NEW MERCEDES-AMG C 63 S E PERFORMANCE

By EWAN KENNEDY

The radiator grille has vertical struts and the AMG front apron is a ‘jet-wing’ design.

The new Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E Performance is a real game changer in the 55-year history of AMG. With know-how from Formula 1, it brings state-of-the-art technologies from motorsport to the road.

A two-speed electric motor positioned on the rear axle supports the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine that is mounted longitudinally at the front. This is the most powerful production four-cylinder in the world. Power delivery and torque build-up occur without delay. The electric support of the exhaust gas turbocharger eliminates the turbo lag of the combustion engine, while at the same time the electric drive pushes powerfully from a standstill.

The electric powertrain and the high-performance battery with 400 volts are AMG-exclusive, in-house developments. The battery is designed for fast power output and draw with innovative direct cooling of the cells. The combined system output is 500 kW (680 hp), the combined maximum system torque 1020 Nm.

The electric range of 13 kilometres allows a practical operating radius, for example in the city or in residential areas.

A distinguishing feature of the C 63 S is the slim air outlet in the centre of the bonnet that transitions elegantly into the two power domes.

For the first time on a Mercedes-AMG production model a round badge with a black AMG emblem replaces the Mercedes star with laurel wreath on the bonnet.

There is an AMG-specific radiator grille with vertical struts and the AMG front apron in a ‘jet-wing’ design. The rear apron with large diffuser as well as the two trapezoidal, externally ribbed dual tailpipe trims round off the design.

The C 63 S rolls on 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels and mixed tyres as standard. Optional wheel/tyre combinations are available in 20-inch size, likewise with mixed tyres, among them a new forged wheel.

The AMG matt paint finish graphite grey magno is available exclusively for the C 63 S. The exterior design can be further accentuated with the AMG Exterior Carbon Fibre packages I and II, the AMG Night packages I and II or the AMG Aerodynamics Package.

AMG sports seats with special upholstery layout and a distinctive stitching patter add to the refined impression. Exclusive colours and various Nappa leather upholsteries with an embossed AMG emblem in the front head restraints.

The MBUX infotainment system includes various AMG- and hybrid-specific displays and functions. These include special displays in the instrument cluster, on the portrait-orientation multimedia central display in the centre console and on the optional head-up display.

The appearance of the instrument cluster can be personalised with different display styles and individually selectable main views.

The AMG-specific Supersport style offers the option of displaying various contents via a vertical menu structure. These include a menu with hybrid-specific temperatures or a setup menu that displays the current settings for the suspension or transmission.

The head-up display offers AMG-specific display styles such as Race and Supersport. These can be accessed via the main menu in the instrument cluster.

The multimedia display also visualises in an AMG-specific manner such details as the power flow of the entire drive system, engine speed, power, torque and temperature of the electric motor, as well as the battery temperature.

The AMG-specific E PERFORMANCE hybrid drive lets the Saloon and Estate accelerate from a standstill to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds. Acceleration only ends at an electronically governed 280 km/h (Estate 270 km/h, in both cases with optional AMG Driver’s Package).