In an era of ‘less is more’ and ‘minimalism is everything’, with the best part being no part, the engineers at Affalterbach pay heed to a different calling as they strive to simplify complexity by combining exceedingly complex systems into a singular, highly efficient system. Pioneering the dawn of this new era, the new Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E Performance stands proud as a significant and authentic game changer in AMG’s 55-year history.
With experience gained from Formula One, the new C 63 from Mercedes-AMG transfers state-of-the-art technologies from motorsport to the road. A two-speed electric motor on the rear axle merges with the 2.0-litre turbo engine – the most powerful production four-cylinder in the world – to ensure instant power delivery and torque. As with the Mercedes-AMG hybrid Formula One car, the electric support of the exhaust gas turbocharger eliminates the turbo lag of the combustion engine, while the electric drive simultaneously assists in delivering instant acceleration. The combined system output of 500 kW of power, and 1,020 Nm of torque, exemplify new peak values for the C-Class.
Apart from a masterfully engineered drive train, for the first time in a C 63, the fully variable all-wheel drive system AMG Performance 4MATIC+ is used to transfer the drive power to the road, and even includes a Drift Mode for enhanced driving pleasure. Active rear-axle steering is included as standard, which is an additional unique feature in this segment.
AGGRESSIVE STANCE
Form follows function as the new C 63 S design differs from that of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class in its more muscular proportions. With the front end being 50 millimetres longer and the front wings wider, the overall exterior dimensions differ considerably from those of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Overall, the new C 63 S is 83 millimetres longer, and the wider track width at the front axle results in 76 millimetres more overall width at the front. The wheelbase is also extended by an additional ten millimetres. This results in a design that affords the new C 63 S a powerful, expanded, and muscular appearance.
A distinguishing feature, exclusive to the C 63 S, is the slim air outlet in the centre of the bonnet that transitions elegantly into the two powerdomes. For the first time on a Mercedes-AMG production model, a round badge with a black AMG emblem replaces the Mercedes star with a laurel wreath on the bonnet. Other typical elements include the AMG-specific radiator grille with vertical struts and the AMG front apron in jet-wing design. Matching side skirts, the rear apron with large diffuser, and the two trapezoidal, externally ribbed dual tailpipe trims round off the muscular aesthetic. The C 63 S rolls on 19” AMG light-alloy wheels and varied tyres as standard. Optional wheel/tyre combinations are available in 20”, including a new forged wheel, also with varied tyres.
Numerous paint finishes and equipment items are available to provide additional individualisation options. The AMG matt paint finish graphite grey magno is available exclusively for the C 63 S. The exterior design can be further accentuated with the AMG Exterior Carbon-Fibre packages I and II, the AMG Night packages I and II or the AMG Aerodynamics Package.
NEW GENERATION AMG INTERIOR
In the interior, AMG sports seats with extraordinary upholstery design and a distinctive stitching pattern add a sense of refinement to the cabin that exudes an overall sporty character. With numerous individual choices available for the interior, exclusive colours, and various Nappa leather upholsteries with an embossed AMG emblem in the front head restraints serve to emphasise either the sporty or the luxurious side of the C 63 S.
A completely redesigned second-generation AMG Performance seat, featuring seat side bolsters and the AMG logo now positioned between the matt chrome openings below the integrated head restraint, is also available as an option.
The MBUX multimedia infotainment system boasts various AMG and hybrid-specific displays and functions. These include special displays in the instrument cluster, the portrait-orientation multimedia central display in the centre console, and the optional head-up display. The new larger, radiant, and more colourful head-up display is particularly impressive, even if intimidating at first.
The appearance of the instrument cluster can be personalised with different display styles and individually selectable main views. The head-up display also offers AMG-specific display styles such as Race and Supersport. All these features can be accessed via the main menu in the instrument cluster.
Added to this is the shortcut button for the AMG Dynamic Select drive programs, including AMG Track Pace, the data logger for use on the racetrack.
The standard AMG Performance steering wheel, with its distinctive twin-spoke design, completes the picture. As a new feature, and a handy one at that, it is now possible to select the regeneration levels of the hybrid drive via the steering wheel buttons.
AMG-SPECIFIC E PERFORMANCE HYBRID DRIVE
In the new Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E Performance, the 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engine is coupled with a permanently excited synchronous electric motor, a high-performance battery developed in Affalterbach and fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive. The system output of 500 kW and the maximum system torque of 1,020 Nm make for impressive driving performance, accelerating from a standstill to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds, and on to an electronically governed top speed of 250 km/h, or 280 km/h with the optional AMG Driver’s Package.
The 150 kW electric motor is positioned at the rear axle, where it is integrated with an electrically shifted two-speed gearbox and the electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential. The lightweight, high-performance battery is also located in the rear above the rear axle. The inherent design of the electric motor translates to power and torque that is instantly and consistently available when full torque is required, making particularly agile starting possible.
In addition, the electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential enables the hybrid model to accelerate out of corners with great agility. If slip occurs at the rear axle, the drive power of the electric motor is also transferred to the front wheels as needed for more traction. The hybrid drive also benefits dynamic handling control. Instead of braking intervention by the electronic stability program (ESP), the electric motor can also control traction as soon as a wheel signals too much slip.
The automated two-speed transmission ensures the spread from high wheel torque for agile starting to continuous output at higher speeds. An electric actuator engages second gear at around 140 km/h at the latest, which corresponds with the electric motor’s maximum speed of around 13,500 rpm.
The high-performance battery has a capacity of 6.1 kWh, continuous output of 70 kW and a peak output of 150 kW for ten seconds. The low weight of only 89 kg allows for exceptional power density of 1.7 kW/kg, nearly double that of conventional batteries. Charging is via the 3.7 kW onboard AC charger, at a charging station, wall box, or household socket. The battery is optimised for fast power delivery and not for the longest possible range, resulting in the electric range being limited to 13 km and a maximum speed of 125 km/h.
Because the high-performance battery is always in the optimum temperature window of around 45 degrees, regeneration can also be optimised thanks to direct cooling. Recuperation starts when the driver takes their foot off the accelerator pedal. This charges the battery and creates robust braking torque. The driver can select four different regeneration levels using the right-hand AMG steering wheel button. Set to maximum energy recovery, more than 100 kW of power is fed back into the battery, and “one-pedal” driving is possible, as is the case in most all-electric cars.
The eight AMG Dynamic Select driving modes “Electric”, “Comfort”, “Battery Hold”, “Sport”, “Sport+”, “RACE”, “Slippery”, and “Individual” are precisely tailored to the new drive technology and offer a wide range of driving experiences, from efficient to dynamic. The boost power of the electric motor also depends on the selected drive program, ranging from 25% in “Comfort” mode to 80% in the “Sport+” and “RACE” modes. However, consistent in all programs, the electric motor’s peak output (with a boost of 150 kW for 10 seconds) can be called up at any time via the kick-down function, with the haptic accelerator pedal providing a tangible pressure point that the driver must depress.
AMG 2.0-LITRE ENGINE FROM MERCEDES-AMG PETRONAS F1 TEAM
The internal combustion engine, internally named M139l, with “l” standing for “longitudinal installation”, is the world’s first series-production engine to be turbocharged with an electric exhaust gas turbocharger. This innovative system is directly derived from the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team, and is credited for much of the team’s success over the last decade. Powered by the 400-volt onboard electrical system, the electric exhaust gas turbocharger operates at speeds of up to 150,000 rpm.
In the C 63 S, the four-cylinder unit develops 350 kW at 6,725 rpm, making it the world’s most powerful series-production four-cylinder engine. The maximum torque of 545 Nm is available at 5250-5500 rpm. A belt-driven starter generator (RSG) combines an alternator and starter in one component.
Power is transmitted via the AMG Speedshift Multi-Clutch 9G transmission, with elaborately calibrated software enabling extremely short shift times and fast multiple downshifts when required. In addition, the intermediate throttle function in the “Sport” and “Sport+” driving modes delivers an emotionally appealing gearshift experience, and the RACE START function ensures optimal acceleration from a standstill.
AMG RIDE CONTROL AND STEERING
With a choice of three different damping maps (“Comfort”, “Sport”, and “Sport+”), the standard AMG Ride Control suspension combines pronounced sporty, dynamic handling with comfort over long distances, a well-known hallmark of the brand. The system’s control software continuously monitors operating data such as steering wheel angle, vehicle speed, acceleration, and body movement, ensuring that the dampers are actuated within milliseconds as the situation requires. As a result, even during extreme driving manoeuvres or on poor roads, the wheels remain firmly on the ground.
The steering layout also contributes to the increase in dynamics and comfort. The three-stage AMG parameter steering system features a variable steering geometry ratio that adapts to the selected drive program. At high speeds, the steering power assistance decreases; at low speeds, it steadily increases. In the “Sport” and “Sport+” suspension settings, the driver also experiences significantly more feedback regarding the driving conditions via the steering wheel.
The standard rear axle steering operates with a maximum steering angle of 2.5 degrees. Up to this point, the rear wheels turn opposite to the front wheels at speeds of up to 100 km/h. This leads to a virtual shortening of the wheelbase, resulting in significantly more agile turn-in, less steering effort and improved manoeuvrability.
The integrated AMG Dynamics dynamic control system is also part of the standard specification and determines how the vehicle should react in any circumstance. In the “Individual” drive program, drivers can set the AMG Dynamics levels “Basic”, “Advanced”, “Pro”, and “Master” themselves.
In keeping with the extreme output figures and the associated performance, the AMG high-performance composite brake system is fitted as standard. A ceramic high-performance composite braking system is available as an option.
Comfort features include hill starting assistance and priming/dry braking in wet conditions. With the ignition switched off and the vehicle at a standstill, the transmission automatically selects the parking position “P”. Meanwhile, the electric parking brake releases automatically when pulling away.
AUGMENTED SOUND
When driving on all-electric power, the legally required Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System warns pedestrians that the car is approaching. In the European Union, the system is active up to 20 km/h. In addition, the typical AMG sound is emitted in the interior via the entertainment sound system. The sound signature is modulated via the exterior loudspeakers, with the intensity depending on the selected drive program. While the augmented sound does not quite match the sonorous roar of a V8, it certainly hints at being a thoroughbred AMG.
LAST WORD
While AMG enthusiasts across the globe may despair at the absence of a thundering V8 under the hood of the new Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E Performance, not to mention the “hear me before you see me” factor, the new C 63 represents significantly more than a mere step change – it’s a giant leap into the future. Brimming with technological advances, this car is quicker, smoother, and more refined than any C 63 that came before. It moves the needle from brute to finesse.
The new Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E Performance is expected to arrive on local shores in the third quarter of 2023.
Report by WILHELM LOOTS | Images © MERCEDES-BENZ AG