During the 24 Hours of the Nürburgring race last weekend, Mercedes-AMG presented a lightly camouflaged near-production prototype of the upcoming C63, flaunting its redesigned aero and the immensely powerful E Performance plug-in-hybrid powertrain with a four-cylinder engine replacing the good-old V8.
Starting with the specifications, the combined output of the PHEV is an impressive 661 hp (500 kW / 670 PS) and 750 Nm (553 lb-ft) of torque. This represents a significant increase over the 500 hp (380 kW / 510 PS) of the previous generation C63’s twin-turbo V8, despite having half the capacity and half the cylinders. It also makes the new C63 a lot more powerful than its main rival, the BMW M3, which remains non-electrified.
See Also: 2023 Mercedes-AMG C43 4Matic Loses V6 But Gets 402HP Kick From 4-Cyl Electric Turbo
As reported by Autocar, the plug-in hybrid powertrain comprises a longitudinally-mounted 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a 48V mild-hybrid system and electric turbo producing 464 hp (350 kW / 470 PS), plus a rear-mounted electric motor producing an extra 198 hp (150 kW / 201 PS). Power is sent to all four wheels through a nine-speed torque converter automatic gearbox and the rear-biased 4Matic system. There is no word on the battery capacity or the electric range but the PHEV will certainly come with a zero-emission driving mode.
The ICE found under the bonnet of the C63 is a more powerful version of the M139l unit that debuted in the SL 43 and the C43, which in turn was an evolution of the M139 from the A45 / CLA 45 / GLA 45. It weighs 48.5 kg (107 pounds) less than the outgoing V8, putting less pressure on the front axle, while contributing to a lower center of gravity.
Design-wise, the C63 is the most aggressive C-Class yet thanks to a redesigned bodykit compared to the already sporty-looking C43. Changes are focused on the new front bumper with different AMG-style intakes, the larger quad exhaust pipes on the rear diffuser, and the new set of black alloy wheels shod in Pilot Sport 4S tires. We also expect a more focused suspension setup and beefier brakes for the sports sedan which could be the fastest of its kind.
Judging from the spy shots, the C63 will be available in both sedan and estate bodystyles, going against the BMW M3 Sedan/Touring and the Audi RS4 Avant. The Mercedes-AMG C63 seems to be very close to production, so the official premiere could take place sometime in the coming months, with a market launch expected in 2023.
