Four cylinders can do more than eight

Until now, Mercedes-AMG had one thing that was absolutely necessary: ​​the eight-cylinder. Bold and barking, fat V8 petrol engines have already driven the mid-range models brutally, putting the pulse of the fanbase to 180. But the sports brand in the Mercedes group cannot avoid this either: consumption, CO₂ emissions and thus the number of vehicles. The rollers have to go down Compensation for the electric motors in the car. If a future Mercedes-AMG has “E Performance” on the tailgate, that vehicle has a plug-in hybrid drive (PHEV).

And fewer cylinders. When it comes to the new Mercedes-AMG C 63 SE Performance, only half of its predecessor remains – four instead of eight. There’s no reason to complain, as it’s the world’s most powerful production four-cylinder engine with 476 hp (350 kW). The rear axle also has a 204 hp (150 kW) electric motor – providing 680 hp (500 kW) system performance in the body of a family car and 170 more than the V8. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes 3.4 seconds and the Super C class locks up at just 270 km/h.

Sprint instead of saving

Otherwise, plug-in hybrids are tuned for economy and as much electric range as possible, but the C 63 SE Performance is all about pure power. The net capacity of the battery is only 4.8 kilowatt-hours (kWh). More than 13 electric kilometers are not possible and consumption of 6.9 l/100 km is clearly above the extraordinary PHEV values ​​of under two litres. After all, it’s all the technology in Formula 1: each of the 560 battery cells is individually cooled, so as much electricity as possible can be collected during recovery and thrown out again while accelerating. It is recharged with a 3.7 kilowatt onboard charger or when the gasoline engine is able to separate a few horsepower.

It works impressively on the slope at the Ascari Race Center (E): the C 63 S has saved the ideal lap for 17 racetracks and even sets the right time for full throttle with electric boost. Thanks to the automatic 2-speed gearbox, you can feel the electric motor even at high speeds. We never have time to miss the sound of the V8 because the driving dynamics completely fascinate us. Comfort also plays a role on rural roads – and here petrol engines and electric motors can share the work more neatly. Additionally, the four-cylinder sometimes sounds pretty irritating. At 2190 kilograms, the five-seater station wagon surpasses its predecessor by 300 kilograms; springing and damping are correspondingly robust. Precision routing is great; The eight record-breaking ride programs, all configurable in detail, are almost overwhelming.

Longer and wider

Inside, there’s AMG-usual nobility, digital instruments and the usual C-Class wide touchscreen. From the outside, the only difference from the regular C-Class is the spoilers, sills and air intakes – but this is not true: as the C 63 SE Performance, the so-called sedan and T-model wagon is 8.3 centimeters longer. It’s almost eight wider and has an inch more wheelbase. However, it narrows in the trunk, as the battery spreads out there and also provides a step up on the sedan’s load floor: With a loading volume of only 324 liters with the rear seat backrests up, this AMG C-Class is justified. at the end of all middle class station wagons.

Customers will get over it. This AMG is definitely not about space – who needs 680 hp in a family car? However, the Mercedes-AMG C 63 SE Performance will not launch before the summer of 2023. That’s why prices are yet to be determined – but we estimate they will exceed 100,000 francs.