Having won seven consecutive Formula 1 World Drivers’ titles and eight consecutive Formula 1 World Constructors’ championships, Mercedes-AMG has more than made its mark on the history of motorsport.

Remarkably, some of the advanced technologies crafted for the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula 1 Team now power the brand’s latest road production vehicles. F1 is often referred to as ‘the fastest R&D lab on earth’ and it’s inspiring the next generation of high-performance plug-in hybrid models from Mercedes-AMG.

Case in point: the new Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E PERFORMANCE Sedan^[1]. In addition to its powerful and economical plug-in hybrid system – which takes key learnings from the hybrid power unit systems developed for F1 – the AMG C 63 S E PERFORMANCE also boasts a turbocharger and electric motor which dramatically improves driveability and performance. These technological breakthroughs were pioneered by the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team and have already been successfully deployed on the track.

In addition to the standard AMG C 63 S E PERFORMANCE, a limited run of F1 Edition variants has also recently arrived in New Zealand. We’re taking a closer look at what makes the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E PERFORMANCE F1 Edition truly exceptional.

Exclusive exterior

The F1 Edition’s unique exterior instantly sets it apart. Building on the muscular aesthetic of the AMG C 63 S E PERFORMANCE, it’s finished in exclusive MANUFAKTUR Alpine Grey paint and adorned with an array of high-quality design details.

Distinctive 20-inch AMG five-spoke forged light-alloy wheels further embolden the F1 Edition’s striking contemporary style. With their matt black finish and red flange, they echo the colour scheme of the Official FIA F1 Medical Car from Mercedes-AMG. The vivid burst of red flows from the wheels to the bodykit, highlighting the revised front apron, rear diffuser and muscular side skirts.

Contributing to the vehicle’s dynamic look and expressive, sporty character, is the AMG Night Package II. It adds a darkened AMG-specific radiator grille, dark chrome typography to the rear and front wings, and other exterior design elements that emphasise the F1 Edition’s powerful stance.

The AMG Aerodynamics Package – which comes as standard with the F1 Edition – attaches flics to the edges of the front apron and integrated side elements on the rear bar. Developed in the wind tunnel and designed to reduce drag and improve handling at high speeds, this equipment hones the already outstanding aerodynamic performance of the AMG C 63 S E PERFORMANCE.

Interior enhancements

Inside, you’ll find all the traditional hallmarks of Mercedes-AMG – but with distinct F1 embellishments. Enhancing the vehicle’s athletic feel is an expansive red and black carbon-fibre dashboard adorned with F1 badging; AMG steering wheel crafted from black nappa leather and DINAMICA microfiber with bold red topstitching; and AMG floor mats adorned with the F1 logo.

All of this is in addition to the generous standard features included with the AMG C 63 S E PERFORMANCE. Of these, the Burmester 3D surround sound system, which delivers an unrivalled listening experience across the full spectrum of musical genres, and the intuitive MBUX multimedia system, which seamlessly connects the driver to their vehicle through the central portrait touchscreen, are designed to deliver an immersive drive.

Supercar performance

The exclusive F1 Edition shares its mechanical and technical make-up with the AMG C 63 S E PERFORMANCE. Both models are powered by the the world's most powerful series-production four-cylinder engine, and feature an F1-inspired plug-in hybrid system with a lightweight 6.1kWh battery.

Not only does the hybrid system allow for up to 15km of purely electric driving, it also contributes to the vehicles’ incredible performance – total system outputs are 500kW and 1020Nm.

Harnessed through a sophisticated 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive system, these outputs propel the AMG C 63 S E PERFORMANCE and F1 Edition from 0-100km/h in just 3.4 seconds – entering the realm of supercar performance. Standard rear-axle steering endows them with another layer of agility and precision, allowing drivers to tackle the road with confidence. Equally impressive is the indicative combined cycle fuel consumption of just 6.9L/100km^[2].

The AMG C 63 S E PERFORMANCE and F1 Edition also boast a full suite of active and passive safety and assistance systems. These include DISTRONIC PLUS Adaptive Cruise Control, which maintains the set speed limit whilst keeping a safe distance from the vehicle in front; PRE-SAFE Accident Anticipation System, which warns the driver of a potential impending collision and takes steps to reduce the impact of an accident; Active Lane-Keeping Assist, which repositions the vehicle to assist the vehicle keep within its lane; and headlights with DIGITAL LIGHT and Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus to maintain optimal night-time visibility.

With such a direct link to the glamour and innovation of F1, the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E PERFORMANCE F1 Edition is the epitome of automotive excellence and technological prowess.

Discover the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E PERFORMANCE F1 Edition.

^[1] Limited stock available.
^[2] Figures stated (including declared fuel consumption and emission figures) are determined by testing under track and/or standardised laboratory conditions which are (where applicable) conducted in accordance with ADR 81/02. The figures stated are for the purposes of comparison amongst vehicles tested under the same technical procedures only. Real-world figures (particularly acceleration, fuel consumption and emission figures) may vary and are influenced by many additional factors such as fuel quality, individual driving style, load, traffic, environmental and road conditions, ambient temperatures and vehicle conditions.