Mercedes-AMG C63 E-Performance 2023: what to expect from the new German autobahn king

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Mercedes-AMG has teased that the new electrified C63 will be unveiled in Europe on September 21. 

The BMW M3 and Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio competitor looks set to be a significant departure from the outgoing W205 series car and, most crucially, will very likely go without its traditional V8 motivation. 

So what does Mercedes-AMG have in store for its next flagship high-performance sedan?

What we know so far about the next C63

The W206 Mercedes-AMG C63 is set to be a significant departure from the nameplate we know and love. 

Most notably, the new C63 is not likely to be powered by a V8 engine for the first time in its history. That means that the 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine that has graced the model since 2015 is rumoured to be replaced by a smaller electrified hybrid powertrain. 

As part of Mercedes-AMG’s future powertrain strategy, the configuration could well be a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with electric assistance. 

The engine in question could well be the M139 turbocharged four-cylinder used in the current Mercedes-AMG A45 S. In this setup, the engine makes 310kW/500Nm, however AMG claims that the unit used in the new C63 could make around 500kW of power with 150kW coming from the electric motor. 

The outgoing Mercedes-AMG C63 S has outputs of 375kW/700Nm, so this new turbo-four powertrain with electrified assistance will easily eclipse these figures.

Electrification for the new C63

As illustrated by imagery published by Mercedes-AMG a year ago, the turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the C63 E Performance could be assisted by an electric motor on the rear axle, along with an ‘AMG High Performance’ battery pack sitting at the rear of the vehicle. 

The motor will have a two-speed transmission as well as an e-limited-slip differential. The longitudinally mounted 2.0-litre petrol engine drives the rear wheels through a nine-speed MCT automatic transmission. 

However, it’s also possible  that the new C63 could go all-wheel drive for the very first time. 

The battery used in the new Mercedes-AMG C63 E Performance will be pretty small at just 6.1kWh in size and will weigh 89kg. It’ll be able to provide 70kW of continuous power and a peak power output of 150kW. 

And if you want to charge the new C63, you will be able to do so, at a maximum rate of 3.7kW on an AC home charger. 

The sound of the new C63 E Performance

One of the things that people are most disappointed about is the potential loss of the C63’s traditional signature V8 rumble. 

However, Mercedes-AMG has been working hard to create a synthetic sound experience that uses both a sound generator and the cabin speakers. 

And while that might sound a bit sad on paper, the wizards at AMG will surely make something special out of what they’ve got. We look forward to hearing it in the coming months. 

Isn’t Mercedes-AMG committed to the V8 engine until 2030?

Despite widespread speculation that the W206 C63 will go turbo-four hybrid power, it’s feasible bent-eight power, albeit electrified, could remain. 

Mercedes-Benz’s vice president for vehicle development Joerg Bartels has told the media that AMG will continue to use its 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 until consumers no longer demand that specific engine option. 

For halo models such as the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance four-door, AMG has kept the V8 engine alive by adding hybrid tech. There’s a possibility that this powertrain could well fit a C-Class format. 

This particular model uses the same 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine but with an additional 150kW of electric power on the rear end to make total outputs of 620kW of power  and 1400Nm of torque. 

Expect this hybrid V8 setup to be offered in exclusive AMG products in the future.