It’s fair to say that Mercedes-AMG’s decision to drop a V8 from the next-generation C 63 and replace it with a turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid has rubbed many people the wrong way. Anyone who watches this video may feel their disappointment growing.
The Mercedes-AMG C 63 has long been one of the automaker’s best-sounding models. The 6.2-liter naturally-aspirated V8 used by the W204-generation model certainly sounded the best but even as the W205 model downsized to a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8, AMG’s engineers were able to give it a thunderous soundtrack. The same cannot be said about the 2023 model.
A handful of prototypes were recently spied testing near and at the Nurburgring and to describe the car’s sound as ‘muted’ would be an understatement. Much of the video shows the C 63 cruising but at the times where the throttle is opened, the car still fails to provide engine or exhaust notes that are even faintly exciting.
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For what the new C 63 lacks in sound, it should make up for in performance. Indeed, Mercedes-AMG has already confirmed that the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder will work alongside a 48-volt mild-hybrid system to deliver 464 hp. Providing the sedan with some added oomph will be an electric motor with 198 hp. The car will also come exclusively with a rear-biased 4Matic system and a nine-speed automatic transmission.
Powertrain aside, the new C63 is shaping up to be quite the look. It will come with revised front and rear fascias and benefit from flared wheel arches. The rear of this prototype looks particularly mean thanks to the angular taillights and the pronounced diffuser. AMG’s characteristic quad tailpipes are also visible.
Mercedes-Benz will sell the new C 63 in sedan and estate guises but it is unclear if the current coupe and cabriolet variants will continue through to the next-generation model.