Mercedes-Benz South Africa has released a true beast of a car in the form of the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E PERFORMANCE that combines a 2,0-litre turbo engine with an electric drive unit on the rear axle and the four-cylinder engine generates 350 kW at 6 725 r/min, making it the most powerful series-production four-cylinder engine. The maximum torque of 545 Nm is available from 5 250 r/min.
The electric motor adjusts power and torque according to the driving mode, offering either a comfortable or performance-oriented experience. All-electric driving is also possible. The electric powertrain and high-performance 400-volt battery are unique AMG in-house developments.
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As in Formula 1, the battery is designed for fast power output and draw with innovative direct cooling of the cells. The electric range of 13 kilometres is suitable for city and residential use and the combined system output is 500 kW, with a combined maximum system torque of 1 020 Nm.
For the first time in a C 63, the fully variable all-wheel drive system AMG Performance 4MATIC+ is used to transfer power to the road and includes a Drift Mode. Additionally, active rear-axle steering is standard.
"The automotive landscape is changing, and once again, Mercedes-AMG leads innovation with the latest C 63 S E PERFORMANCE. Technology derived from our Formula 1 team has made its way into this road-legal performance saloon. I am proud that this vehicle is produced locally at our East London plant for the world," says Mark Raine, co-CEO of Mercedes-Benz South Africa.
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The design of the new C 63 S E PERFORMANCE is more muscular than the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The Saloon and Estate models are based on a modified AMG body-in-white. The front end is 50 millimetres longer, and the front wings are wider. The Saloon is 83 millimetres longer, with a larger front track width of 76 millimetres and a wheelbase increase of 10 millimetres.
A new feature exclusive to the car is the narrow air outlet in the centre of the bonnet, which transitions into two power bulges. For the first time on a Mercedes-AMG production model, a round badge with the black AMG crest replaces the Mercedes star with laurel wreath on the bonnet.
Key elements include the AMG-specific radiator grille with vertical struts and the AMG front apron in jet-wing design. Large inlets and air curtains direct airflow effectively. Matching side skirts, the rear apron with a large diffuser, and two trapezoidal dual tailpipe trims complete the design.
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Exclusive rear details include a special airflow breakaway edge on the boot lid, 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.
Inside, many individual choices are available, including exclusive colours and various nappa leather upholstery with embossed AMG crests in the front head restraints.
The redesigned second-generation AMG Performance seat is optional, featuring weight-saving openings for better ventilation. If nappa leather upholstery is selected, these have contrasting colours as an extra highlight.
The MBUX infotainment system includes AMG and hybrid-specific displays and functions. These are present in the instrument cluster, on the multimedia central display in the centre console and the optional head-up display.
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The head-up display offers AMG-specific styles such as Race and Supersport, accessible via the main menu in the instrument cluster. High-quality graphics on the multimedia display visualise the power flow, speed, power, torque, and temperatures of the electric motor and battery in an AMG-specific manner. An analogue IWC chronograph shows the time.
AMG TRACK PACE, a data logger for racetrack use, is also integrated. The software records over 80 vehicle-specific data points, such as speed, acceleration, steering angle, and brake pedal actuation, 10 times a second while driving on a racetrack. Lap and sector times are also displayed.
Track-based boost strategy for the racetrack The C 63 S E PERFORMANCE offers a new TRACK PACE feature that intelligently distributes electric energy over a racetrack lap to optimise lap time with targeted use of the electric motor’s power. This strategy is pre-set for 30 well-known racetracks and will expand to 70 circuits via download.
Before driving, the driver selects the track on the central display and switches on the boost strategy with a slider. Then they activate the RACE driving mode. The vehicle displays an upcoming boost sector in the instrument cluster and on the head-up display. When boosting (via kick-down with 150 kW electric power), a countdown and
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When driving on electric power alone, the legally mandated acoustic vehicle alert system notifies pedestrians of the hybrid's presence. This is achieved through a specially designed, low-frequency AMG sound, broadcast via a front speaker and a rear soundbar with two speakers.
“The C Class based AMG models have always been at the forefront of performance and technology and the latest iteration is no different. It is exhilarating, dynamic and a true amalgamation of Germany and South Africa.
“A hand-built engine from Affalterbach placed into a car built in East London South Africa.” Says Alex Boavida – vice president Sales and Marketing MBSA
Pricing:
The new performance sedan from Mercedes-AMG is available with a standard 2-year/unlimited kilometre warranty and 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.
C63 S E Performance R2 476 800
Colin Windell
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