- C63 is now a 4-cylinder PHEV
- Most powerful C-Class yet with 680 PS/1020 Nm
- Also the heaviest, at 2,111 kg
It’s , the W206 2023 Mercedes-AMG C63S E Performance is a 4-cylinder plug-in hybrid (PHEV). To make up for the loss of displacement and cylinder count, the new C63S features a whole lot more go-fast tech.
Electrification plays a huge role in making the new C63S faster than ever before, and Mercedes says it has F1-derived technology.
The M139 2.0-litre turbocharged engine alone makes 476 PS/545 Nm, the highest of any production 2.0-litre engine. With an electric motor producing 204 PS/320 Nm mounted at the rear, the result is a combined output of 680 PS/1020 Nm.
There are two gearboxes – one for the engine and one for the electric motor; the engine gets a 9-speed multi-clutch transmission while the electric motor has a 2-speed gearbox. Both can power all four wheels, which means even in full-electric mode, the C63S is all-wheel drive.
Wagon is available, but it probably won't be officially offered here.
Yes, the C63S is able to operate on pure electric mode for up to 13 km, courtesy of its 6.1 kWh battery. A 3.7 kW on-board charger gives it the plug-in capability. There’s also selectable energy recuperation level, up to four stages.
All these explain its weight – coming in at 2,111 kg – the heaviest a C63 has ever been, heavier than even the . But its sheer power means its 0-100 km/h sprint time is claimed at 3.4 seconds while limited to 250 km/h, with an option to lift it to 280 km/h.
Exterior wise, the front end is 50 mm longer and the front fenders are wider. In terms of length, the C63S is 83 mm longer than the regular C-Class. The wider track width at the front axle results in 76 mm more overall width at the front, and the wheelbase has grown by 10 mm.
A new distinguishing feature is slim air outlet in the centre of the bonnet that transitions into the two power domes. Also new is the round badge with a black AMG emblem replaces the Mercedes star with laurel wreath on the bonnet.
The C63S rolls on 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels with staggered tyres sizes. There’s also the option for 20-inch wheels.
Inside, the redesigned second-generation AMG Performance seat is available as an option. Its unique features are the side bolsters with weight-saving openings that also allow better ventilation.
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 standard AMG Performance steering wheel with its twin-spoke design has integrated control buttons to alter driving functions and driving modes.
Adaptive dampers come as standard, so does rear-axle steering. Below 100 km/h, the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction to the front, with a maximum steering angle of 2.5 degrees. Above that speed, the rear wheels turn in parallel to the front by up to 0.7 degrees.
Keyword: RM 375 road tax for 680 PS/1020 Nm - 2023 Mercedes-AMG C63S E Performance revealed