During the 24-hour Nurburging race last weekend, Mercedes-AMG unveiled a lightly disguised near-production prototype of the upcoming C63, with its redesigned arrow and a highly powerful e-performance plug-in with a four-cylinder engine replay. Good old V8.
Starting with the specification, the combined output of PHEV is an impressive 661 hp (500 kW / 670 PS) and 750 Nm (553 lb-ft) of torque. Despite having half the capacity and half the cylinders, it represents a significant increase from the 500 hp (380 kW / 510 PS) of the previous generation C63’s twin-turbo V8. This makes the new C63 much more powerful than its main rival, the BMW M3, which is not electrified.
See also: 2023 Mercedes-AMG C43 loses 4Matic V6 but gets 402HP kick from 4-Cyl electric turbo
According to Autocar, the plug-in hybrid powertrain has a longitudinal-mounted 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a 48V mild-hybrid system and electric turbo producing 464 hp (350 kW / 470 PS), also a rear-mounted Electric. The motor produces an additional 198 hp (150 kW / 201 PS). Power is transmitted to the four wheels via a nine-speed torque converter with automatic gearbox and rear biased 4matic system. No word on battery power or electrical range, but PHEV must 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 at SL43 and C43, an evolution of the M139 from A45 / CLA 45 / GLA 45. It weighs 48.5 kg (107 lb) less than the outgoing V8, with less pressure on the front axle, while less gravity contributes to the center.
In terms of design, the C63 is the most aggressive C-Class but thanks to a newly designed bodykit compared to the already sporty-looking C43. The changes focus on new front bumpers with different AMG-style intakes, large quad exhaust pipes in the rear diffuser, and black alloy wheel shades on the Pilot Sport 4S tires. We also expect more focused suspension setups and beaver brakes for sports sedans which are the fastest of its kind.
Judging from the spy shots, the C63 sedan and Estate bodystyle will be available in both cases, as opposed to the BMW M3 sedan / Turing and the Audi RS4 Avant. The Mercedes-AMG C63 seems to be very close to production, so the official premiere could be in the coming months, with the market expected to launch in 2023.
