Here's the major headline on the new Mercedes AMG C63 S E Performance - More power, more tech, less displacement. We all knew that the end of the V8 era of AMG cars was on the horizon. But, the question remains, is their customer base ready for the hybrid/electric AMG era?
Mercedes certainly seems to think that AMG customers are ready to make the shift. Just look at the recently released AMG One, the EQE, and now the C63. The manufacturer has certainly come to the table ready to show the world that they're all in on technology for 2023 and beyond. If it's power that the typical AMG customer is after, there's no shortage here.
The 2024 C63 S Offers The Same Tech As Lewis Hamilton's F1 Car
Mercedes AMG has another very obvious tagline they're trying to get out there. This new C63 has top tier F1 technology baked into it. You might think that's a very convenient marketing strategy for them, especially considering how well Mercedes AMG Petronas has done with their cars in the hybrid era of F1. However, they're very proud of the "F1 technology" comment, and for good reason.
If you've been paying attention to the AMG division over the last few years, you probably already put the pieces together on how these new cars would come together. They teased a new electric turbocharger design just a couple of years ago on this very engine project, although with a bit lower claimed hp numbers. The media jumped on board, blasphemy that a little 4cyl engine would likely replace the beloved V8 options used in the prior C63 variants. How could this puny little engine ever make up enough power to improve over the old car?
Technology. Untold millions, perhaps billions of dollars in R&D from both Mercedes the car manufacturer and Mercedes the F1 team. That's the true replacement for displacement here. Not only is there the super high-tech turbocharger, capable of pre-spooling using the C63 S E Performance on board 400v system. There is also a second motor, an electric, 2-speed rear motor running from that same 400v battery system that adds another 201 hp of peak power output on top of the already powerful (the world's most powerful 4-cylinder engine, says Mercedes) 469hp 2.0L turbocharged 4cyl. These two powerhouses combine for a total output of 671 hp and an earth-shattering 752 lb-ft of torque.
The Hybrid C63 S AMG Will Be Just As Reliable As George Russell
Along with the high-tech powertrain, Mercedes is also introducing some equally high-tech drivetrain components in their new E Performance vehicles, the C63 S being no exception. For example, with the addition of the electric motor in the back, the C63 S gets an immediate boost off the line. The instant torque kicking in before even the pre-spun turbocharged gas engine up front can get going.
If the huge off the line traction isn't your thing, they've also got a new drift mode which takes advantage of the electronically controlled rear limited slip differential. Mercedes promises that the instant torque of the electric motor combined with the differential being integrated into the package results in a precise, high level of agility. When you switch one of the eight selectable "AMG Dynamic Select" drive modes back to something more grip focused, a mechanical connection between the hybrid powertrain pieces means that the power will be sent to the appropriate wheels via a fully variable AWD system.
There are also some impressive features based around keeping the battery system cool under pressure. For one, the battery itself is extremely lightweight for current battery standards, weighing in at a mere 196 lbs. It's also neatly placed above the rear motor and differential assembly, which helps weight distribution. But, the most impressive bit of its design is the direct cooling system. The battery itself is engineered to have coolant running around all 560 cells individually. This allows the Mercedes AMG 400v system to stay cool in all scenarios, including different states of charge and discharge.
No V8 Engine, But The C63 S Is Still A True AMG
Let's face it, this is an AMG Mercedes that we're talking about here. It's a repeatable result for Mercedes, toss as much power as physically and technologically possible at one of your existing models and hope it works out. And it will, because it almost always works for them. But, if we're assuming that they've hit a home run on the performance of the new C63 S AMG, are we sure that the rest of the car will play at the same level?
Historically, AMG models have always been a refined version of the already available standard car. The new C63 follows the same game plan as usual. It has AMG specific sport seats, with distinct materials and patterns, as well as options that allow the buyer to tailor their new AMG to their individual preference. The new MBUX infotainment system is preloaded with AMG and hybrid mode specific screens that translate seamlessly into the digital gauge cluster as one would expect.
Outside, it's a handsomely aggressive new AMG design, 3-inches wider up front, a very slightly longer (0.4-inch) wheelbase and an assortment of vents that Mercedes says are all function over form. There's some new badging, including an all black AMG logo that replaces the standard Mercedes star and wreath found on the hood of all previous Mercedes-AMG models.
One last thing, in an effort to help soften the blow of removing the trademark AMG V8 snarl, Mercedes has introduced a new exterior sound system designed to alert pedestrians when the car is in electric mode. They also claim that the "AMG sound" improves driving experience by amplifying the engine exhaust sound through a series of external and internal speakers. We for one, are very curious to hear what this actually sounds like. Here's to hoping it keeps some of the old AMG magic alive.