In the world of performance motoring the alpha numeric combination of the letter ‘C’ and the number ‘63’ carries a special significance. It is this grouping that introduced the world to the epic V8 engines that have powered Mercedes-AMG performance models since 2006. Along the way the C 63 V8 has changed dramatically, from the original naturally aspirated 6.2-litre M156, to the mighty 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged M177 that powers many current AMG models.

While capacity and aspiration may have shifted over the years, one thing that never did was Mercedes-AMG’s relentless pursuit of ultimate performance, refinement and efficiency. This goal remains very much alive today as the brand undertakes yet another step towards change, farewelling the V8-powered C 63 in favour of a lighter, cleaner and even more high-performance powertrain that represents the dawn of a bold new era.

A new addition to the C 63 family

Recently revealed at AMG’s Affalterbach headquarters in Germany ahead of its global roll out later this year and New Zealand arrival in 2023, the new Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E PERFORMANCE Sedan dramatically redefines the personality of Mercedes-AMG performance as a hybrid model with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

At the heart of this new sedan is the M139l, a longitudinally mounted 2.0-litre four-cylinder that is the world's first series-production engine to use an electric exhaust gas turbocharger. The latter guarantees particularly spontaneous response across the entire rev range and, when teamed with a compact electric drive unit mounted on the rear axle, the combination delivers a staggering 500kW and 1020Nm.

A powerful prodigy

The combustion engine alone produces a prodigious 350kW at 6750rpm and 545Nm between 5250-5500rpm, making it a mass production four-cylinder engine, with a specific per litre output of 176kW. Meanwhile, the Formula 1 inspired compact electric drive unit on the rear axle combines an electric motor with its own two-speed gearbox and an integrated electronically controlled locking rear differential to harness and channel the drivetrain’s prodigious torque.

A 6.1kWh lithium-ion battery pack mounted above the electric drive unit supplies the electric motor with power, enabling up to 70kW in normal driving, or 150kW for up to 10 seconds when the driver seeks maximum thrust. The lightweight and compact AMG high-performance battery (HPB) is designed for repeated fast power delivery and take-up and is roughly twice as power dense as a conventional setup, thanks to its innovative liquid cooling technology.

A future-facing sentiment

Battery charging is via an onboard 3.7 kW AC charger, at a charging station, wallbox or household socket, but optimisation also occurs while driving thanks to four-level regenerative braking, controlled via a steering wheel mounted toggle. The steps range from zero, which offers minimal regeneration, through to level three which provides maximum regeneration of up to 100kW back to the battery and so called ‘one-pedal driving’ in which the car decelerates rapidly when the driver lifts off the accelerator.

Naturally, the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E PERFORMANCE Sedan doesn’t sound like a V8 of old but Mercedes-Benz engineers have created a range of sound profiles, ranging from a sonorous start-up sound fed back through the vehicle’s in-cabin speakers, to a low frequency pedestrian warning sound projected at low speed from the front and rear of the vehicle. Finally, there’s the full-throated rasp of the motorsport inspired four-cylinder turbo engine amplified through the audio speakers.

While purists may bemoan the loss of the V8’s aural signature, what can’t be argued is that the new powertrain represents a 125kW and 320Nm performance hike over the outgoing C 63 S, or that it’s achieved with half the cylinders and dramatically lower emissions. It also makes this new Mercedes-AMG comfortably the quickest car to ever wear the hallowed C 63 badge.

A fully variable all-wheel drive system is a key enabler of the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E PERFORMANCE Sedan’s supercar-like 3.4 second 0-100km/h acceleration time, some sixth tenths of a second faster than the rear-wheel drive model it replaces. Other performance-enhancing attributes include a significantly larger, electrified turbocharger than used in the engine’s other applications, and a nine-speed automatic transmission with wet clutch in lieu of the usual torque converter.

A flexible driving companion

Drivers can also choose from eight different drive modes, depending on mood and conditions, with each mode progressively adjusting a range of parameters including the response of the drive system and transmission, steering characteristics, suspension damping, sound, and the level of electric power.

The result is that the Mercedes-AMG C63 S E PERFORMANCE Sedan can dramatically adjust its personality to suit driving conditions, ranging from Electric mode, to the daily driver Comfort mode, to Battery Hold when you want to store charge for later use. Then, as the road or track opens ahead, there are several levels of ever-more focused performance settings, beginning with Sport, ramping up to Sport+, and finally the fully-alert Race mode.

Braking performance is expected to be every bit as eye opening as the car’s acceleration, thanks to high-performance composite brakes with six-piston front callipers, along with the option of even stronger carbon-ceramic brakes. The brakes sit inside handsome 19- or 20-inch AMG light-alloy wheels with staggered section widths front-to-rear for optimal handling.

Stylistically, the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E PERFORMANCE Sedan is imbued with the familial DNA of the W206 C-Class range, but as further proof of the lengths Mercedes-AMG engineers have gone to in creating this new performance masterpiece, the more muscular Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E PERFORMANCE Sedan bodyshell is 83mm longer and sits on a 10mm longer wheelbase than the regular C-Class, while also boasting a 76mm wider front track.

Inside the sports-themed and luxuriously appointed cabin are shapely and distinctively stitched AMG sports seats, an MBUX infotainment system featuring various AMG- and hybrid-specific displays and functions, and a digital instrument cluster that can be personalised with different display styles and individually selectable main views.

While this information is based on the European sales launch and specifications of local models are not confirmed and may vary, we can say for certain that the revolutionary Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E PERFORMANCE Sedan opens a bold new chapter in Mercedes-AMG’s storied history.

Stay up to date with the latest launch news and New Zealand arrival of the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E PERFORMANCE Sedan here.

By Jonathan Weller