Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E PERFORMANCE F1 Edition

An electrified AMG C-Class contender, the new Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E PERFORMANCE (W206), upgraded for the year 2024 and launched in Malaysia.

A Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV), the sports car fuses Mercedes-AMG’s Petronas F1 hybrid racing technology with high-Performance automotive engineering.

Fully-imported (CBU - Germany) and F1 guised, available is one variant (AMG C 63 S E PERFORMANCE F1 Edition).

Priced (OTR, w/o insurance) at MYR 958,888, included is a standard warranty (four years/unlimited-mileage).

One (exclusive) exterior colour (MANUFAKTUR Alpine Grey Solid - AMG decals).

The new AMG C 63 S E PERFORMANCE has an elegantly-sporty and tiered dashboard layout, a borderline performance-oriented cockpit, blessed with the Mercedes-AMG interior treatment.

Merged to a cascading-flat-high-rising centre console (High-Gloss Black - gear-lever-deleted, armrest), centre-staged are the floating centre and driver displays (MBUX multimedia system - instrument cluster, infotainment).

Soft-/hard-touch panelled (dash, door cards - ARTICO man-made Nappa leather), it sees a single-tone scheme (Black) with trimmings (Black - AMG Carbon-fibre), contrast stitching (Red) and an exclusive emblem (‘F1 Edition’ - passenger side).

Accentuating the environment are Aluminium bezels (turbine-designed air-conditioning vents, dash, centre console), an ambient light system (64-colour active - Interior Light Package), and AMG sports pedals (brushed stainless steel - Black rubber studs).

Overall, the build is well-designed. Very driver- and passenger-oriented with accessibilities strategically-arranged.

A floating driver display, installed is the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) multimedia system (NTG 7), featuring a 12.3-Inch LCD instrument cluster with a Head-Up Display (HUD).

Features are AMG display styles (Classic, Sporty, Discreet, Race, Super Sport), multiple interfaces (AMG/Hybrid drive modes, vehicle settings), and three modes (Navigation, Assistance, Service). 

Luxuriously-sporty, courtesy of the Mercedes-AMG interior treatment, the five-seater sees AMG Nappa leather upholstery (Black, Red stitching - seats, door beltlines/embossed AMG emblems - front headrests).

The front gets the AMG Performance Seat Package High-End, featuring AMG Performance Seats with the Multi-contour Seat Package (drive/passenger electronic-power - multi-way, lumbar, active climate, memory).

The rear sees a manual-operated (button - 40:20:40 split-fold, backrest recline) contoured bench seat. Included are armrests (front - centre console, rear - centre seat fold-out) and sun visors/blinds (pull-out - front, electric - rear - Sun Protection Package).

Heightening the cabin is a panoramic glass sunroof (electric - tilt/slide, sunshade), a MANUFAKTUR MICROCUT-microfibre headliner (Black), AMG seat belts (Red), AMG floor mats (F1 Edition), and AMG door sills (illuminated, exchangeable covers).

Courtesy of its borderline long and wide build, front and rear occupants have ample interior mobility, providing generous cabin space with sufficient head-, shoulder-, and leg-room.

Mounted is an AMG Performance steering wheel, in a tri-rounded-twin-spoke-flat-bottom design, wrapped in Nappa leather/MICROCUT-microfibre (Black) with contrast stitching (Red) and trimmings (Silver).

Features are multi-switches (AMG Controls - AMG DYNAMIC Select, media, vehicle settings), electric column adjustments (tilt, telescopic), and paddle shifters (Silver-Chrome).

Aiding the drive is an Electric Power Steering (EPS) system.

Practical storage areas (Stowage Space Package). E.g., a glove box, centre console caverned/partitioned spaces with under-stowage, and seat back/side door pockets.

Provided are four cup holders (two front - flex, two rear - standard), and four bottle holders (one - side doors).

Equipped are four USB ports (USB Package Plus - two-front, two-rear), one 12 V power socket (front), and a wireless charger (front). 

The boot comes with the Easy-Pack Tailgate (KEYLESS-GO Comfort Package) feature (hands-free - remote control/key fob, kick sensor, button). 

Accessing its contactless function opens up to 455-Litres (rear seats up) of load capacity.

Weighing in at 2,165 KG, the new AMG C 63 S E PERFORMANCE stands at 4,751 MM long, 1,820 MM wide, 1,437 MM tall, and with a wheelbase spanning 2,865 MM.

Aggressively-sporty, courtesy of the Mercedes-AMG exterior treatment (AMG body styling), it exudes a prowling-esque demeanour with dynamically-sculpted and seamlessly-rounded contours.

A long-overhang, the front-end sees the Merc’s bonnet (power domes, AMG crest), beefy quarter panels (‘TURBO E PERFORMANCE’ badge), an AMG grille (vertical struts, Mercedes/AMG crests), and an AMG bumper (splitter-side-flics - three-piece-vented - corner/centre).

Kits equipped are AMG Aerodynamics Package (splitter-side-flics), AMG F1 Edition decals (lower body colour gradient, Red highlights - splitter-side-flics, side skirts), AMG Night Package II (High-Gloss Black - intake inserts, splitter-side-flics, side skirts, side mirrors, window surrounds/Black-Chrome - AMG crests, grille).

Sportily-minimalist, courtesy of the Mercedes-AMG exterior treatment (AMG body styling), it parades a dynamically-smooth design, intensifying the athletic appeal with roundly- and seamlessly-cut shapes.

A short-overhang, the rear-end sees a flowing roofline, beefy quarter panels, a boot-lid AMG spoiler lip, and an AMG bumper (corner air-outlets, splitter-side-flics, diffuser - four vertical fins, two trapezoidal-twin-tip exhausts).

Kits equipped are AMG Aerodynamics Package (AMG spoiler lip, corner air-outlets, splitter-side-flics), AMG F1 Edition decals (lower body colour gradient, Red highlights - splitter-side-flics, side skirts), AMG Night Package II (High-Gloss Black - diffuser, splitter-side-flics, side skirts, window surrounds/Black-Chrome - AMG spoiler lip/crests).

Framed angularly-sleek and inward-tilted, the headlamps installed are Digital Light LED units with signature light graphics.

Features are LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL), automatic On/Off, projection function, Adaptive High Beam Assist Plus, welcome/leaving lights and sequential turn signals.

Housed angularly-elongated and inward-pointed, the wraparound tail lamps installed are full LED units with signature light graphics.

Features are automatic On/Off, welcome/leaving lights and sequential turn signals.

The side mirrors (Black) are electronic-powered (auto-fold, adjust), with sequential turn signals, blind-spot indicators (Blind Spot Monitor - BSM), automatic-dimming (Mirror Package), and AMG surround lighting projection (Mirror Package).

Fitted is a setup of the AMG high-performance composite brake system, featuring ventilated-cross-drilled (front) and ventilated (rear) disc brakes with AMG brake callipers (Red).

Drive is aided by an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) with Auto Brake Hold system.

Latching it down is a set of 20-Inch AMG ten-cross-spoke (Matte Black - high-sheen rim flange) forged light-alloy rims, rubbered-up in 265/35 R20 (front) and 275/35 R20 (rear) Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tyres.

The new AMG C 63 S E PERFORMANCE features the following sets of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).

Under Driving Assistance Package Plus, grouped are Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane-Keeping Assist, Active Brake Assist, Exit Warning Assist, Rear sensors for Lane Departure Assistant, Active Steering Assist, Evasive Manoeuvre Support, Extended Automatic Re-Start in Traffic Jams, PRE-SAFE Impulse Side and PRE-SAFE system. Under Parking Package, grouped are Memory Parking Assist, Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC, and parking cameras (360-degree, reverse).

Others include Adaptive High-Beam Assist (AHA), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control System (TCS), and Hill Start Assist (HSA).

Passive safety under GUARD 360-degree Vehicle Protection, grouped are Anti-theft Alarm system (ATA) with Collision Detection, interior monitoring system, and pedestrian protection. 

Others include seven airbags (driver, passenger, front side, front/rear curtains), airbag disable function (front passenger), seat belts (reminders, pre-tensioners, anchors), ISOFIX, Door Opening Warning (DOW), automatic-dimming rear-view mirrors (interior, exterior - Mirror Package), parking sensors (six - front, rear), Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) with Auto Brake Hold, Break-in resistant safety glass (laminated, heat-/noise-insulated, infrared-reflecting), TIREFIT, and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

Eight drive modes selectable via the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT program (Electric, Battery Hold, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Race, Slippery, Individual).

The modes can be selected using the rocker switch located at the centre console, or via the AMG steering wheel buttons.

Completing the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) multimedia system (NTG 7), installed is a 11.9-Inch LCD touchscreen central display. 

Features are AMG display styles (Classic, Sporty, Discreet, Race, Super Sport), multiple interfaces (AMG/Hybrid drive modes, vehicle settings), three modes (Navigation, Assistance, Service), and AMG Driver’s Package (AMG Real Performance Sound, AMG Track Pace).

Others include MBUX AR-Navigation, MBUX Navigation Premium, Mercedes-me Services, and live traffic information. 

Android Auto/Apple CarPlay compatible (wireless).

Audio is by a Burmester 3D surround sound system.

AMG F1-developed, the new AMG C 63 S E PERFORMANCE underpins the P3 Hybrid powertrain.

Nestled is an AMG (M139) 2.0-Litre inline four-cylinder 16-valve direct-injection turbocharged petrol engine (476 HP/350 KW at 6,750 RPM, 545 NM at 5,250 to 5,500 RPM).

Fused to the mill is an Electric Drive Unit (EDU), featuring a rear-mounted electric motor (150 KW/204 HP - 10 seconds, 70 KW continuous, 320 NM), an electric-turbocharger, and a Belt-Driven Starter Generator (RSG).

Total system output reads at 500 KW (680 HP) of max power and 1,020 NM of max torque. 

Mated to the setup is an AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT-9G (Multi-Clutch Technology, nine-speed) automatic transmission, working in tandem with a two-speed claw-shifted e-gearbox (EDU-integrated).

Power is transmitted to all four wheels, via the fully-variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system. Incorporated is the AMG Rear Axle Steering and an electronic-rear-axle differential lock.

Acceleration from 0 to 100 KM/H is done in 3.4 seconds, and combined top speed is 280 KM/H (AMG Driver’s Package). 

AMG F1-derived, the e-motor is juiced by a Lithium-Ion battery (560 cells, 400-Volt, 6.1 KWH), providing 12 KM (WLTP) of electric-only range.

Charging is via an onboard AC charger (Type-2 - 3.7 KW), at a charging station, a wallbox or household sockets.

Petrol-wise, it sports a 50-Litre fuel tank capacity, and has a combined consumption of 6.9-L/100 KM.

The new AMG GLA 35 features these conveniences.

E.g., KEYLESS-GO Comfort Package (keyless/hands-free access, engine Start/Stop button), Easy-Pack Tailgate (hands-free - remote control/key fob, kick sensor, button), Stowage Space Package (interior storages), Interior Light Package (64-colour active ambient lights, illuminated door sills, exterior AMG surround lighting projection, interior LED lights), THERMOTRONIC dual-zone automatic climate control (rear air-vents, air purification), AMG Performance Seat Package High-End, (AMG Performance Seats, Multi-contour Seat Package -drive/passenger electronic-power - multi-way, lumbar, active climate, memory), AMG Performance steering wheel (multi-function, AMG controls, paddle shifters, EPS, electric column adjustments), MBUX Multimedia System (MBUX AR-Navigation, MBUX Navigation Premium, MBUX custom drive settings, AMG/Hybrid drive modes), AMG Driver’s Package (AMG Real Performance Sound, AMG Track Pace), multiple power outlets (12 V socket, wireless chargers), USB Package Plus (four USB ports), flex cup holders (two - front), Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) with Auto Brake Hold, Mirror package (automatic-dimming rear-view mirrors - exterior, interior), interior monitoring system, panoramic glass sunroof (electric - tilt/slide), Sun Protection Package (sun visors/blinds - pull-out - front, electric - rear), Break-in resistant safety glass (laminated, heat-/noise-insulated, infrared-reflecting), Active Blind Spot Assist, parking cameras (reverse, 360-degree), parking sensors (six - front, rear), automatic headlamps (On/Off/high-beam), automatic wipers (rain sensing, intermittent), automatic-pinch windows (up/down), and speed sensing door locks.

Installed for the cabin is a THERMOTRONIC dual-zone automatic climate control system (rear air-vents, air purification).

Fitted is the AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension with adaptive dampers (Comfort, Sport, Sport+), AMG DYNAMIC SELECT programs, and AMG DYNAMICS CONTROL system.

The ride comfortability feels precise and firm at the same time, with overall drive tuned to provide complete stability and grip to the driver (double wishbones - front, rear).

Ultimately, it has solid roadholding, and great handling stability/agility at high speeds without compromising any comfort (AMG Speed-sensitive Steering).

Good sound insulation with the NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) aspects accounted for. The build is acoustically-designed to enhance the in-car ambience. 

Part of the aero-acoustic measures used at reducing wind, tyre and road noises include the installation of heat-, noise-insulating and infrared-reflecting acoustic laminated glass.

Overall, the cabin is able to suppress unwanted noises well and make them barely noticeable, in most of the day-to-day driving environment.

The new Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E PERFORMANCE exudes an aggressively-sporty and energy-filled build, a perfect embodiment of Merc’s mastery in design and engineering.

Mercedes-AMG F1 built, it offers sublime performance and handling, absolute luxury appointments and state-of-the-art technology.

Overall, inside and out the build quality is excellent, and with its distinctive outlook and energising powertrain, the new AMG C 63 S E PERFORMANCE is surely a Merc to have.