Launched: 2024 Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance F1 Edition – From RM958,888

MBM continues updating and expanding its line-up with the launch of three new Mercedes-AMG flagship performance models today as part of its Mercedes-Benz World roadshow.

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) continues to ramp up its line-up expansion and revision by introducing a trio of electrified new Mercedes-AMG performance models. All three were launched during the Mercedes-Benz World roadshow happening this week at the Sg. Besi Airbase, KL.

Making their debuts today ahead of said roadshow event were the new W206-based Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance super-PHEV super-saloon, as well as the face-lifted 2024MY Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 S 4Matic and Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 4Matic performance crossover SUVs.

Amongst the trio launched today was the new W206-gen Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance F1 Edition - a 670 HP super-PHEV super-saloon.

For this report, we’ll centre ourselves on the new C63 S E Performance model, which lands in F1 Edition guise. This flagship performance iteration of the W206-gen C-Class arrives just weeks after MBM launched the Pekan-built (CKD) Mercedes-AMG C43 4Matic variant that slots below.

As a refresher, the W206-gen C63 was revealed in Sept 2022 to a rather mixed reception. A lot of which stems from the German marque’s decision to field an electrified 4-cyl turbo petrol plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain instead of a signature V8 as seen in its W205-gen predecessor.

Sorry, no V8 here. But you'll still find a hand-built 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo super-PHEV setup that delivers a whopping 670 HP and 1,020 NM.

Said 2.0-litre mill is derived from the manic A45 S 4Matic super-hatch, and makes 469 HP and 545 NM on its own to become the world’s most powerful production 4-cyl mill. It’s then augmented with a rear-mounted e-motor and 6.1 kWh battery system that adds a further 201 HP and 320 NM.

Combined, there’s a  whopping 670 HP and 1,020 NM available, all managed by an AMG-specific 9-speed DCT automatic and 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive (AWD) setup, altogether enabling 0-100 KM/H dashes in 3.4 seconds plus a V-max of 280 KM/H, the latter thanks to the AMG Driver’s Package primed.

The battery mentioned can be charged externally via a 3.7 kW AC port present on the rear left quarter panel. However, keep in mind that this super-PHEV setup is dialled in for outright performance instead of efficiency, hence its rather low electric-only range of just 11 KM.

Exclusive AMG Aerodynamics Package and 20-inch AMG V-spoke alloy wheels are  part of the F1 Edition's special treatment.

Crucially, unlike the standard variant, the F1 Edition launched earlier today adds plenty of extra goodies like the AMG Driver’s Package mentioned, along with the AMG Aerodynamics Package, and more. We’ve detailed this special at great length in a past report which you can read up on by clicking these blue words.

The decision to launch the W206-gen C63 S E Performance in F1 Edition guise locally is also very telling – it’s aimed at a different buying crowd. Additionally, it also sees Malaysia stand as one of just several right-hand-drive (RHD) markets to see this special offered officially too.

F1 Edition also gets a specially decked out cabin featuring loads of red accents plus a slew of exclusive carbon fibre trims.

Perhaps this ‘special’ status helps to somewhat justify the exorbitant RM958,888 price tag. In contrast, the localised C43 4Matic variant mentioned is more attainable at roughly half that figure.

You can view the new Mercedes-Benz C63 S E Performance F1 Edition in the flesh at the Mercedes-Benz World roadshow this weekend. In the meantime, are you folks keen on this electrified super-saloon? Or do you still yearn for its V8 predecessor? Share your thoughts in the comments below…