Mercedes-AMG C 63 SE Performance: groundbreaking strength

After the arrival of the new Mercedes-AMG C 43, we had to wait for the even more intense C 63 version. That waiting now ends. The new Mercedes-AMG C 63 will undoubtedly stir up some dust among enthusiasts, because as was already known, the V8 of the previous generation is no longer there. From now on, even this fierce top version has to make do with four cylinders. In the nose is the well-known four-cylinder, which is also spooned in the C 43, with an electronically assisted turbo, which in this case is not 408 hp but no less than 477 hp strong. Absurdly strong for a four-cylinder. This even approaches the power of the previous C 63 (510 hp), but of course it doesn’t stop there.

Stronger than ever

The addition ‘E Performance’ in the model name reveals that this is a very strong plug-in hybrid. The rear wheels are driven by a 204 hp electric motor, which, together with the fuel engine, gives the C 63 SE Performance a system output of no less than 680 hp and 1,020 Nm of torque. With these values, the new C 63 really leaves all series production C-classes ever made far behind. The focus of the powertrain is also entirely on power and not so much on electric driving, which is also apparent from the electric range of only 13 km. The Mercedes-AMG C 63 SE Performance also only has a 6.1 kWh battery pack, which can be recharged with a maximum of 3.7 kW charging power. Shifting is done through a nine-speed AMG Speedshift dual-clutch automatic transmission, which must go through its resistance more smoothly than before. Incidentally, the electric motor also has a two-stage transmission, to allow it to participate efficiently at higher speeds. Special detail: in electric mode you also have four-wheel drive, because the electric motor then drives the front wheels in addition to the rear wheels via a cardan shaft.

Now you are undoubtedly very curious what all that beauty means for the performance. Well, in 3.4 seconds you can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in the Mercedes-AMG C 63 SE Performance (both with the sedan and the Estate). That is roughly half a second faster than with the previous C 63. The top speed is 250 km/h, which can optionally be increased to 280 km/h for the sedan and 270 km/h for the Estate. Mighty beautiful of course, but can it all still be kept on the road a bit? Well, probably. The four-wheel drive, the improved chassis with adaptive dampers, a co-steering rear axle, thick brake discs with six pistons per caliper must ensure that. Especially the latter is not a superfluous luxury, because with 2,111 kilos it is certainly not a lightweight. The Estate is a bit heavier; it weighs 2,145 kilos.

More famous recipe

Although the Mercedes-AMG C 63 SE Performance is significantly more powerful than its predecessor, it does not mean that it also screams more. In a literal sense, not because the four-cylinder will of course produce a slightly less ear-pleasing sound than the V8 of yesteryear, but also because the external approach is recognizable. Mercedes-AMG provides the top-C with, among other things, thicker bumper work with larger air intakes, a grille with vertical bars and a thick diffuser at the bottom of the rear bumper accompanied by four exhaust ends. There is also a fairly subtle spoiler on the trunk lid of the sedan. A sleeper you can call it difficult, especially because the Mercedes-AMG C 63 SE Performance is also a bit wider on its wheels than the less favored versions, but you can’t immediately see that it is one of AMG’s strongest cars ever.

In the interior of the Mercedes-AMG C 63 SE Performance, the approach is relatively subtle: sports seats, perforated pedals and a sports steering wheel with rotary controls for the driving modes are the most eye-catching extras. Of course, the interior of the Mercedes-AMG C 63 SE Performance can be put together according to your own taste in many colors and with different materials.

It is not yet known exactly when we can expect the Mercedes-AMG C 63 SE Performance in the showroom, but that will not be this year. Prices will also follow.