The Mercedes-AMG C63 has always been a rather sought-after car thanks to its devilish good looks, impressive packaging, and thunderous V8 power plant.
Sadly, the age of large motors is fast coming to an end – the next AMG-C63 will be the next victim of downsizing. Now a hybrid, the C63 ditches its V8 for a highly-strung and veritably potent four-cylinder turbo-petrol and electric motor combo.
Over this past weekend, the next iteration of the C63 nameplate was unveiled, and it really is quite something… As the saying goes, it’s not the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the dog. That hits close to home with the new C63 because while it might not have that brawny V8, the M139, Merc’s 2,0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder, pumps out 310 kW and 500 N.m! The M139 has been previously fitted to the A45, CLA45, and GLA45, but none of them had as much power as the one found in the new C63. Don’t forget that hybrid power, because when coupled with a 149 kW EV motor on the rear axle, the total output in the new C63 sits at around 500 kW and 749 N.m! The nine-speed MCT Speedshift gearbox will also do duty in the new C63.
Downsizing can be seen across the automotive industry, however it’s important to bear in mind that performance cars still need to be just that – performance cars. This shift towards smaller and more efficient powertrains comes as a result of the mounting pressures placed on manufacturers through emissions regulations. Mercedes-AMG has stated that as a significant driving force in the adoption of a smaller motor for the W206 C63. Another variation of this small engine big power theme can be seen in the Mercedes-AMG ONE hypercar.
Compared to the outgoing C63 models, the next generation drums them in terms of pure power. Fewer cylinders mean less weight, and the M139 weighs 48 kg less than the V8 found in the current model. All the added goodies and revisions in the upcoming C63 mean that its centre of gravity and weight have both significantly changed. It’s possible that the lowered weight and size of the power plant could aid in body control and agility. It will also borrow some of the hugely impressive all-wheel-drive architecture found in the E63. Visually it’s a pretty similar recipe to what we are used to – vented vertical grilles (aka Panamericana grille), quad exit exhausts, and aggressive alloy wheels still feature. Its burly and intimidating heritage is fully present in the new model.
This generation of the C63 will go on sale towards the end of 2022. As ever, it has its sights set on BMW’s new G80 M3 which it already outclasses in the power stakes.
