New Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance unveiled as a 670 HP PHEV!

After teasing it for a bit, Mercedes-Benz have taken the wraps off the new W206-based Mercedes -AMG C63 S E Performance model. It sports several firsts in terms of tech and features to usher in a new era for the marque’s famed three-lettered performance sub-brand.

We’ll start with the most significant change, that being the swap from a V8 heart to the new Formula 1-inspired turbocharged 4-cyl plug-in hybrid (PHEV) setup.

Derived from the manic W177-gen A45 S AMG super-hatch, the 4-cyl mill sports an electrically spooled turbo that both increases output and mitigates lag, delivering a whopping 469 HP and 545Nm. Said feat sees it stand as the most powerful production 4-cyl mill in the world now – a title previously held by the aforementioned A45 S super-hatch’s mill.

The engine works in tandem with a rear axle-mounted electric motor that draws power from a 6.1 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which provides additional boost a la Merc’s title-winning Formula 1 racers through an additional 2-speed transmission too. The electrification further adds 201 HP and 320 NM, bringing the total combined systems outputs to 670 HP and 1,020 NM.

And before you ask, yes, these are significant bumps over the outgoing W205-based and V8-powered C63 S model, which sports 500 HP and 700 NM. In fact, the electrified new powertrain outputs more power than certain full-fledged supercars like the AMG GT R.

For the first time, the C63 S adopts a new 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive (AWD) as well to manage all that power and torque. Working in tandem with a 9-speed AMG Speedshift transmission, 0-100 KM/H takes just 3.4 seconds whilst enroute towards its electronically-governed V-max of 250 KM/H – or 280 KM/H when equipped with the optional AMG Driver’s Package.

Not only more powerful than the outgoing V8, this PHEV setup is also a lot more frugal and quieter, the latter thanks to the addition of a full-electric drive mode that grants 13 KM of electric range. The former stems from the newfound electrification too, with Merc claiming a combined consumption average as low as 6.9 litres/100KM.

Other neat party tricks AMG’s new power-sedan (and estate) boasts include a rear axle-steering system, a rear-drive only ‘Drift Mode’, adaptive suspension, not forgetting both Sport+ and Race drive modes too with the latter offering a novel new ‘Boost’ feature that lets you unleash an instant punch of power and speed for a brief moment.

Other key bits include the 76mm widened front wheel arches that houses the 19-inch (or optional 20-inch) AMG wheels, the adoption of the famed AMG Panamericana front grille with active shutters that open or close depending on the engine’s cooling demands, as well as optional carbon ceramic brakes and carbon skirt and spoiler pack.

On board, the base W206 C-Class cabin remains, albeit with a touch of AMG’s performance additions like the steering wheel, seats, and sporty trimmings. The dual-screen MBUX interactive displays even get new AMG-specific displays and controls, with the latter offering four selectable levels of electricity-harvesting brake recuperation to choose from.

In short, though cylinder count has shrunk, the new C63 S E Performance makes up for that through the addition of high-tech and high-performance electrification, along with the chassis ancillaries and styling to match.

What are your thoughts of Mercedes-AMG’s new power-sedan and estate, then? Hit the comments below.