The new Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance: 2.0L engine at the front and electric motor on the rear axle for 500 kW (680 hp) system output

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class sporty variant has dropped the 4.0-liter V8 engine in favor of a hybrid system that incorporates Formula 1 technology.

In the new Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance a two-speed electric motor positioned on the rear axle supports the 2.0-litre turbo engine that is mounted longitudinally at the front. According to Mercedes-AMG, it is the most powerful production four-cylinder in the world. As in Formula 1, the electric support of the exhaust gas turbocharger eliminates the turbo lag of the combustion engine, while at the same time the electric drive pushes powerfully from a standstill. 

Its turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four, codenamed M139, makes 350 kW (476 hp) of power at 6750 rpm and 545 Nm of torque at 5250-5500 rpm. The electric motor has a maximum output of 150 kW (204 hp) and a torque of 320 Nm. The combined system output is 500 kW (680 hp), the combined maximum system torque 1020 Nm. AMG Speedshift MCT 9G transmission is designed to handle all this anger. And yes, for the first time in history the hottest C-Class is all-wheel drive thanks to it's 4MATIC+ system.

The small 6.1 kWh battery should be sufficient for 13 km (6 miles) of driving in electric mode. Charging is via the 3.7 kW on-board AC charger, at a charging station, wallbox or household socket. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) takes 3.4 seconds and the top speed is limited at 250 km/h (155 mph). The top speed limiter can be raised to 280 km/h (173 mph) with an optional AMG Driver's package. 

The design of the new C 63 S differs from that of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class in its more muscular proportions. The Saloon and Estate models are both based on an extensively modified AMG bodyshell. The front end is 50 millimetres (1.96 inch) longer and the front wings are wider. All in all, the overall exterior dimensions differ considerably from those of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. In terms of length, the Saloon and Estate measure an extra 83 millimetres (3.27 inch). The wider track width at the front axle results in 76 millimetres (2.99 inch) more overall width at the front. And the wheelbase has grown by ten millimetres (0.39 inch). All in all, this results in a layout that gives the new C 63 S a powerful, stretched and muscular look.

In the interior, AMG sports seats with special upholstery layout and a distinctive stitching pattern add to the refined impression. There are also many individual choices available for the interior. Exclusive colours and various nappa leather upholsteries with an embossed AMG emblem in the front head restraints serve to emphasise either the sporty or the luxurious side of the C 63 S.

The completely redesigned second-generation AMG Performance seat is available as an option. Its special feature is the seat side bolsters with weight-saving openings that also allow better ventilation. If nappa leather upholstery is selected, these also feature a contrasting colour as an extra highlight. The shape of the backrest tapers towards the bottom. The AMG logo is now positioned between the matt chrome openings below the integrated head restraint.

The Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance will go on sale in global markets early next year, likely as a 2023 model. However, Americans will have to wait until the 2024 model year to get their hands on the four-cylinder AMG super sedan, with deliveries probably starting here in September or October. Prices will be announced closer to the start of sales.

Source: Mercedes-Benz