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The 2024 Mercedes-AMG C63 is the first non-V8 version of the C63 in two decades, so is it still a powerhouse?
It’s official – the 2024 Mercedes-AMG C63 has swapped twin-turbo V8 rear-drive power for four-cylinder plug-in hybrid technology.
The new model is the first non-V8 version of the C63 in two decades, and the first with four-cylinder plug-in hybrid electric power.
While enthusiasts might still be coming to terms with the loss of the V8, the new C63 has managed to retain its performance prowess – not only is it more efficient than its predecessor, but it’s also faster.
What’s more, it boasts the world’s most powerful four-cylinder engine, with an F1-derived electric turbocharger.
Whether you’re a current C63 owner or are simply intrigued by the new-generation Mercedes-AMG C63, we thought we’d answer some key questions.
How much does the Mercedes-AMG C63 cost in Australia?
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz C63 comes in one specification – the S E Performance. The four-cylinder sports sedan is priced from $187,900 plus on-road costs – less than the $200,000 previously forecast but close to $20,000 more than its V8 predecessor, which started at $168,176 plus on-road costs.
The new model comes with ample standard features, including a comprehensive list of advanced safety tech, high-resolution digital screens for instruments and infotainment, and a colour head-up display, to name a few. For a full list of pricing and specifications, read our article here.
How much horsepower does the Mercedes-AMG C63 have?
The Mercedes-AMG C63 boasts 671hp, or 500kW of power, while torque is a whopping 1020Nm. Powering the new C63 S E Performance is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, an electric motor, and a 6.1kWh battery pack.
The four-cylinder engine takes the title of the world’s first series-production engine to use an electric exhaust gas turbocharger. Mercedes says the 2.0-litre engine is the most powerful of its kind in the world.
The engine alone generates 350kW at 6750rpm and 545Nm at 5250–5500rpm and employs electric turbocharger technology inspired by Formula One.
A 6.1kWh lithium-ion battery pack mounted above the electric drive unit supplies the electric motor with power and offers 150kW for up to 10 seconds when the driver seeks maximum thrust.
How fast is the Mercedes-AMG C63?
Mercedes-AMG claims that the C63 can travel from 0–100km/h in 3.4 seconds, some sixth-tenths of a second faster than the rear-wheel-drive model it replaces. This vehicle boasts a top speed of 280km/h.
In comparison, the BMW M3 Competition M xDrive travels from 0–100km/h in 3.5 seconds, and has a top speed of 250km/h, while the Audi RS4 Quattro also has a top speed of 250km/h and a 0–100km/h sprint time of 4.1 seconds.
The new-generation C63 ditches the low-voltage 48-volt system seen in the C43, and now runs on the same 400-volt electrical system as the battery. The outcome is eliminating turbo lag, with Mercedes-AMG claiming that the system is able to “maintain boost pressure at all times”.
While the new C63 is the most powerful C-Class ever, it’s also the heaviest, weighing in at 2111kg – up more than 300kg on the previous-generation C63 S, which packed a V8 engine, no hybrid system and no powered front axle.
Is the Mercedes-AMG C63 all-wheel drive?
Yes. While the previous generation was rear-wheel drive, the new model features a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine paired to a 150kW electric motor that sends power to all four wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission.
The 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive (AWD) system offers Drift Mode, which disconnects the front axle while switching the stability control off.
Is the Mercedes-AMG C63 a supercar?
No. The C63 isn’t a supercar but rather known as a high-performance sports sedan. Its rivals include the BMW M3 and the Audi RS4 and it competes in the medium-passenger class.
In comparison, the Audi RS4 starts at $166,100 and has outputs of 331kW/600Nm, while the BMW M3 kicks off from $177,800 for the Competition M xDrive capable of 375kW/650Nm. These figures exclude on-road costs.
While the performance numbers of both of these vehicles are impressive, the C63 outperforms its head-to-head rivals, producing a whopping 500kW and 1020Nm.
The new model is expected to arrive this week, and while we don’t have sales figures based solely on the C63 model, sales for the C-Class were solid in 2023 with 2625 cars sold.
The BMW 3 Series outsold the C-Class with 3147 vehicles sold last year. This figure includes all eight 3 Series models.
When is the new Mercedes-AMG coming out?
The 2024 Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance is available to order now with deliveries starting in Australia this week.
The post No more V8, but is the new Mercedes-AMG C63 still fast? appeared first on Drive.
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