AMG’s top-dog C-Class loses V-8, gains 168 hp and a plug

Mercedes-Benz

If you crave power and tech, Mercedes’ most potent C-Class won’t disappoint. If you’re after a V-8? You’ve had since March of 2021 to discuss that in therapy.

There’s a special magic to a C-Class with an AMG-built V-8, with turbos or without. However, Mercedes’ skunkworks team is now pursuing a different alchemy: combustion plus electricity. We saw the first C-Class version of this recipe in February of this year in the C43 AMG, which pairs a 402-hp, turbocharged inline-four with a 48V mild-hybrid system. The “43” badge typically denotes the “bargain performance” model in the C-Class line, and now we meet the all-out model that puts it in perspective: The 2024 C 63 S E Performance.

Naturally, Mercedes will release pricing details later, but the 63 model’s claim to the C-Class crown is evident from output alone: 671 horsepower and 752 lb-ft of torque. That’s 168 more hp than the twin-turbo C 63 S that the 2024 model replaces. That eye-popping output is produced by a vastly different driveline: not a twin-turbo V-8, but a 469-hp version of Mercedes’ M139, turbocharged inline-four cylinder, paired with a electric motor mounted on the rear axle producing a continuous 94 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. (E Performance. Get it?)

“Continuous” is a key word, since, like most electric motors on the market today, AMG’s permanently excited synchronous unit has two output figures. The limiting factor is cooling: AMG’s motor can actually produce 201 hp—but only for ten seconds at a time, or it risks overheating. The optimum balance of power and sustainable temperature dictates a continuous figure of 91 hp. If you’re familiar with a turbocharger “overboost” function, the tradeoff is similar.

Unlike the C 43 AMG, this hybrid system is a plug-in affair, capable of driving the car on battery juice exclusively if desired. Mercedes hasn’t yet specified the C 63’s electric-only range. What it has specified indicates some neck-snapping shenanigans: Using “Electric,” one of eight drive modes, you can hurtle to 81 mph using only battery-derived power. Other benefits of this rear-axle drive unit: all-wheel drive, thanks to a supplementary clutch-controlled transfer case; a flavor of one-pedal driving; as much as 2.5 degrees of rear steering, up to 62 mph; Drift Mode, details to come; and the possibility of the full $7500 EV tax credit.

Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E Performance interior
Mercedes-Benz

Inside, there’s a portrait-oriented touchscreen flowing along the car’s centerline to rise in front of the dash—most likely, it’s the 12.3-incher found in the S-Class. Behind the steering wheel is a separate screen for instrument-cluster duties. Our money is on the same, 10.25-inch display as on the 2018 C 63, running the latest MBUX software. Expect more details on standard versus optional amenities when Mercedes breaks its initial silence about price and fuel economy.

Those who remember the V-8 models may weep at this plug-in hybrid four-cylinder 63, but it’s worth remembering that younger generations of enthusiasts already speak turbo-four-cylinder—especially, those who are already drawn to the sedan format. When they land a job in pharmaceutical sales or corporate finance, they would have no reason to scorn a four-cylinder Mercedes boosted to high heaven and backfilled with electric torque. The magic will have changed, but “AMG” and “63” will still mean fast Benz.

Click below for more about
Read next Up next: Caterham tunes to 1970, 2023 Maverick Hybrid orders fill in six days, everyone wants a piece of Porsche
Your daily pit stop for automotive news.

Sign up to receive our Daily Driver newsletter

Subject to Hagerty's Privacy Policy and Terms of Conditions

Thanks for signing up.