2024 Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E Performance pricing announced

Australian order books for the bahnstorming new 2024 Mercedes-Benz C 63 S E Performance are now finally open ahead of first customer deliveries next month, following the announcement of local pricing today.

The good news is that, at $187,900 plus on-road costs, the high-tech new four-cylinder plug-in hybrid C 63 super sedan is cheaper than expected, but the bad news is it’s a lot pricier than both its direct rivals and the circa-$160,000 V8 model it replaces.

That near-$188K starting price makes the hottest ever C-Class over $10,000 more expensive than the equivalent BMW M3 Competition xDrive ($177,800 plus ORCs) and a mighty $25,000 more than the admittedly less powerful Audi RS 5 Sportback ($162,900 plus ORCs).

Combining internal combustion with the torque of electrification, the latest C 63 is the most powerful and fuel-efficient version to date, with 500kW/1020Nm on tap from its four-cylinder plug-in hybrid powertrain and a claimed fuel consumption of 6.9L/100km.

It’s been well-documented that Mercedes-AMG is electrifying its portfolio in the name of outright performance rather than just efficiency, with the C 63 S E Performance claimed to hit 100km/h in 3.4 seconds and top out at 280km/h.

“The AMG-devised battery has been designed for fast power delivery and draw, rather than the longest possible electric driving range,” says Mercedes-AMG.

“Nevertheless, an all-electric range of up to 15km allows a practical operating radius – for example, a quiet and emission-free commute from a residential area to the outskirts of the city or to a motorway.”

Helping harness all this firepower and mitigate the 2100kg kerb weight is one of the most advanced chassis set-ups ever applied to a C-Class, headlined by the standard inclusion of a rear-wheel steering system and fully-variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system.

The former works to shorten the effective wheelbase and enhance manoeuvrability below 100km/h by counter-steering up to 2.5 degrees before turning (up to 0.7 degrees) in the same direction as the front wheels at higher speeds, providing both more stability and agility.

Mercedes-AMG sedans have long been known for their on-track capabilities and the C 63 S E Performance is no different. It has a dedicated Drift Mode and advanced ESC system that actually uses the electric motor to rein in unnecessary wheelspin instead of the brakes.

Other chassis goodies include adaptive dampers, a composite braking package featuring six-piston front callipers and floating single-pot rears, plus a limited-slip rear differential and much more.

Inside the cabin you’ll find AMG Sport Seats as standard, along with the latest-generation MBUX multimedia system (accessed via a 12.3-inch display with AMG- and hybrid-specific graphics), a head-up display and a twin-spoke AMG Performance steering wheel.

A panoramic sliding sunroof adds an element of airiness to the dark interior theme during the day and is offset at night by a premium ambient lighting package, while audio is played via a Burmester 3D surround sound system.

The front seats are heated and powered, smartphones can be integrated into the MBUX system via Apple CarPlay, Android Auto or Bluetooth, while a wireless charging pad keeps the battery topped up enroute.

Native sat-nav is taken care of by the MBUX augmented reality system and keen drivers can be coached on the fly by the AMG Track Pace package.

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