In the world of performance motoring the alpha numeric combination of the letter ‘C’ and the number ‘63’ carries a special significance. It is this grouping that introduced the world to the epic V8 engines that have powered Mercedes-AMG performance models since 2006. Along the way the C 63 V8 has changed dramatically, from the original naturally aspirated 6.2-litre M156, to the mighty 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged M177 that powers many current AMG models.

While capacity and aspiration may have shifted over the years, one thing that never did was Mercedes-AMG’s relentless pursuit of ultimate performance, refinement and efficiency. This goal remains very much alive today as the brand undertakes yet another step towards change, farewelling the V8-powered C 63 in favour of a lighter, cleaner and even more high-performance powertrain that represents the dawn of a bold new era.

A new addition to the C 63 family

Recently revealed at AMG’s Affalterbach headquarters in Germany ahead of its global roll out later this year and Australian arrival in 2023, the new Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E PERFORMANCE Sedan dramatically redefines the personality of Mercedes-AMG performance as a hybrid model with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

At the heart of this new sedan is the M139l, a longitudinally mounted 2.0-litre four-cylinder that is the world's first series-production engine to use an electric exhaust gas turbocharger. The latter guarantees particularly spontaneous response across the entire rev range and, when teamed with a compact electric drive unit mounted on the rear axle, the combination delivers a staggering 500kW and 1020Nm.

Naturally, the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E PERFORMANCE Sedan doesn’t sound like a V8 of old but Mercedes-Benz engineers have created a range of sound profiles, ranging from a sonorous start-up sound fed back through the vehicle’s in-cabin speakers, to a low frequency pedestrian warning sound projected at low speed from the front and rear of the vehicle. Finally, there’s the full-throated rasp of the motorsport inspired four-cylinder turbo engine amplified through the audio speakers.

While purists may bemoan the loss of the V8’s aural signature, what can’t be argued is that the new powertrain represents a 125kW and 320Nm performance hike over the outgoing C 63 S, or that it’s achieved with half the cylinders and dramatically lower emissions. It also makes this new Mercedes-AMG comfortably the quickest car to ever wear the hallowed C 63 badge.

A fully variable all-wheel drive system is a key enabler of the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E PERFORMANCE Sedan’s supercar-like 3.4 second 0-100km/h acceleration time, some sixth tenths of a second faster than the rear-wheel drive model it replaces. Other performance-enhancing attributes include a significantly larger, electrified turbocharger than used in the engine’s other applications, and a nine-speed automatic transmission with wet clutch in lieu of the usual torque converter.

A flexible driving companion

Drivers can also choose from eight different drive modes, depending on mood and conditions, with each mode progressively adjusting a range of parameters including the response of the drive system and transmission, steering characteristics, suspension damping, sound, and the level of electric power.

Stay up to date with the latest launch news and Australian arrival of the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E PERFORMANCE Sedan here.

By Jonathan Weller