Mercedes-AMG introduces hybridised four-cylinder C63
BY PETER BARNWELL
SHOCK, horror, Mercedes-AMG is turning its back on ICE cars and is having a bet each way with the latest C63 hybrid petrol/electric performance sedan and wagon with a four-cylinder engine boosted by an electric traction motor.
The legendary C63 (also coupe and cabrio later on) loses its V8 heart moving this time around to 2.0-litre turbo petrol power with a secondary, integrated electric motor down on the rear axle.
The good news is this combo achieves performance well over and above any of the previous ICE cars.
Just as shocking to AMG C63 fans will be the disappearance of rear wheel drive replaced by an all-wheel drive system.
It’s a huge step away from the original C63 front-mounted V8/rear-wheel drive formula so popular with die-hard hi-po saloon car enthusiasts and the ‘63’ in the name has absolutely nothing at all to do with anything.
Apart from undoubted super-car performance with the new powertrain, importantly, the new ‘green’ Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E Performance is capable of a combined fuel consumption of 6.9 litres per 100km with combined CO2 emissions of 156g/km along with electricity consumption of 11.7kWh/100km. All figures are way less than the outgoing V8 which really did like a drink (of 98 PULP).
All this news comes as a real game changer in the 55-year history of AMG.
The performance outfit utilised technologies and state of the art know-how from Formula 1 for the new C63.
The car has a two-speed electric motor positioned on the rear axle to support the 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine mounted longitudinally at the front.
AMG says this is the most powerful production four-cylinder in the world rated at a specific output of 176kW per litre, an unheard-of number just a few short years ago and indicative of the high-end metallurgy, engineering and advanced design used within the car’s engine.
Mercedes-AMG says: “Power delivery and torque build-up occur spontaneously and without delay.”
“As in Formula 1, electric support of the turbocharger eliminates turbo lag in the combustion engine, while at the same time the electric drive pushes powerfully from a standstill. The electric powertrain and the high-performance battery with 400 volts are AMG-exclusive, in-house developments.”
Again, as in F1, the battery is designed for fast power output and draw with innovative direct cooling of the cells. The combined system output is 500kW with maximum system torque 1020Nm both numbers completely out punching the previous ICE C63…. by a long shot.
That car was good for 375kW and 700Nm from a 4.0-litre twin turbo V8 petrol engine driving the rear wheels through a nine-speed automated gearbox.
It was easily capable of a sub-5.0-second 0-100km/h sprint going as low as 4.3 seconds on some variants.
The latest C63 hybrid model will no doubt eclipse that though significantly more weight may tell against it. AMG is claiming a 0-100 km/h sprint in 3.4 seconds and an electronically governed top speed of 280km/h.
The new model has a fully variable all-wheel drive system called AMG Performance 4Matic+ that includes a Drift Mode for fun at the track. Going further down the sports driving path is active rear axle steering as standard.
Mercedes-AMG Chief Technical Officer, Jochen Hermann said: “With its Performance hybrid drive and electrically assisted exhaust turbocharger, the new C63 S E Performance is a technological masterpiece that takes a new approach.”
“The electrified powertrain offers a whole new driving experience. The immediate response of the electric drive at the rear axle, the rapid torque build-up as well as the fast power output and draw of our battery are very special features.
“Add to this the standard-fit rear axle steering and the fully variable all-wheel drive with Drift Mode – the new C63 once again illustrates the high level of technical expertise that AMG possesses.”
Eight AMG Dynamic Select driving modes – Electric, Comfort, Battery Hold, Sport, Sport+, Race, Slippery and Individual – are available.
Mercedes-AMG says the design of the new C63 S differs from that of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class in its more muscular proportions. The Saloon (sedan) and Estate (wagon) models are both based on an extensively modified AMG body shell.
The front end is 50mm longer and the front wings are wider. All in all, the overall exterior dimensions differ considerably from those of the regular C-Class. In terms of length, the Saloon and Estate measure an extra 83mm.
The wider track width at the front axle results in 76mm more overall width at the front. And the wheelbase has grown by 10mm. The effect is to give new C63 S a powerful, stretched and muscular look.
Matching side skirts, the rear apron with large diffuser as well as the two trapezoidal, externally ribbed dual tailpipe trims round off the design.
Exclusive details at the rear include the special airflow breakaway edge on the boot lid (roof spoiler on the Estate), the plug-in charging flap and the model designation set against a red background. The E Performance badge on the wings indicates the hybrid drive.
The C63 S rolls on 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels and mixed tyres as standard. Optional wheel/tyre combinations are available in 20-inch size, likewise with mixed tyres, among them a new forged wheel.
Inside are AMG sports seats with special upholstery layout and a distinctive stitching pattern. Many individual choices are available for the interior.
Exclusive colours and various nappa leather upholsteries with an embossed AMG emblem in the front head restraints serve to emphasise either the sporty or the luxurious side of the C63 S.
The appearance of the instrument cluster can be personalised with different display styles and individually selectable main views.
No prices yet but will be available closer to the Australian launch.
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