In pursuit of cleaner emissions, Mercedes-Benz has finally unveiled the new four-cylinder Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance. Yes, the AMG C63 S has bid farewell to the V8 engine and now gets assistance from a hybrid system. Interesting times indeed.
Let us first address the powertrain. With half the number of cylinders, the Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance now makes a total maximum power output of 680 hp and a maximum torque of 1,020 Nm (Its V8 predecessor made 510 hp/700 Nm). Transmitting power to the wheels is an AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT–9G transmission. The electric drive battery only has a capacity of 6.1 kWh with an almost useless all-electric driving range of 13 km, but that’s not the point of the hybrid system. Its main purpose is to boost the C63 S’s performance.
In case you’re a V8 fan, be assured that Mercedes-AMG will continue to make its iconic V8 engine beyond 2030, should there be enough demand for it. You just have to buy one (in other AMG models) to make sure they keep making them.
The hybrid powertrain provides a fully variable all-wheel drive (AWD) system that launches the car from 0-100 km/h in 3.4 seconds and even comes with “Drift” mode. The turbocharged engine (476 hp/545 Nm) powers the front wheels while the two-speed electric motor (204 hp/320 Nm) powers the rear wheels.
An interesting technology on the 2.0-litre engine is the electric exhaust gas turbocharger (the turbo’s electric assistance spools the turbocharger before the exhaust gas flow takes over). The electric motor is part of an electric drive unit (EDU) that also consists of a two-speed gearbox and a limited-slip differential (LSD).
RELATED: Mercedes-AMG to continue making V8 engines beyond 2030 if demand is strong
A total of eight AMG drive programs are provided on the Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance:
- “Electric”
- “Comfort”
- “Battery Hold”
- “Sport”
- “Sport+”
- “Race”
- “Slippery”
- “Individual”
Standard on the C63 S E Performance is the AMG RIDE CONTROL steel-spring suspension with an Adaptive Damping System. With this, the damping at each individual wheel is continuously adjusted to the current demand – always considering the preselected suspension level, the driving style, and the road surface condition. “Comfort”, “Sport” and “Sport+” modes each adjust the C63 S’s damping characteristic differently.
RELATED: AMG turns 55 with Mercedes-AMG GT3 Edition 55 – RM2.8M, 5 units only
Also equipped on the C63 S E Performance is an all-wheel steering system with a maximum steering angle of 2.5°. At higher speeds, the maximum steering angle is set to 0.7°. We hope all this tech mentioned above has managed to compensate for the omission of the V8 engine.
Now, onto the looks. On the outside, the front end of the C63 S E Performance is 50 mm longer than the normal C Class to accommodate the larger hybrid powertrain. The front fenders have been changed, but the rear fenders have been left untouched. Overall, both the sedan and estate version of the C63 S E Performance are 83 mm longer than their ‘normal’ counterparts and have a 10mm longer wheelbase. The front track has been widened, resulting in a 76mm increase in overall front width.
RELATED: Locally-assembled Mercedes-AMG A35 4MATIC sedan now with new features!
Notable features on the outside include a slim air outlet on the bonnet, an AMG badge on the hood replacing the Mercedes star (an AMG first), an AMG-specific grille, side skirts, and a large rear diffuser. Completing the look of the Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance are 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels. Exclusive for the C63 S is the graphite grey magno matt paint finish.
Optional items on the C63 E Performance include 20-inch wheels, the AMG Exterior Carbon Fibre packages (I and II), the AMG Night packages (I and II), and the AMG Aerodynamics Package.
RELATED: Locally-assembled Mercedes-AMG GLA35 launched in Malaysia from RM345k
Inside, the AMG C63 S E Performance gets AMG Sports seats with special upholstery layout and a distinctive stitching pattern. There are also many individual choices available for the interior. The completely redesigned second-generation AMG Performance seat is available as an option. Standard interior equipment include the AMG Performance steering wheel and the MBUX multimedia system.
With F1 know-how, boosted performance, and a bucketload of technology, perhaps the Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance could justify ditching the good old V8 engine.
GALLERY
