The Mercedes-Benz-AMG C63 has taken on a certain image over the years. What once was a snarling, out-of-control German muscle car, turned into a slightly more civilized performance sedan. The common theme throughout the generations that popularized the high-powered small sedan was the thunderous V-8 under the hood. A big front-engined, rear-wheel-drive sports sedan is what made the AMG C-class soar among enthusiasts. Now though Mercedes-AMG has traded displacement for technology, banking on a tech-enthusiast future. The result is still a bonkers fast little car with enough room for you, your friends, and your stuff.
1 The AMG C63 S Loses Four Cylinders
The Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance will undoubtedly be more fuel efficient now that Mercedes has decided that four cylinders are in and the V-8 is out. Make no mistake, Mercedes-AMG has built a truly remarkable four-cylinder power plant, clearly able to hold its own against the big boys. Technically the new engine is a step forward, but culturally, and experientially it can’t hold a candle to the ferocity of V-8-powered C63s of the past.
2 Mercedes-AMG Has Made AWD Standard On The C63 S E Performance
In an effort to reign in all that power, Mercedes-AMG has gifted the C63 S E Performance with a standard 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive system. In cold weather, and hard acceleration situations this will be a game changer for those wanting to drive their C63 S E Performance year-round, or have wicked launched off the line. This does however mean those wanting to modulate the car’s behavior with the rear tires will have to give up the responsibility for the car’s electronics and all-wheel-drive system.
3 Did The C63 S E-Performance Need A Hybrid System?
Hybrid tech is intriguing, however, the AMG C-Cass isn’t exactly a segment in which many drivers are searching for low displacement/electrified hybrids. Mercedes-AMG feels that packing power into a vehicle by any means necessary will keep the number of hungry buyers interested, and it is probably right. As a sign of the times, trends show that big numbers speak to most of the car market, in some cases for drivers, more really is more all the time.
4 The AMG C63's Pace Comes At The Cost Of Character
It’s not difficult to “go fast” these days. Whether it’s gas-powered or electric (or in this case a bunch of both), the common endpoint is wildly quick 0-60 times, a performance metric that has annoyingly taken over car culture with little regard to other aspects of driving. If the new C63 was less technical, but more emotional in execution, drivers might receive a more complete “AMG” experience rather than just going fast for fast’s sake.
5 The C63 S Is 700 Pounds Heavier Than The BMW M3 Competition!
Because it has become a hybrid, there is now a ton of extra hardware integrated into the vehicle making it much heavier than expected and certainly heavier than its competition. The Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance weighs in at a hefty 4,650 pounds which is about 700 pounds heavier than the current BMW M3 Competition. Some may enjoy a heavier stance in a powerful vehicle, but maybe that should be reserved for an E-Class and up.
6 The “63” In C63 Has Lost Its Value
German cars were famous for letting you know the displacement of the engine in the names of the vehicle themselves. It used to be that the C63 was powered by a 6.3-liter engine, the very engine that gave the car its reputation. Eventually, that displacement decreased, but the car still retained its V-8 engine. Now the displacement and cylinder count has changed leaving the C63 name to rely solely on reputation. Perhaps Mercedes-AMG could have developed their wonderfully sonorous inline-six to create more of a middle ground/transitionary phase. Surely that engine has plenty of life left in it to entertain the gearheads.
7 This AMG Product Has Gone Silent
This is a big one for audiophiles and the main reason enthusiasts interested in such vehicles prefer larger more bombastic engines. While power dense, the new four-cylinder C63 is far too quiet and a massive departure aurally from the C63 it succeeds. The A45/GLA45 has shown that this engine can be somewhat exciting to interact with but with increased noise restrictions stemming from European regulations, the new C63 has been forced to a state of near silence.
8 The C63 Has Swayed From Sportiness To Luxury
Creature comforts are never a bad thing, and to be honest, the interiors of all Mercedes-Benz products lately have really stepped things up. It’s by no means a negative to have a beautifully appointed interior, but this vehicle replaces nearly all of its hard-edged sports car features in favor of niceties more akin to something you’d expect from models higher up in the Mercedes-Benz lineup. The lines are being blurred here where customers are receiving a product with so much isolation trickled down from higher-up models that there isn’t enough emotion coming through to drivers who want to really drive. Emotion is a large aspect of the AMG driving experience, so if customers are paying for that, naturally they will expect enough of it to be present.
9 The New C63 S Looks Like A Sleeper, But Is It A Good Thing?
The C63 S E Performance will undoubtedly shock a ton of drivers and unassuming passengers when they experience the sheer velocity it will produce. Because of the quieter powertrain, and isolated interior, the C63 S E Performance ultimately arrives as a bit of a sleeper which some may grow to really love, while C63 fans of old may disapprove. The C63 should be a bit loud, a bit aggressive, and a bit rude. This is supposed to be Mercedes-AMG’s European muscle car, after all.
10 The C63 S E Performance Doesn't Offer Bang For Your Buck
Estimated to arrive with a starting price of over $90,000, that is far too expensive for a vehicle in this class, especially when competitors offer lighter weight, higher cylinder counts, and equally luxurious interiors. Inevitably owners will tack on options quickly bringing the C63 S E Performance’s price right into Porsche 911 territory, the world standard of a sports car. The C63 S E Performance may be trying to punch a bit above its class all in the name of tech.
FAQ
Q: When is the Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance available?
The Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance should arrive at dealerships mid 2023 as a 2024 model.
Q: How fast is the Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance?
The Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance can accelerate from 0-60 miles per hour in 3.0 seconds and reach a top speed of 174 miles per hour.
Q: What powers the Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance?
The Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance is powered by a 2.0 liter inline-4 cylinder engine paired with an electric motor to produce a combined output of 671 horsepower and a very impressive 752 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent through a 9-speed automatic transmission for the gasoline engine and a 2-speed unit for the electric motor.
Q: How much does the Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance cost?
The Mercedes-Benz-AMG C63 S E Performance is expected to cost a very spicy $90,000+ when it arrives.
Q: Is the Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance as rowdy as older generations?
Straight line acceleration for the C63 has never been better but with a near silent powertrain and standard all-wheel-drive, don’t expect any theatrics of C63s past.
Q: What happened to the V-8 model?
Mercedes-AMG is doubling down on electrification and combustion engine displacement reduction in hopes of a cleaner, more efficient future.