 20-inch wheels are available too.
Rather alarmingly, the most interesting statistic about the new C63 is that you can amble around in electric mode for only 13km and charge the car via a wall-box AC charger. While the new C63 comes in sedan and wagon forms, Australia will only get the sedan version when it arrives in 2023. Maybe now is the best time to pick up one of the last remaining V8s? Hmm.
Image: Mercedes-AMG
Image: Mercedes-AMG
Image: Mercedes-AMG
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