The wait is over! The new Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance has been revealed, now featuring a new F1-inspired plug-in hybrid powertrain!

Purists will undoubtedly miss that lovely and powerful 4.0-litre V8 bi-turbo engine driving the rear wheels. Not only does it tug at the heartstrings from a sound point of view, but its power delivery was guaranteed to put a smile on everyone’s face.

However, thanks to increasingly tougher emissions regulations, the future is electrified and this new generation Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance forges ahead with a new fully-variable 4MATIC all-wheel-drive plug-in hybrid powertrain. Note that both Saloon (sedan) and Estate (station wagon) body styles are offered (market specific).

Stylistically speaking, there are no major surprises and the design is very much familiar and in line with Mercedes-Benz’s current design philosophy. As a high-ranking model, the C63 S E wears a Panamericana grille with a new bumper design that incorporates large air intakes while the sportiness is emphasised with a pronounced boot lid spoiler and rectangular quad exhaust tips placed beside a chunky rear diffuser. The C63 S E Performance rides on 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels as standard while 20-inch wheels are offered as an option.

The interior design is familiar from the new C-Class but AMG-specific details set the C63 S E Performance apart.

The interior design and execution follows from the new C-Class which launched locally earlier this year but features such as specially stitched AMG sports seats and embossed AMG emblems seen on the headrests add a sporty touch to the interior as does the nappa leather finishes. Second-generation AMG Performance seats are offered as an option.

The now-familiar vertically orientated MBUX infotainment system houses hybrid-specific displays with all vital vehicle information displayed either on the central screen, digital instrument cluster or in the head-up display. The instrument cluster can be customised to your preference and major functions are all accessed via the 2-spoke AMG Performance steering wheel.

How much power does the new Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance produce?

The new C 63 S E Performance brings 500 kW and 1 020 Nm to the road.

The electric drivetrain components comprise of a 400V, 6.1 kWh lithium-ion battery with direct cooling system, powerful 150 kW / 320 Nm electric motor driving the rear axle, electrically controlled limited-slip differential as well as a 2-speed gearbox. Note that the battery is designed for fast power delivery (not range) and it therefore only offers 13 km of electric driving and can be charged via the onboard 3.7 kW AC charger using a charging station or household wallbox. The battery delivers continuous output of 70 kW but has a maximum output of 150 kW for up to 10 seconds. Energy is also recuperated when braking or when lifting off the accelerator and 4 regeneration levels can be selected by the driver including Level 0, Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3.

In the case of the new Mercedes-AMG C63, the 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine is the same M139 engine found in the new A45, and is positioned in a longitudinal fashion, as opposed to the transverse setup. More so, it’s not only the most powerful 4-cylinder engine in the world with outputs of 350 kW and 545 Nm but it’s also the first time a production engine has been turbocharged with an electric exhaust gas turbocharger.

The result is a combined total system outputofno less than500kW and 1 020Nm of torque! This powerful engine is mated with afast-shifting 9-speed Multi-Clutch Transmission (MCT).

Comparably, the C63’s main rival, the BMW M3 Competition xDrive delivers 375 kW and 650 Nm of torque from its 3.0-litre, twin-turbocharged 6-cylinder petrol engine and claims 3.5 seconds in the sprint from zero to 100kph.

The new range-topping C-Class is heavier (2 111 kg)than the model it replacesbut with more torque and virtuallyno turbo lag, the newcomer is faster than its predecessor.Merc says that the new AMG C63 will run from zero to 100 kph in 3.4 seconds before reaching a limited top speed of 280 kph with the AMG Driver’s Package! Afully-variable all-wheel-drive system includes a Drift Mode and active rear-axle steering is standard. The driver has up to 8 drive modes to choose from including, Electric, Comfort, Battery Hold, Sport, Sport+, Race, Slippery and Individual.Fuel consumption is claimed at 6.9L/100km.

The arrival of the new Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance in South Africa can be expected in the first half of 2023.

Further Reading

BMW vs Mercedes-Benz: premium sales race after first half of 2022

Mercedes-Benz C-Class (2022) Launch Review