What is it?
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is the entry point into the German brand’s sedan lineup, delivering the style and premium experience expected of a Mercedes. However, there is one member of the C-Class model range that is anything but entry-level – that would be the new AMG C63 S E Performance sedan. With a luxurious cabin and a powerful plug-in hybrid powertrain, the C63 is a proper AMG sports sedan.
Test Vehicle
For this review, Mercedes-Benz provided me with a 2024 Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Sedan, painted in Moonlight White Metallic. The extensive options list on this vehicle included Black/Titan Gray Pearl Nappa Leather trim with Red stitching, AMG Carbon Fiber trim, 20-inch AMG Forged Multispoke Y-Design wheels, AMG Performance Design package, AMG Night package, AMG Performance Steering Wheel, and the Driver Assistance package. The total manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) was $101,950, including the $1,150 destination charge.
Standout Styling
At first glance, the C63 looks like a standard Mercedes-Benz C-Class, but upon closer inspection, it’s clear that this sedan is something special. The AMG C63 S features an extensively modified AMG body shell with a front end that stretches out two inches longer – overall, the C63 is 3.3 inches longer than a standard C-Class. Front fenders are noticeably wider, with a 3-inch wider track at the front. Most telling is the AMG-specific grille with vertical struts and a first on an AMG production model – the Mercedes-Benz star emblem on the hood is replaced by a black AMG emblem.
More AMG Goodness
The telltale AMG cues continue along the silhouette with aerodynamic side skirts and the turbo e-performance badge ahead of the front door. The rear bumper flows into the large diffuser and integrated quad tailpipes, while the C63 is further differentiated with a unique rear decklid spoiler. The model designation is set against a red background, which indicates the vehicle’s electrified nature. Completing the look on my test vehicle were the optional 20-inch AMG wheels.
AMG Handling
Mercedes-AMG models are the most powerful in the lineup, but they are about more than just going fast in a straight line. The C63 is no exception. The standard AMG RIDE CONTROL with Adaptive Damping System adjusts the damping at each wheel to provide excellent driving dynamics while still offering up a comfortable ride for those long cruises – this is a Mercedes, after all. Adding to the vehicle’s agility is the rear axle steering, which can turn up to 2.5 degrees – at slower speeds, turning opposite the front for better maneuverability while turning in the same direction at higher speed for improved agility and stability.
Composite Brakes
With great power comes great braking responsibility, and the C63 has this covered. A high-performance composite brake system provides the stopping power with 6-piston fixed calipers at the front and 1-piston floating calipers at the rear, all designed to achieve very short braking distances with little fading after extensive use.
Energy Recuperation
The C63 features four levels of energy recuperation ranging from 0-4. At Level 0, the car acts like a typical gas-powered vehicle, continuing to roll even after the accelerator is released. Setting it to maximum recovery allows for one-pedal driving – lifting off the accelerator acts like applying the brakes, eventually bringing the vehicle to a stop while sending energy to the battery.
Proper AMG Interior
Sliding into the C63, I found a nice mix of luxury and performance. AMG sport seats with a unique stitching pattern are standard and provide good support without being overly stiff. A completely new AMG Performance seat is also available, featuring openings around the side bolsters for better ventilation and weight savings. Ambient lighting and carbon fiber trim add to the performance look.
MBUX Multimedia System
Mercedes has moved away from the single panel across the dashboard – the new C63 features the latest MBUX infotainment system with a large primary display in the dashboard’s center. A digital driver display located behind the AMG steering wheel can be configured to a variety of themes, and there’s also an available head-up display.
Complex Steering Wheel
The stylish AMG steering wheel features a flat bottom with carbon fiber trim, and it feels good in the hands with grippy microfiber on the sides. Dual cross pieces each have multiple controls, with additional setting dials below the center, making the wheel quite intimidating at first glance. But ultimately, the controls are intuitive, and I found them easier to use than expected.
Rear Seat
The C-Class is the smallest sedan in the Mercedes-Benz lineup, but the rear seat still offers good legroom and headroom. Seats carry the same style as those up front and feature good padding for a comfortable ride. That is unless you are relegated to the middle seat, it is stiff with almost no legroom and is not an ideal spot for a long ride. Dual USB-C ports in the center console keep everyone’s devices charged.
Trunk Space
Unlike the standard C-Class, the C63 gives up some of its trunk space to accommodate the battery pack and electric motor below. Still, there’s 9.8 cubic feet of space, enough for a few pieces of luggage or a party’s worth of groceries.
Under the Hood
Powering the 2024 AMG C 63 is a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that delivers 476 horsepower – Mercedes claims it to be the most powerful production 4-cylinder engine in the world. According to Mercedes, this is the world’s first production engine to feature an electric exhaust gas turbocharger powered by a 400-volt high-voltage system, ensuring instantaneous response across the rev range. The hybrid system is based directly on technology from the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 racing team.
E PERFORMANCE Hybrid
While 476 horsepower is plenty for some, the C63 also gets a 204-horsepower electric motor mounted above the rear axle. The motor features an integrated two-speed electrically-shifted gearbox and an electronically-controlled limited-slip rear differential in one compact electric drive unit. The battery is also located in the rear above the axle. These two motors combine for a total output of 671 horsepower and 752 lb-ft of torque (for comparison, the previous-generation C63 S got 503 horses from its twin-turbo V8). Power from the gas engine is delivered via the AMG SPEEDSHIFT 9-speed multi-clutch transmission. With a propeller shaft connecting the electric motor to the front axle, torque distribution can vary from front to rear as needed for the utmost performance and traction. This results in a sprint to 62 mph (100 kph) in just 3.4 seconds with a top speed limited to 174 mph (280 kph). Yes, this is a quick C-Class.
Quick Charging
It doesn’t have much capacity, so the battery charges quickly with the 3.7 kW onboard charger or via a spirited driving session. It may be a plug-in hybrid, but the system is designed around performance with little concern for the EV range. According to the EPA, the C63 has an EV range of just three miles.
Fuel Economy
The C63’s hybrid system may be tuned more for performance than efficiency, but the AMG model still gets reasonable fuel economy, especially for a vehicle pumping out 671 horsepower. When running in EV mode, the EPA estimates the C63 will achieve 40 MPGe – once the battery range is depleted, the number drops to 21 mpg. During my time in the C63, the trip computer indicated 21.8 mpg.
EV Mode
Before heading out on the road in the C63, I fully charged the battery for maximum electric range. Set to EV mode, I cruised silently through town and headed to my favorite backroads outside Dexter, Michigan. Even in pure EV mode, the C63 has more than 200 horsepower, delivering reasonable acceleration and more than adequate power for a daily drive. I got six miles of range from the battery, but it doesn’t take long for that EV range to drop to zero.
Full-On Power
Once out of town, I set the drive mode to Sport Plus, and the AMG C63’s alter ego awoke. With the AMG 4MATIC system sending power to all four wheels, the C63 has excellent grip, and full throttle brings together the full hybrid system for mind-bending acceleration. Whether launching for a stop or putting your foot down at freeway speeds, the Mercedes will shove you back in the seat and will continue to do so until you let off the throttle.
Excellent Handling
Pushing the Mercedes on my favorite twisty back roads shows this car does more than just go fast in a straight line. Steering is ultra-precise with excellent feedback, and the suspension keeps the C63 stable and flat, even when pushed hard through the corners. Brakes deliver strong, predictable stopping power, but with the regenerative braking set to the maximum, lifting off the throttle slows the sport sedan enough to handle tight curves, letting you get back on the gas quicker. At the same time, the C63 delivers a comfortable, solid ride when cruising on the freeway.
Why Plug In?
One of the benefits of pushing the Mercedes hard in Sport Plus mode is that the batteries get recharged, adding miles to the EV range. So, after an enthusiastic drive through the country, I came into town and switched to EV mode. I was able to cruise along on electric power, quietly and smoothly. With the ability to recharge the batteries so quickly while driving and with such a short EV range, it would seem that plugging the C63 into the grid doesn’t make much sense. While I would definitely plug in a typical PHEV with 30-40 miles of EV range, I don’t know that I would ever plug in the C63 if it were mine.
Rating: 8.5
The Mercedes-AMG C63 SE Performance is a technological marvel, delivering stunning performance from a small gas engine and hybrid powertrain. Like most other AMG models, the sedan is tastefully designed so that it doesn’t scream performance, but those who understand what to look for will know what it is. But the C63 isn’t for everyone, especially with an AMG-sized price tag. I do wish it had a bit more EV range, but I can’t fault the decision to put more emphasis on performance than efficiency – that’s what makes the C63 so much fun to drive, and it’s what I expect from an AMG product.
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