C 63 has nose for a powerful Performance

Mercedes-AMG has detailed the all-new C 63 – yes, the one without a V8, writes

Mercedes-AMG has revealed the new C 63 and, even though it doesn’t have a

V8, it will still be an absolute monster.

Now called C 63 S E Performance, the range-topping C-Class gets the 2.0-litre turbo four from the A 45 S, reworked and tweaked to produce an astounding 350kW, plus a maximum torque of 545Nm.

That power figure is already on par with the old C 63 (albeit not the ‘‘S’’ version) and firmly cements the engine as the most powerful production fourcylinder in the works.

The engine is mounted longitudinally and uses an electric turbocharger with technology derived from AMG’s Formula 1 efforts. Compared with the C 43, the turbocharger is ‘‘significantly’’ larger, which should hopefully result in some epic spooling and blow-off sounds.

AMG has also added a plug-in hybrid electrical system to the mix, here comprising a rear-mounted electric motor.

Total power output is a huge 500kW/1020Nm, enough to sling the four-door to 100kph in 3.4 seconds, also thanks to 4Matic all-wheeldrive providing plenty of grip.

That sprint time is even more impressive when you consider the fact the car weighs more than 2.1 tonnes.

When it comes to sound, AMG’s engineers know that a V8 is a pretty tough thing to beat. As such, they’ve given the new C 63 a proper noise worthy of the AMG badge.

A pressure sensor in the exhaust records and enriches the sound before it is piped back into the cabin and through the external speakers used for the Acoustic Vehicle Alerting system that operates at low speeds under electric power. AMG does say the sound is not synthesised or altered, merely amplified, so it should be quite grunty.

Under the skin is a new 400-volt, 6.1kWh high-performance battery, also from F1. The battery weighs just 89kg, offering a power density of 1.7kW/kg.

Don’t expect much electric range, though, as Mercedes says the battery was designed for fast power delivery and draw, not for the longest possible range. As such, you should get about 13km of EV driving between charges.

According to the manufacturer, the battery has new cooling modules that allow it to always operate at about 45C, which lets it consistently work at its peak while both discharging and recharging power. The rear motor produces 150kW/320Nm and works with a two-speed gearbox and electronically controlled limitedslip differential. Second gear engages by 140kph ‘‘at the latest’’, which means in Race mode while absolutely booting it.

There are eight drive modes in the C 63 S E Performance: Electric, Comfort, Battery Hold, Sport, Sport+ and Race, as well as Slippery mode, which reduces power and flattens the torque curve, and Individual mode for customisation of the drive, transmission, suspension, steering and exhaust system.

Rear-wheel steering is standard. At speeds up to 100kph they turn opposite to the front wheels by up to 2.5 degrees, artificially shortening the wheelbase for better agility. At speeds over 100kph they turn the same way up to 0.7 degrees for more stability.

Finally, an AMG composite braking system is standard, using six-piston calipers on the front discs. The electric recuperation system can claw back up to 150kW of energy under braking as well.

The C 63 S E Performance hasn’t been priced locally yet, but there’s a high chance it will arrive in New Zealand in the next year or so.