New Mercedes-AMG C63 Due This Year With 550 HP Electrified Four-Pot Engine And Drift Mode?

We’ve known for quite a while now that the new-gen Mercedes-AMG C63 will ditch its meaty twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 for a small four-cylinder engine with electric assistance.

We’ve also suspected that the Affalterbach brand might use the 2.0-liter four-pot powering the latest 45 model range, and it seems that this is indeed the recipe approved for production.

Without revealing their sources, UK’s Car Magazine reports that the new C63’s four-banger will feature an electrically assisted turbo, producing 420 PS (414 HP / 309 kW). The engine will be backed up by a 200 PS (197 HP / 147 kW) electric motor that will function independently from the gearbox, and an integrated starter-generator.

Read Also: 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class – All You Need To Know About The Sedan And Estate

2022 Mercedes-AMG C63 rendering by Xtomi

The plug-in hybrid powertrain will allegedly pump out a combined 550 PS (542 HP / 405 kW) and 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) of torque, sent to an all-wheel-drive system via a nine-speed automatic transmission. The new Mercedes-AMG C63 will also come with a Drift Mode. By comparison, the V8 develops up to 510 PS (503 HP / 375 kW) and 700 Nm (516 lb-ft) in the current generation.

Despite being around 250 kg (550 lbs) heavier than its predecessor, the new electrified setup will allow the 2022 C63 to accelerate to 100 km/h (62 mph) in approximately 3.5 seconds, around 0.5 seconds quicker than before. With the optional AMG Driver’s Pack, the top speed should stand at 291 km/h (181 mph). In addition, the EV driving range under light driving conditions is expected to be around 65 km (40 miles).

The same report also claims that the new C63 will have a perfect 50:50 weight distribution, adaptive suspension, and bigger tires at the back and smaller at the front.

Mercedes-AMG is believed to uncover the C63 4Matic+ EQ Power (name unconfirmed) before the end of the year.