Whether we like it or not, the glorious era of internal combustion engines is gradually coming to an end, and plenty of automakers have made a trend of downsizing their powertrains, preferring to generate power through the use of hybrid tech. Mercedes-Benz is one of those, and even its AMG division has taken the hybrid route with the all-new AMG C63 S E Performance.

Dropping the previous generation’s rowdy 510 horsepower twin-turbo V8, the 2023 Mercedes-AMG C63 S will sport a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder along with a rear-mounted electric motor and Formula 1-derived electric turbocharging tech. This all-new configuration makes the 2023 model the most powerful C-class AMG ever manufactured, and it’ll easily be able to take on the likes of the BMW M3 and M4, as well as the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio.

Expected to arrive at dealerships in mid-2023 with an estimated $85,000 starting price, the revolutionary C63 S E Performance will come in three different trim levels, but all of them will feature the high-tech hybrid engine.

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Dissecting The All-New Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance’s Powertrain

Silver 2023 Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance Air Vent
Mercedes-AMG

The main part of the C63’s new mill is a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder that’s just like the one found in AMG’s A45s hot hatch. It’s the world’s most powerful 4-cylinder ever manufactured, capable of producing 476 horsepower on its own. Its turbocharger has an integrated electric motor that was originally developed for F1 use, which is able to spin the turbo at low speeds to completely negate turbo lag. Furthermore, the advanced system also features a rear-mounted electric motor that produces 204 horsepower, resulting in a total power output of 680 horsepower and 752 pound-feet of torque.

The C63 S E Performance sports a lightning-fast 9-speed multi-clutch transmission that sends power to all four wheels - which is a first for a C-class AMG, and the sedan can sprint from 0-60 mph in just 3.4 seconds while able to achieve the ¼ mile in 11.4 seconds.

As far as fuel efficiency goes, Mercedes hasn’t revealed any official numbers, but we expect the newest C63 to provide a vastly improved MPG return than the outgoing model, courtesy of its hybrid system.

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How Does The New 4-Cylinder Mercedes-AMG C63 S E-Performance Handle?

Silver 2023 Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance Rear Profile
Mercedes-AMG

As of now, Mercedes has held back on lending their new vehicle for review, which is why nobody has been able to test drive the AMG C63 S E Performance. However, we expect the driving experience to be different from that of the outgoing model, mainly because of the switch from RWD to AWD.

Despite weighing more than 4,600 pounds - which is significantly heavier than previous generation C63s, the vehicle still has an improved power-to-weight ratio, and it will likely provide responsive and well-weighted steering as well as plenty of tech to reduce body roll.

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The 2023 C63 S E Performance Sports Mercedes’ All-New Interior

Silver 2023 Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance Dashboard View
Mercedes-AMG

The cabin of the newest C-class AMG is also a vast improvement from the outgoing model, featuring the same layout found in the latest iteration of the regular C-class. The center console displays a massive 11.9-inch multi-function infotainment screen that comes as standard, as well as a 12.3-inch highly-configurable digital drivers display. The newest AMG steering wheel has an array of controls and feel-good materials, which are also found in the rest of the cabin in the form of Mercedes’ Microcut fibers, leathers, and brushed metals.

Furthermore, we confidently assume that the C63 will come with heated and powered seats as standard and plenty of other convenience features. In terms of space, the back row might be relatively confined, and the trunk provides 13 cubic feet of cargo space.

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The Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance Receives Plenty Of Exterior Upgrades

2024 Mercedes AMG C63 S E Performance Side Profile Driving
Mercedes-Benz

While based on the regular C-class, the high-performance AMG C63 S E Performance boasts an enhanced design with several functional and tasteful design cues. Up front, it features an AMG-specific Panamericana grill, as well as a larger mouth and bigger intakes. The powerdome hood even has a new air outlet to ventilate the engine more efficiently. Down its flank, the C63 showcases AMG wheels, sideskirts, carbon mirror caps, and vented air outlets behind the front fenders. Lastly, in the rear, you’ll find quad-exhaust tips sided with aggressive rear wheel arch outlets, and an optional carbon fiber lip wing.

Boiling things down, the newest Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance represents a new path for AMG and Mercedes as a whole. Downsizing engines might sound underwhelming at first, but if it translates to increased capabilities as appears to be the case with the C63, it’s a welcome change.