I assume that the Star Wars fans out there will get the headline, but just as C-3PO was a humanoid robot, way more technologically advanced than its peers, the new Mercedes-AMG C63 S, is a standout performance sedan, that comes with ‘P3’ hybrid system that’s fast enough to make you go ooooh!
Because the V8 naysayers out there are probably going to be tut-tutting, let’s get to the powertrain up front. Under the bonnet of the new Mercedes-AMG C63 S is a 2-litre, four-cylinder hybrid, however, before you start groaning, AMG have taken their ‘world’s most powerful four cylinder engine’ (as seen in the A45) and increased the power again, to 350kW.
But they didn’t stop there. They’ve added a new electric turbocharger which was developed in conjunction with the Mercedes-AMG F1 team, and mated it all to a 9-speed box. The result is that the system outputs 500kW and 1020Nm of torque and a zero to 100km/h time of 3.4 seconds – how’d you like me now V8ers!
AMG refers to this as a ‘P3’ hybrid system, with P1 being a mild hybrid, P2 two is when you have the hybrid assist the electric motor within the transmission and P3 is when you see the electric motor only on the rear axle. And it’s not the first time we’ve seen this in an AMG product. It was first shown in the GT four door e-performance, with its 0 to 100 sprint in under three seconds, so you’re in good company.
For those that want to know (or thank), the engine is fully developed and built in Affalterbach, with their ‘one man, one engine’ philosophy.
Being a PHEV, the C63 SE can be AC charged from home, and its 6.1 kWh battery offers a continuous output of 70 kilowatts and a peak output of 150 kilowatts (depending on the circumstances). Of course it can be changed quickly from a plug but also using the engine too, meaning that you can charge quickly in your thrilling Sport+ mode and then head through town using just battery power. And just to clarify, you don’t need to charge the vehicle to get a full performance.
0-100 in 3.4 seconds, 500kW, 1020Nm of torque is impressive, but another key factor with all this technology is its impressive fuel consumption, 6.1l/100km (NEDC) and an all-electric range of 15km.
Although there is an amplifier involved, AMG calls the sound the new C63 SE omits ‘real performance’ sound. You have the mechanics of the electric vehicle, electric motor, and petrol motor, but you also have speakers inside and outside the vehicle with sound being generated from the exhaust. So it’s the mechanical vibration from the exhaust that’s been amplified through the speakers. What’s more, you can have the speakers activated outside or inside, or you can have both – it’s up to you.
Then there’s the way that it rides and handles. The suspension technology is straight out of the GT Black Series, which has been developed from GT3 racing. Meaning that it’s one of the most advanced systems that’s ever been available on a road car. And AMG decided that they should also fit it with AMG rear axle steering as standard, so the rear wheels move 2.5 degrees when under 100km/h and 0.7 when over.
As for the C63 SE’s dimensions, they haven’t just slapped all this gear into a regular C-Class sedan, the front end is 50mm longer and there’s a larger track width at the front, which results in a 76mm overall width increase, oh and the wheelbase is 10mm longer too.
The grille is AMG specific, there’s an air scoop on the bonnet, there’s more air flow on the lower valance (which also adds more downforce) and it rides on 20-inch AMG cross-spoke forged wheels.
Our route for the NZ launch was less challenging than I would have hoped, ok I was keen on getting to the track and test out the drift mode, but with the rain joining us for the drive north, I was pleased that the C63 SE was a 4Matic all wheel drive vehicle with an electronic LSD. Sure no traction control as such, but depending on the situation that you’re in, the performance sedan will put the power where it needs to be.
In comfort mode and along the SH1, the new C63 is as compliant as they come, ok just a little firm on the rear with its sporty AMG seats, but big screens for instrument and infotainment, all the expected ADAS systems and a cabin trim that was as refined as they come.
As the traffic thinned out and the roads began to bend, I clicked the drive mode up to Sport and then Sport+, pushed down on the accelerator and let the sedan, perform.
The acceleration is almost brutal, but instant for sure, and the soundtrack (I had both internal and external speakers on) is deep and harmonious. In so many ways it acted like an AMG should and although I was told to look for a kind of ‘gearbox slip’ sensation when coming out of corners (it’s apparently the electric motor pushing you first and then that petrol engine coming in to help), to me it just felt like HP on tap.
Braking on the other hand is a little more akin to an EV, sort of pre or anticipated, but it stopped well when required which is a big thumbs up from me.
With a claim near 50/50 weight distribution (engine in front, electric motor in rear), the C63 SE is neutral in the bends and the rear wheel steer is a real plus, once you get used to it.
The navigation system comes with Augmented reality and the tunes are relayed via a powerful Burmester 3d Surround Sound system, but for those that want just that little bit more, Mercedes-AMG will up the spec with the likes of a carbon/microfibre inside and out, or you could go the whole hog with their limited edition F1 model – exclusive body paint, AMG/F1 decals and badges.
Having spent a fair amount of time in the new C-Class and recently been in some AMG V8’s, I have to say that what they’ve done with this performance sedan is exceptional. AMG call it a technological masterpiece, I’d say ‘this is the drive you’re looking for’ (another Star Wars rip off).
