Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance Review

"That's the new C63? Come on, start it up and let's hear the engine!"

"But it's already started", I replied. You see, the latest Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance is a plug-in hybrid that combines an engine half the size of its predecessor's with a high-tech electric powertrain, and is capable of operating in full-electric mode.

While it is the most powerful C63 ever made, there is plenty of dissent from enthusiasts who disapprove of AMG's decision to get rid of the hulking V8 in favour of a four-cylinder engine with electric assistance. Some might even go as far as to deem it unworthy of the C63 name.

Had AMG squandered the C63 reputation as a brutal muscle machine with this radical choice of drivetrain?

Low-riding, wide-bodied aggression

Say what you like about the new C63, but there's no denying the incredible air of aggression it carries. The decision to paint this unit in the AMG-exclusive Graphite Grey Magno, a $12,400 satin-finish option, pushes it further and lends the car a batmobile-esque presence.

Maximum aggression - the C63 S E Performance looks fast even when it isn't moving

With its muscular proportions that shine through even with the stealthy paintwork, there's no mistaking the C63 for any of its lesser siblings - even casual observers will know there's something special about this machine. 

Massive tyres on 20-inch forged AMG rims sit within the muscular wheel arches of the car

How special? Let's start with its low, wide and aggressive stance - the widened front track has resulted in a 76mm wider front end. Aggressively flared arches then accommodate the large 20-inch forged rims shod in wide 265 and 275-section Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tyres. Combined with a low ride height that leaves hardly any gap between the body and the wheels, this C-Class is as imposing it gets.

AMG-specific grille, large air intakes, and a centralised slim vent between the two power bulges on the bonnet - you won't mistake the C63 for anything less

The front bumper is adorned with an AMG-specific grille, along with large air intakes, aero-optimised elements, and topped off with a new black AMG crest in place of the Mercedes three-pointed star. Recognisable twin power bulges on the bonnet reassures you of the car's pedigree. Meanwhile, a slim vent that evacuates heated air from the engine bay serves as yet another point of distinction from lesser C-Classes.

Aside from the AMG and C63 badges, the most obvious telltale sign has got to be the quad trapezoidal tail pipes

Side skirts and a matching rear diffuser complete the bodywork on the C63. However, the biggest telltale sign, aside from the AMG and C63 S badges, has got to be the quad trapezoidal tail pipes at the rear of the car.

That's no V8! Indeed, the C63 is now powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine assisted by an electric motor

High-tech powerhouse

"But those quad tail pipes no longer produce that sonorous V8 rumble!" Hold your thoughts right there. The soundtrack produced by the 2.0-litre four-pot is indeed a far cry from the V8s of the yesteryear, but you'll have to ask yourself the question: What makes an AMG special? While sound plays a part, the main objective has got to be performance, and I can assure you that this has plenty.

The downsized and electrified powerplant has actually created the quickest C-Class ever. Who says there's no replacement for displacement?

To create the quickest C-Class that has ever rolled out of the factory, AMG combined the world's most powerful four-cylinder engine - its 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine that produces 470bhp - to a high-performance 400V electric drive system to reach a total output of 671bhp and 1,020Nm of torque.

Thanks to the high-tech and complicated drivetrain, both the engine and the electric motor are able to send power to all four wheels to achieve incredible levels of traction

How AMG has achieved it is rather complicated - the internal combustion engine is connected to the nine-speed AMG Speedshift MCT transmission, sending power to all four wheels. Meanwhile, the electric motor situated at the rear axle drives the rear wheels through a two-speed transmission and an electronically controlled limited-slip differential. When needed, the electric motor can also send power to the front wheels through the propshaft that connects the MCT transmission to the rear axle.

Simply put, both the engine and the electric motor are able to send power to all four wheels should the car find the need to. With torque vectoring aibilities, this high-tech system allows immediate power delivery and excellent traction.

Put the C63 in Race mode, activate Race Start, and you can expect the ride of your life with 671bhp and 1,020Nm of torque propelling you forward

Incredible wieldable performance

To put all that confusing technology jargon into more quantifiable observations, I'll explain how it all feels like from the driver's seat, starting with its straight-line ability. Activate launch control (or Race Start as AMG calls it) and the car shoots off the line like a fighter jet taking off - the explosive power (and lack of wheelspin) allows it to hit 100km/h before you can finish saying the car's name.

Apart from the electric motor on the rear axle, the C63 also has an electrically-assisted turbocharger on the engine, and these systems work together to offer immediate power throughout the rev range

The electrically-assisted turbocharger on the engine, along with the electric motor, work together to offer immediate power delivery throughout an incredible range of engine speeds - a stout burst of power can be felt from around 2,500rpm up till the 7,000rpm redline.

Straight lines aren't all the C63 is good for - an extremely quick and responsive steering coupled with amazing brakes make for an exhilarating drive on twisty roads

But you'll be mistaken if you think that straight-line performance is all that the car's good for. As the high-tech drivetrain puts power down flawlessly, it also contributes to superior traction in bends. Combined with an extremely quick and responsive steering, the C63 turns in and corners keenly. The braking system is yet another component that AMG has gotten perfectly dialled in - while the top 10% of brake travel is rather soft (great for puttering around town), the rest of the brake travel is firm and offers amazing modulation for performance driving.

The C63 exhibits on-throttle rotation reminiscent of proper rear-wheel drive performance car, but drive hard enough to break traction and you'll be surprised by a neutral breakaway characteristic

The fancy drivetrain feels rear-biased and exhibits on-throttle rotation reminiscent of rear-wheel drive performance cars. However, drive hard enough to break traction mid-turn and the car immediately sends power to the front wheels to result in a neutral breakaway characteristic - this is a car that makes you feel like a champ and gives you the ability to drive fast without scaring you when you go a little too far.

And this, like the lack of a V8 soundtrack, is uncharacteristic of the C63 - its predecessor would light up the rear tyres easily when you turn traction control to a looser setting.

Weekend drives or daily commute, the C63 will ace it all

While the plug-in hybrid powertrain is mainly designed for maximum performance, it has also raised the drivability and comfort level of the C63, elevating it into a unique position among premium sports cars.

As a plug-in hybrid, the C63 S E Performance can be driven in full-electric mode

The car defaults to Comfort mode and starts in full-electric mode, and there is also an Electric mode where you can drive up to 125km/h without the engine kicking in. Although the full-electric range is limited to a meagre 13km, the hybrid system assists the car and allows engine revs to be kept low when in Comfort mode without ever feeling like a slouch.

Put it in Comfort mode, and the C63's suspension becomes surprisingly pliant and comfortable

AMG has managed to hit it out of the park with the suspension in the C63. Equipped with adaptive damping, the ride quality is surprisingly pliant in Comfort mode. It also offers plenty of roll stiffness and stability, increasing as you cycle through the sportier drive modes, all without being excessively harsh or uncomfortable.

The cabin of the C63 is decidedly upmarket and flashy

Featuring plenty of leather, satin-finished, and glossy plastic pieces along with Mercedes-Benz's usual smorgasbord of ambient lighting, the C63's cabin is decidedly flashy and upmarket. The central MBUX infotainment system offers wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, blasting crystal clear tunes through its Burmester sound system, adding to the comfortable and luxurious experience that occupants get to enjoy.

With lane centering and adaptive cruise control, driving on the expressway is easy and relaxing

The C63 also gets a level of equipment reminiscent of the S-Class - the front sport seats are even ventilated, and the driver gets lane centering and adaptive cruise control along with a host of other assist systems.

An objectively perfect premium performance car

From an objective viewpoint, the Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance checks all the right boxes as a premium performance car. Hear me out: Yes, the soundtrack is rather lacking, and with the trick 4MATIC+ system it no longer lights up the rear tyres at a whim (nor does it try to kill you at every other moment), but these are all subjective preferences.

While it is tempting to criticise the C63 S E Performance for its controversial drivetrain, you can't argue that it has captured the essence of AMG - extreme performance and driving pleasure

While it's uncharacteristic of what we've come to associate the C63 nameplate with, this new generation of C63 is still brutally fast, agile and extremely capable. It can even prowl around silently and effortlessly with the engine turned off. It is still every bit an AMG, but at the same time it will also pass off as a comfortable premium compact sedan that your spouse (or mum) would approve of (just don't demonstrate the Race Start function). There's even a Drift mode if you want to slide the car, so all isn't lost for those who want to drive like a hooligan.

Just imagine if this car existed in a world where the past iterations of C63s never existed, and all those nasty opinions about the car would disappear into thin air. From an unbiased point of view, the new Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance is pretty darn impressive. While its character is indeed a departure from what the C63 has been known for, this car is every bit worthy of the AMG and C63 name.

Are you a fan of high-performance cars? Here are some others that you should read about:

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The GranTurismo Trofeo is still capable of being hustled around a racetrack

The Hyundai Elantra N is a four-door sports sedan that has all the thrills and spills