Mercedes-AMG C63 S E-Performance 2024: hybrid lands in Australia in January; priced at $187,900

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Mercedes-AMG has announced full pricing and details for its long-awaited C63 S E-Performance hyper-sedan, with order books opening from December 7^th for what is the world’s most-powerful production four-cylinder vehicle.  

Now featuring a hybrid drivetrain for the first time, the much-anticipated vehicle – which we Chasing Cars reviewed overseas early this year – will finally hit Aussie shores next year and will be priced from $187,900 before on road costs, with first deliveries set for January 2024.

Initially expected to launch in Australia mid-2023 and revealed over a year ago, the launch of the C63 S E-Performance will mark the first time in its history that the C63 has not been powered by a V8 engine, now replaced with a 2.0-litre turbo-charged four-cylinder with PHEV, mated with the performance sedan’s all-wheel-drive system.

Plug-in hybrid power joins the C63 ranks for the first time

The engine itself, which was already the most powerful four-pot in the world in its base petrol form used in the Mercedes-AMG A45 S, is made even more powerful with the addition of a hybrid system or ‘Electric Drive Unit’ as Mercedes-AMG calls it, which sees a two-speed electric motor positioned on the rear axle. 

All up the hybrid powertrain, which Mercedes says was “inspired by technology transferred directly from Formula One”, delivers a mammoth 500kW or power and 1020Nm of torque, making for a claimed 0-100km/h time of 3.4 seconds. 

The automaker says that the battery, which weighs 89kg and can generate a peak power output of 150kW, “has been designed for fast power delivery and draw, rather than the longest possible driving range.” 

The E-Performance can operate in all-electric drive mode for up to 15km and at speeds of up to 125km/h.

As well as this, the E-Performance’s battery can also store recuperated energy – with four stages of regenerative braking available including the option of one pedal driving – or draw electric power from an external charger via an onboard charging port.

Significantly, Mercedes says the hybrid system also contributes to the handling, noting that instead of braking intervention from the ESP, the electric motor can control traction when too much slip is detected from a wheel. 

It does this by reducing the drive torque of the electric motor that is transferred to the relevant wheel via the rear LSD, which either avoids or delays any intervention from the ESP.

Also of note is the fact that while the electric motor is positioned on the rear axle, all-wheel drive is still available even if the car is operating in electric-only mode, with the electric motor able to transmit power to the front wheels via the propellor and drive shafts if the rear wheels have too much slip.

The tech-heavy vehicle will also receive several new features including two C63-firsts in the form of standard active rear-axle steering and a selectable drift mode.

Will AMG diehards accept a hybrid-four-cylinder C63?

There is already a four-cylinder AMG C-Class in the ranks in the C63’s less-powerful C43 sibling, however the new C63 marks the first time the range-pinnacle will feature a four-pot.

Recently, rumours circulated that Mercedes-AMG was already considering relenting on its downsizing decision following backlash from its hardcore community, however subsequent reports by European media have since quashed these rumours which were labelled as “nonsense” in further coverage by overseas media.

Despite the pragmatic decision to downsize in the face of ever-tightening emissions regulations, a key sticking point for AMG diehards is of course how a four-cylinder will match the aural-identity that the V8 C63’s brought with them.

However, as previously reported, Mercedes promises an “authentic AMG sound experience for vehicle inhabitants”, made possible via a pressure sensor in the exhaust system which the brand says is further enriched before entering the cabin through the entertainment sound system where it can also be modified in intensity.

What else can we expect in the new C63?

As well as this, exterior changes include a unique air outlet at the centre of the bonnet and a round badge with AMG logo instead of the traditional Mercedes star on the bonnet, and a new AMG-specific radiator grille.

As well as this, the car also gains two electronically controlled air panels behind the radiator grille and in the front apron, two trapezoidal dual tailpipe trims, and an ‘E Performance’ badge on the wings as well as a plug-in charging flap.

Inside the performance sedan receives AMG sports seats as standard as well as the latest MBUX multimedia system incorporating various AMG- and hybrid-specific displays and functions.

Drivers will also be able to choose the level of regeneration for the hybrid system using buttons on the steering wheel.

Other standard equipment for the C63 S E-Performance includes:

Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance: prices in Australia

All prices listed are before on-road costs.

• C63 S E Performance: $187,900