2024 Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance Debuts With Hybrid Turbo 4

The authentic 2008 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG will without end occupy an area within the automotive pantheon. With 451 horsepower courtesy of a 6.2-liter V8 below the hood, that C63 was a high-revving bahn-stormer. And for US customers, it adopted a really acquainted hot-rodding formulation – Mercedes’ largest-displacement engine jammed into its smallest automotive.

Since the primary C63, the compact AMG flagship has gone via just a few adjustments. The naturally aspirated V8 went away for the 2016 mannequin yr, changed by a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter unit that also produced extra energy and torque regardless of its decrease displacement. Consumers didn’t care, they usually lapped up each C63 they may discover. Here’s hoping patrons can be equally forgiving of the 2024 Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance, which works even additional within the pursuit of downsizing by lopping off half the cylinders – that’s proper, this one’s obtained a 2.0-liter inline-four.

Fear not. In trade for the displacement loss, AMG engineers gave the meanest C-Class a turbocharger with instantaneous electrical spooling, in addition to a rear-mounted electrical motor and battery setup so as to add nonetheless extra energy. Now a plug-in hybrid, the 2024 C63 makes 671 horses and a staggering 752 pound-feet of torque. Not solely are these best-ever numbers for a roadgoing C-Class, they’re among the many highest of any AMG product in historical past. V8 who?

Upper-Crust Uppercut

The figurative coronary heart and soul of the Mercedes-AMG C63 is its turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four, codenamed M139. Even with out the assistance of the hybrid drive system, the internal-combustion engine makes 476 hp (350 kW), making it essentially the most highly effective manufacturing four-banger on the planet. As on the much less highly effective C43 mannequin, the engine options an electrically pushed turbocharger that reduces lag to virtually imperceptible ranges. Derived from Formula 1 expertise, the turbocharger includes a tiny electrical motor between the exhaust turbine and the compressor wheel, which spins the turbo as much as create enhance as quickly as the motive force requires it.

But whereas 476 horses might need been enough just a few years in the past, as we speak’s super-sedan shopper calls for extra. That’s the place the rear-mounted electrical motor is available in. Working with a 6.1-kilowatt-hour battery and 400-volt electrical structure, the motor pushes 204 hp (150 kW) to the highway – both by itself or in tandem with the gasoline engine. In the previous case, the C63 can be able to about 8 miles of all-electric driving, however as AMG Chief Technical Officer Jochen Hermann stated, the electrification technique isn’t actually centered on effectivity. Instead, this automotive is constructed to go quick.

With all cylinders firing and a peak 150 kW of electrons flowing out of the battery, the C63 produces that aforementioned 671 hp and 752 lb-ft, serving to it hit 60 miles per hour in a manufacturer-claimed 3.3 seconds. That’s about half a second faster than the outgoing C63, with a high velocity that almost matches its predecessor at 174 mph with an non-obligatory AMG Driver’s bundle – the outdated C63 S might hit 180 mph, however who’s counting? More essential than final numbers is the legendary AMG sound profile, and though the brand new C63 doubtless will not have the road-ripping bellow of its predecessor, it ought to nonetheless be fairly emotive.

That’s as a result of it options a lot of audio tuning methods, together with a sensor within the exhaust that detects noise stress, then enhances that via the stereo audio system for a extra thrilling soundtrack. Mercedes is fast to notice that the sound that makes it into the cabin is not synthesized or altered, merely amplified, so the automotive will nonetheless sound like a turbocharged four-banger. If it sounds something just like the bat-out-of-hell CLA 45, the C63 will nonetheless be fairly thrilling to rev out.

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Part and parcel of the acceleration expertise is a now-familiar nine-speed multi-clutch transmission. Distinct from a dual-clutch gearbox, the AMG Speedshift MCT makes use of a posh, moist clutch pack as a substitute of a torque converter, serving to the C63 reply extra readily to the throttle than a standard automated, however with higher low-speed refinement than a dual-clutch gearbox. What’s extra, the electrical motor options its personal two-speed gearbox, making certain loads of e-boost even when touring at excessive speeds.

And for the primary time in historical past, the most well liked C-Class will supply all-wheel drive. The so-called 4Matic+ system options an electronically managed limited-slip rear differential, though the electrical motor acts immediately on the rear axle for near-instant response. What’s extra, a clutch system permits the electrical motor to spin the driveshaft as properly, which in flip rotates the entrance wheels. That implies that even when working in pure EV mode, the C63 at all times has four-wheel traction.

Strike A Pose

The C63 makes a imply impression properly earlier than you energy it up, although. For starters, it includes a wider entrance monitor, leading to an total width that’s up 3.0 inches over the usual C-Class. The entrance fenders have been punched out accordingly, with flared arches which are about 2 inches broader. The automotive can also be 3.3 inches longer total than lesser C43 and C300 fashions, and the wheelbase is up 0.4 inches. These incremental measurement will increase give the C63 a planted and imposing stance, but restricted styling adjustments assist it really feel subtly muscular, as a substitute of brash and shouty.

The alterations up entrance are most evident. An inverted trapezoid grille opening makes area for Mercedes-AMG’s signature Panamericana grille and its attendant vertical bars – a throwback to the 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL racer and an indicator of AMG merchandise since 2016. Yet one other classic styling cue is the double-domed hood, though the 2024 C63 options an unique rear-facing hood vent between the dual bulges to assist expel scorching air within the engine compartment. Predictably, the C63 has the boldest entrance bumper therapy of another C-Class, particularly with the non-obligatory aero bundle’s aggressive chin splitter.

A set of gills on the broader entrance fenders are the largest clues within the C63’s facet profile that you simply’re one thing particular. There are additionally deeper facet sills, in addition to customary 19-inch or non-obligatory 20-inch wheels. Around again, an aggressive rear diffuser and 63-spec trapezoidal exhaust suggestions be part of a sculpted decklid spoiler. Otherwise, the AMG C-Class is subtly styled, with a just-right steadiness of visible aggression. In distinction to the BMW M3, Mercedes’ entry within the compact super-sedan class is much less shouty, which some patrons will recognize.

And talking of that rival, Mercedes will supply a C63 Estate to go towards the long-roof M3 Touring. Alas, the US will but once more get omitted of the sport, leaving the high-dollar Audi RS6 Avant as the one quick wagon obtainable in our market. Memo to Mercedes-AMG (and BMW): If your pals in Ingolstadt can do it, you possibly can too.

Inside, there are the standard AMG-specific refinements to the infotainment system, together with a monitor tempo timer and a steering wheel–mounted drive selector with devoted buttons for the exhaust and suspension. A brand new, non-obligatory AMG sport seat consists of extra aggressive bolsters than the usual chair, in addition to cutouts within the backrest and bolsters for higher air flow and a few incremental weight financial savings. Unfortunately, the usual C-Class’ plasticky door panels stay within the AMG, however the automaker will supply quite a lot of upholstery colours and finishes, together with leather-based, microfiber suede, and distinction stitching.

A Tame Beast

Long gone are the times when AMG would drop an enormous, muscly engine below the hood with solely minor updates elsewhere – the 2024 C63 S E Performance options loads of upgraded {hardware} to assist maintain the torque-rich powertrain in verify. For starters, the suspension options adaptive damping and four-corner metal springs to assist present good, constant dealing with with out sacrificing a lot trip consolation. A wide range of drive modes permit the individual behind the wheel to tailor the suspension, throttle and brake response, steering, and propulsion noise to their tastes. Presets embrace Electric, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Race, Battery Hold, and Slippery.

A rear-axle steering system permits the rear wheels to prove of section with the entrance wheels by 2.5 levels at speeds under 62 mph, giving the C63 a tighter turning radius and extra responsive dealing with on curvy roads. Above that velocity, the rear wheels flip in section with the fronts by as much as 0.7 levels, enhancing straight-line stability.

An AMG composite braking system is customary, with six-piston fastened entrance calipers for higher response and stronger clamping drive. In addition to standard friction brakes, the electrical motor can also be able to shortly recuperating power at a fee of as much as 150 kW, with just a few driver-selectable charges of regen starting from one-pedal driving to throttle-off coasting.

The stout braking bundle isn’t only a favor for AMG prospects. Due to a reasonably prodigious, 700-pound weight acquire since its final iteration, the C63’s spectacular stoppers are essential. Mercedes says that the four-wheel steering and regenerative braking assist compensate for the brand new C63’s estimated curb weight of 4,600 kilos, and we hope they’re proper – the outdated V8 mannequin felt responsive and lightweight on its ft, and it might be a disgrace if that high quality went away.

Raise Your Hands

The Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance will go on sale in international markets early subsequent yr, doubtless as a 2023 mannequin. However, Americans should wait till the 2024 mannequin yr to get their arms on the four-cylinder AMG tremendous sedan, with deliveries in all probability beginning right here in September or October.

With a market launch a few yr away, we’ll even have to attend awhile for costs to be introduced. The prior-generation Mercedes-AMG C63 sedan began at $69,650, however costs rose to $77,250 when choosing the high-performance C63 S variant. We can solely assume that the US-market 2024 C63 will price much more than that, given the lengthy listing of quite costly plug-in hybrid expertise on board. Don’t be shocked to see a base value of $85,000 when the AMG arrives in America.

Still, it is going to doubtless be price that quite excessive value. Although the E Performance system’s added weight is a bit troubling, AMG engineers appear to have spent the time wanted to make sure the 2024 C63 is each bit as thrilling to drive as its V8-powered predecessors. It must also function an excellent foil to the $80,800 BMW M3 Competition xDrive sedan, which is about as quick to 60 mph despite weighing a lot much less. That car’s relative simplicity does have its personal attraction, however the 2024 Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance proves (on paper no less than) {that a} downsized, electrified future can be simply as thrilling because the gas-guzzling current.