The first-ever Mercedes-AMG C 63 S hybrid is set to arrive in New Zealand before the end of this year, with pricing and specification for the E Performance model just announced.
Revealed late last year in Europe, the new sports sedan came as a shock to many fans of the model but not just because of its new electrified drivetrain.
Under the bonnet now sits a downsized turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine, said to be the most powerful production four-cylinder in the world. So the V8 is gone.
Its new lump works in tandem with an electric motor mounted to the rear axle to generate a combined system output of 500kW and 1020Nm of torque, higher figures than any C 63 has ever seen before. On the road, those numbers translate to a 0 to 100km/h sprint time of 3.4 seconds, all while being able to slip away in silence for up to 15km in all-electric mode.
Power is sent through a nine-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels, while the e-motor at the back gets a two-speed gearbox, meaning it can propel the car at speeds of up to 125km/h without the help of the petrol engine.
Plenty of other technical marvels also make an appearance on the new model, including some from the world of Formula 1, such as an electronically assisted turbocharger that minimises lag.
We mentioned that the car can run on electric power alone, and that’s thanks to a 400V/6.1kWh battery that has been specifically designed for fast power output and draw. It’s also cooled by a non-conductive liquid that flows around all 560 cells and can recharge via an onboard 3.7kW AC charger.
Mercedes knows that its customers love a bit of sound though, which is why it injects the C 63’s own exhaust note into the cabin for maximum enjoyment. The model is even equipped with loudspeakers on the exterior to let other road users know it means business.
Rear axle steering features alongside adaptive steel sprung suspension, and a set of six-piston brakes at the front.
Passengers are seated in AMG sports seats as standard, while AMG performance seats can be optioned at an extra cost. The driver gets an AMG performance steering wheel which has paddles to alter the hybrid system’s regeneration levels.
Entertainment is taken care of by the latest generation MBUX multimedia system that feeds sound through a Burmester 3D surround sound system. Other interior appointments include heated and powered front seats, ambient lighting, wireless device charging, augmented reality for the navigation system, and more. The driver’s instrument cluster can also be personalised with different display styles.
Kiwi customers will be able to get their hands on the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E Performance from 15 December 2023 for $199,900 drive-away, including GST and on-road costs. However, pricing excludes any applicable Clean Car fee.
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