Power without a V8
Actually, one would expect a V8 under the beaded bonnet. But times have also changed at AMG.
Mercedes is now presenting the 500 kW/680 hp AMG variant C 63 S E Performance of its C-Class, which was relaunched in summer 2021. As with all previous drive versions of the series, two liters of displacement and four cylinders mark the upper limit. Despite the downsizing, a 150 kW/204 hp 400-volt electric drive train with a two-speed gearbox on the rear axle makes the new top model the most powerful and fastest-running version in the meanwhile long history of the series.
Even with the 350 kW/476 hp and 545 Nm strong combustion engine, the 63 S E provides a superlative, as it is the most powerful production four-cylinder in the world. Mercedes has linked it to a nine-stage AMG Speedshift automatic. In addition, there is the electric unit, which is characterized by an immediate response and rapid torque build-up. More than 1,000 Newton meters of system torque should be available when the engines interact.
In 3.4 seconds, the 2.1-ton truck is supposed to sprint from zero to 100 km/h – that applies to both the sedan and the station wagon. The obligatory 250 km/h limit can be raised to 280 or 270 km/h on request.
Thanks to the two-speed gearbox, the e-machine also provides support at high speeds, because from a speed of 140 km/h at the latest, an electric actuator engages second gear for the e-drive gearbox. Mercedes promises agile handling even when cornering, because the standard equipment includes a fully variable all-wheel drive as well as all-wheel and three-stage parameter steering. More tolerant control systems allow a drift mode. There are eight driving modes to choose from.
Top jobs of the day
Find the best jobs now and be notified by email.
Sporty designed
The cockpit of the C 63 S E Performance is sporty, digital and classy.
Sport seats as standard
The new performance seats in the C 63 S E offer particularly good lateral support.
Also grown on the outside
Compared to the standard C-Class, the C 63 is longer and wider.
The special position of the C 63 S E Performance underscores a body that has grown in length and width, together with a significantly wider track. The vehicle has 19-inch mixed tires. An AMG front apron with a jet wing look, power domes in the bonnet, flics, large air inlets, side skirts, a diffuser rear apron and two twin tailpipes ensure a sporty look.
Inside, the C 63 S offers sports seats, and a newly designed performance seat can be ordered as an option. The new top model of the C-Class can drive electrically and emission-free. The 6.1 kWh battery, which is optimized for fast energy absorption and release, is very modestly dimensioned for today’s plug-in hybrids. Accordingly, the power supply allows emission-free driving up to 13 kilometers and up to 125 km/h. As a rule, that should be enough to roam silently out of residential areas. The battery can be charged internally via variable recuperation levels or the battery hold function, as well as externally via cable at a charging station, wall box or socket.
More: As if nothing had happened – the new Ford Mustang remains true to the V8