2023 Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Efficiency – the V8 is gone; new 2.0L PHEV serves up 680 PS and 1,020 Nm

That is it, the all-new Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Efficiency. Primarily based on the present W206 Mercedes-Benz C-Class and launched within the 12 months AMG celebrates its fifty fifth birthday, the most recent C63 marks a radical departure from a well-known formulation and can proceed to be provided in sedan and wagon types.

As a begin, the brand new C63 S doesn’t include a V8 engine like its predecessors. As a substitute, the sports activities sedan options the M139l (l for longitudinal set up) that can also be utilized by the C43 and SL43, albeit additional developed to make it probably the most highly effective four-cylinder engine on this planet.

Sure, it’s simply 4 cylinders and there’s solely 2.0 litres of displacement, however the C63 S’ M139l churns out a mighty 476 PS (469 hp or 350 kW) at 6,725 rpm and 545 Nm of torque from 5,250 to five,500 rpm. That’s greater than the opposite M139l-equipped vehicles and even the A45 S, which is powered by the transverse-mounted M139.

To attain these figures, the carmaker drew upon its System 1 know-how and included an electrical exhaust gasoline turbocharger, the place an electrical motor round 4 cm skinny is built-in immediately on the turbocharger shaft between the turbine wheel on the exhaust aspect and the compressor wheel on the consumption aspect.

This spins the shaft to generate increase nicely earlier than the exhaust gasoline circulation takes over, which the corporate says improves response and permits larger torque to be accessed at low revs. Within the C43 and SL43, the electrical turbo operates on a 48-volt delicate hybrid system, however the C63 S kicks issues up a notch with 400-volt system. Moreover, there’s additionally a bigger turbocharger, which allows a better airflow price for extra energy, though the engine’s compression ratio is lowered from 10:1 to 9:1 to just accept the extra increase.

One other facet of the engine is a belt-driven starter generator (RSG) that mixes an alternator and starter in a single part. Working on the identical 400-volt structure, the RSG serves to begin the engine and energy A belt-driven starter generator (RSG) combines an alternator and starter in a single part. ancillary elements similar to air-conditioning or driving lights.

The engine sends drive to all 4 wheels by way of an AMG Efficiency 4Matic+ absolutely variable all-wheel drive system and a nine-speed automated gearbox with a moist multi-plate clutch – replaces the torque converter – that’s marketed because the AMG Speedshift MCT 9G.

In consequence, that is the primary time the C63 will get all-wheel drive, which is one thing its rivals just like the BMW M3 and Audi RS4 Avant are providing. Like its bigger sibling, the E63, there’s a Drift mode that decouples the entrance axle to make atomising tyres quite a bit simpler.

For much more efficiency, the C63 S additionally will get an electrical drive unit (EDU) to type what the corporate calls a P3 hybrid format. The EDU options an electrical motor positioned on the rear axle that’s rated at 204 PS (201 hp or 150 kW) and 320 Nm and built-in with a two-speed gearbox (the second gear comes into play past 138 km/h) in addition to an electronically managed rear axle differential lock.

With the C63 S’ M139l and EDU, the whole system output is a monstrous 680 PS (671 hp or 500 kW) and 1,020 Nm. That’s greater than the earlier, W204-based C63 S that manages simply 510 PS (500 hp or 380 kW) and 700 Nm from its “vintage” 4.0 litre twin-turbo V8. It also needs to be famous that there received’t be a non-S C63 base variant for this technology.

With all that energy on faucet, the C63 S in each physique kinds takes simply 3.4 seconds to get from 0-100 km/h – 0.6 seconds sooner than the earlier C63 S. The highest pace is capped at 250 km/h, however this may be raised to 280 km/h (sedan) or 270 km/h (wagon) with the optionally available AMG Driver’s Package deal.

Turning our consideration again to the EDU, the system is much like the one used within the V8-powered GT63 S E Performance, and we’ve already been launched to it when the corporate detailed its E Performance strategy last year. In operation, the electrical motor acts immediately on the rear axle so as to add to the propulsion energy, with all 204 PS obtainable to supply a short lived increase for as much as 10 seconds.

Nonetheless, within the occasion there’s slip detected on the rear, the electrical motor may ship energy to the opposite finish by way of a mechanical connection to the all-wheel drive system by way of a cardan shaft and the drive shafts of the entrance wheels. This additionally means all-wheel drive is all the time obtainable, even when the engine isn’t working.

Don’t count on a lot in the best way of electric-only vary although, because the C63 S solely has a lithium-ion battery with an power capability of 6.1 kWh that’s good for simply 13 km. Weighing in at 89 kg, the battery can ship a steady output of 70 kW and 150 kW, the latter for 10 seconds as talked about earlier.

Made up of 560 cells which might be individually cooled, the entire module is linked to the engine’s cooling system to take care of an optimum working temperature window averaging 45 levels Celsius for constant efficiency when charging or discharging power. The AMG high-performance battery (HPB), together with the electrical management unit, is stacked on prime of the electrical motor and transmission to type a compact unit that suggestions the scales at 250 kg.

Customers can cost the battery by way of the three.7-kW onboard AC charger, however the firm has made it clear that efficiency, not effectivity, is the first objective of the EDU. There are 4 regeneration modes to maintain the battery consumed the transfer, with Stage 3 permitting for greater than 100 kW of power to be recuperated.

In the meantime, there are twice the variety of modes within the AMG Dynamic Choose system: Electrical, Consolation, Battery Maintain, Sport, Sport+, Race, Slippery and Particular person. The primary is self-explanatory, permitting for all-electric driving at speeds of as much as 125 km/h, whereas Battery Maintain retains the battery state of cost at a continuing.

Sport and Sport+ varies the interplay of the engine and electrical motor, with the latter offering as much as 80% electrical increase. In Race mode, the system ensures that the battery capability by no means drops under 30% so 100% of electrical increase is out there. Slippery mode dulls issues all the way down to make issues extra manageable, whereas Particular person is for personalised settings.

Shifting past the technically spectacular drivetrain, the C63 S is provided as customary with AMG Journey Management steel-spring suspension with Adaptive Damping System, the latter that includes remote-reservoir dampers with a strong piston and electrohydraulic exterior valves.

There’s additionally three-stage variable steering that will increase or decreases steering energy help based mostly on the chosen drive mode. Rear axle steering can also be customary, enabling the rear wheels to steer at an angle of as much as 2.5 levels at speeds of as much as 100 km/h. Past that pace level, the angle is lowered to a most attainable of 0.7 levels.

AMG Dynamics can also be a part of the usual specification, permitting drivers to regulate how a lot the Digital Stability Programme (ESP) intervenes based mostly on the chosen drive mode on the time, with Grasp permitting for max agility if you understand what you’re doing.

To decelerate the C63 S, the automobile will get the AMG high-performance composite brake system made up of six-piston mounted calipers on the entrance and one-piston floating calipers on the rear – the corporate additionally a carbon-ceramic system as an choice. Highly effective brakes are crucial because the C63 S, even with its downsized engine and comparatively light-weight EDU, has a kerb weight of two,111 kg (2,145 kg for the wagon), which is about 300 kg greater than its V8-powered predecessor.

As for the appears to be like, it’s the W206 that we’re all conversant in, however with AMG-specific touches to amp up the visible presence. The entrance finish is 50 mm longer and the entrance wings are wider, whereas the bonnet will get a slim air outlet in between the facility bulges. A black AMG emblem can also be used for the primary time on a Mercedes-AMG mannequin, changing the Mercedes-Benz star with a laurel wreath on the bonnet.

The bumper can also be distinctive to the C63 S, that includes massive inlets, flics and air curtains to channel air to particular areas. Behind the Panamericana radiator grille are two electronically managed Air Panels to manage air circulation into the engine bay.

Facet skirts are additionally a part of the outside design, with the rear apron receiving a outstanding diffuser and trapezoidal-shaped exhaust shops. Additionally standing out are the big boot lid spoiler (the wagon will get a roof spoiler) and E Efficiency badge on the fenders beneath the aspect scuttles. The corporate presents 19-inch wheels as customary, however these will be upgraded to 20-inch models, and there are quite a few paint finishes and different personalisation choices obtainable.

Inside, AMG sports activities seats are customary and will be changed with the second-generation AMG Efficiency seats, with Nappa leather-based upholstery and contrasting accents. There’s additionally the AMG Efficiency steering wheel and AMG-specific shows for the Mercedes-Benz Person Expertise (MBUX) infotainment system that continues to function twin shows.

With all mentioned and finished, what do you consider the brand new C63 S E Efficiency? Does its complicated and extremely electrified powertrain make up for the dearth of a V8? Tell us your ideas within the feedback under.