Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance lands with 500kW and 1060Nm outputs

The 2023 Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E Performance has been revealed in all its glory, powered by an advanced all-wheel drive four-cylinder plug-in hybrid powertrain that produces 500kW of power and more than 1000Nm of torque.

Set to battle it out with mid-size German performance icons like the BMW M3 sedan and Audi RS 4 Avant when it goes in sale in Australia in mid-2023, the third instalment of AMG’s popular C 63 super sedan is based on the current W206 C-Class.

But this time around it scores the German performance sub-brand’s ‘P3’ plug-in hybrid powertrain that combines its huge 500kW/1060Nm outputs with a 13km pure-electric driving range and very respectable fuel efficiency of just 6.9L/100km.

Better still, performance is in another league compared to the outgoing 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8-powered C 63. Despite featuring half the number of cylinders, AMG says its new C 63 can launch itself from standstill to 100km/h in just 3.4 seconds – half a second sooner than the model it replaces – and top out at a speed-limited 280km/h.

In what will come as more good news for some, the new AMG sedan (which will also be available in Estate wagon form in Europe, but not two-door coupe or cabriolet guise due to the incoming Mercedes-Benz CLE gets traction-boosting all-wheel drive and agility-enhancing rear-wheel steering.

The 2023 Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E Performance also gets some welcome added visual punch over both the C 200 and C 300 sedans and the model it replaces.

Engineers have increased the car’s track width at the front axle by a significant 73mm, while designers have widened the body by no less than 83mm and included a pair of broader wheel-arches.

Interestingly, the wheelbase has also grown by 10mm – not for any handling reasons but to help accommodate the optional new arch-filling 20-inch wheels.

Other changes are a front snout that has been stretched by 50mm. That means the mid-size Benz sedan gets a longer bonnet that incorporates not only a fresh interpretation of the C 63’s trademark power domes but also adds an extra air vent in the centre of the bonnet that isn’t strictly needed for cooling but should delight AMG fans.

Look closely and you might spot that instead of the usual three-pointed star badge, the C 63 is the first high-performance model to proudly sport AMG’s new bonnet roundel.

Bigger changes include an AMG-specific radiator grille that gets vertical slats and larger, deeper air-intakes including active air shutters.

There are also new side skirts and a huge rear diffuser – evidence of the countless hours spent in the wind tunnel to hone the new C 63’s aero package to ensure high-speed stability.

As standard, the new C 63 rides on 19-inch rims with staggered-width tyres. Optional 20s are also available, as well as forged wheels.

Within the 2023 Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E Performance cabin, the W203 interior largely carries over unchanged, save for a pair of optional AMG Performance bucket seats that are claimed to save weight and improve ventilation compared to the standard sport seats.

There are different displays for the MBUX infotainment system, including hybrid-specific screens, and the entire system is also customisable.

Under the bonnet of the 2023 Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E Performance, the outgoing model’s M177 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 is no more.

In its place is a very disappointing-sounding 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, but any V8-related snobbery should be cast aside because not only is this turbo-four the same heroic little M139 unit from the A 45 hot hatch, it also boasts significant upgrades developed in partnership with the Mercedes-AMG F1 team.

Rotated longitudinally to fit in the C 63’s engine bay, the plucky four-pot manages to pump out an incredible 350kW and 545Nm on its own – not far off the existing C 63’s 375kW peak power from an engine that was twice as big.

Helping it produce its impressive power is an electric exhaust-driven turbocharger that features an integrated electric motor mounted on the shaft between the exhaust turbine and the compressor wheel.

The result is a small motor that spins up the turbo at low revs to eliminate lag. Lift off and the same system keeps the turbo spooling to deliver maximum boost as soon as you step on the throttle again.

If you're wondering how the C 63 produces 50kW more than the same combustion engine in the 300kW C 43, it’s because it has a far larger compressor.

A belt-driven starter generator is also employed as part of a 400-volt electrical system that is not only responsible for helping the combustion engine fire up but also supplying current for ancillaries like the air-con and lights.

Channelling all its might to the rear wheels is the AMG Speedshift MCT 9G transmission that uses clutch packs instead of a traditional torque converter for lower weight and faster changes.

Arguably, the jewel of the new plug-in hybrid set-up is the Mercedes-AMG P3 PHEV system that was first unleashed in the 620kW powerhouse that is the GT 63 E Performance.

Consisting of a 150kW/320Nm electric motor on the rear axle, integrated within a casing that includes a two-speed transmission, the compact motor assists in moving off, accelerating or overtaking and, thanks to a mechanical connection to the front axle, sending all its shove to the front wheels when rear-end slip is detected.

Key to its incredible responses is its AMG high-performance 6.1kWh battery, which is relatively light at 89kg but can deliver 70kW continuously and its maximum 150kW peak for up to 10 seconds.

Favouring ultra-fast deployment of its charge over the longest possible range, the next-gen AMG battery pack claws back its energy exceedingly quickly on the move and still manages to offer a 13km pure-electric range on a full charge.

Helping the driver tailor the driving responses of the new hybrid system, the C 63 offers up to eight different driving modes – Electric, Comfort, Battery Hold, Sport, Sport +, Race, Slippery and Individual.

In Comfort the electric motor is used in low-speed urban environments while the combustion engine kicks in on country or highway roads.

In Sport, up to 65 per cent of the rear electric motor’s torque is deployed, alongside brisker gear changes and a sharper throttle. The electric motor's torque is boosted to 80 per cent in Sport+ mode.

In Race mode, the electric motor’s output remains pegged at 80 per cent but is joined by stronger battery recharging. A Boost Mode is also available that delivers 100 per cent of the rear motor's might for short bursts.

Finally, Slippery mode locks out both the electric-only function and turns off brake regeneration for smoother torque deployment.

Speaking of regen, there are five pre-determined maps for energy recovery, from zero recovery (Level 0) to Level 3, which allows for one-pedal driving, where up to 100kW can be clawed back.

Unfortunately, all of the 2023 Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E Performance’s advanced powertrain tech has added a huge amount of weight – more than 350kg to be exact.

This sees the new C 63 sedan tip the scales at an alarming 2111kg, requiring chassis engineers to work hard to control mass.

Both the normal C-Class front struts and five-link rear suspension carry over, but have been massively uprated for the task and modified with more rigid mountings.

The rear electric motor, two-speed transmission and limited-slip differential are also all housed in a rigid subframe originally developed for the GT 63 E Performance.

Other chassis stiffening measures include using the undertray as a structural component, numerous cross-links from the subframe to the sills, and both front and rear strut tower braces.

Steel springs are standard and air springs aren't even an option, but the new C 63 does bag trick adaptive dampers that employ tech developed from GT3 racing and are said to be capable of offering both long-distance comfort and levels of body control suitable for occasional track use.

Boosting agility is a standard rear-wheel steering system that pivots the rear axle by up to 2.5 degrees at speeds of up to 100km/h and by a maximum of 0.7 degrees above that, delivering greater high-speed stability and quicker changes of direction at lower speeds.

As you would imagine, the brakes are huge – six-piston callipers up front and floating callipers at the rear.

When it arrives later on in 2023, Mercedes-Benz hopes the new C 63 will replicate the old model’s huge success Down Under to remain one of the German brand’s top three most popular models.

There's no word on pricing yet, but considering the tech and performance advances Mercedes-Benz might be tempted to push pricing closer to $200,000 than rivals like the BMW M3 (from $153,500).

An insider told carsales that the lifecycle of both the Mercedes-AMG C 63 Coupe and Cabriolet will be extended as there are no direct replacements in the short-term.

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