Perhaps it is true the only constant in life is change - and this happens in a big way with the new Mercedes-AMG C63 S E. The traditional V8 grunt gives way to a turbo-charged 2,0-litre four-pot engine with an electric motor in tandem.
The two-speed electric motor is positioned on the rear axle to support the 2,0-litre turbo engine that is mounted longitudinally at the front to provide 500 kW power and 1 020 Nm torque.
Power delivery and torque build-up occur without delay. As in Formula 1, the electric support of the exhaust gas turbocharger eliminates the turbo lag of the combustion engine, while simultaneously, the electric drive pushes powerfully from a standstill.
For the first time in a C 63, the fully variable all-wheel drive AMG Performance 4MATIC+ transfers the drive power to the road and includes drift mode for even more driving pleasure. Added to this is the standard-fit active rear-axle steering, another unique feature in this segment.
The introduction of the C 63 S E Performance engine spells a new chapter in the brand history. Even 55 years after its inception, AMG continues to show the courage and the will to realise innovative and unique products.
“The new C 63 is a real game-changer. With its revolutionary concept, it brings a completely new approach to the segment, which until now has been primarily characterised by the promise of pure performance.
“With a maximum system output of 500 kW, we do indeed keep this promise. But the intelligent P3 hybrid concept offers much more. I am sure that with this technology, which incorporates a lot of know-how from Formula 1, we will also appeal to a new group of customers," says Philipp Schiemer, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.
The new C 63 design sees the front-end length increase by 50 millimetres and the front wings wider. In terms of length, the Saloon measures an extra 83 millimetres. The wider track width at the front axle results in 76 millimetres more overall width at the front, and the wheelbase has grown by 10 millimetres.
For the first time on a Mercedes-AMG production model, a round badge with a black AMG emblem replaces the Mercedes star with a laurel wreath on the bonnet.
Inside are AMG sports seats with a unique upholstery layout and a distinctive stitching pattern - although there are also many individual choices available for the interior.
The eight AMG Dynamic Select drive programs: Electric, Comfort, Battery Hold, Sport, Sport+, RACE, Slippery, and Individual, are tailored to the new drive technology and offer a precise, wide range of driving experiences – from efficient to dynamic.
The drive programs adjust parameters such as the response of the drive system and transmission, the steering characteristics, the suspension damping or the sound. The boost power of the electric motor also depends on the selected drive program. However, the 150-kW peak power can be activated, at any time, via the kick-down function.
The standard rear axle steering operates with a maximum steering angle of 2,5 degrees. Up to this point, the rear wheels invert to the front wheels at speeds of up to 100 km/h (variable depending on the AMG Dynamics setting).
Thus, this leads to a virtual shortening of the wheelbase sequentially, resulting in a significantly more agile turn-in, less steering effort and improved manoeuvrability. At speeds above 100 km/h (variable depending on the AMG Dynamics setting), on the other hand, the rear wheels turn in parallel to the front wheels – up to a maximum of 0,7 degrees.
