For an entirely new driving experience, the Mercedes AMG C 63 S E PERFORMANCE combines the AMG 2.0-litre turbo engine with an Electric Drive Unit (EDU) on the rear axle. The independent layout also provides a balanced weight distribution, which is advantageous to driving dynamics and handling in equal measure.
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Ultimate performance for the C Class range
For a particularly pleasant or performance-oriented driving experience, the electric motor adjusts power and torque depending on the driving mode. Driving only on electricity is also an option. AMG developed the 400-volt high-performance battery and the electric drivetrain alone.
The battery is innovatively built with direct cooling of the cells for quick power production and draw, similar to Formula 1. A realistic operating radius, such as in urban regions or residential areas, is made possible by the electric vehicle’s 13 km range. 500 kW (680 hp) of total system power and 1,020 Nm of full system maximum torque are both combined.
All these are the new C Class’s peak values.
Other features of the new model series, which is being introduced simultaneously as a Saloon and an Estate, include the completely variable all-wheel drive system AMG Performance 4MATIC+, which is employed for the first time in a C 63 and comes with a Drift Mode for even greater driving enjoyment. In addition to this, this segment’s only dynamic rear-axle steering is included as standard.
“With its Performance hybrid drive and electrically assisted exhaust turbocharger, the new C 63 S E PERFORMANCE is a technological masterpiece that takes a new approach. The electrified powertrain offers a whole new driving experience. The immediate response of the electric drive at the rear axle, the rapid torque build-up as well as the fast power output and also draw of our battery are very special features. Add to this the standard-fit rear-axle steering and the fully variable all-wheel drive – the new C 63 illustrates once again the high level of technical expertise that AMG possesses.” said Jochen Hermann, Technical Managing Director of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.
Performance influences design
The C 63 S E PERFORMANCE’s thin air exit in the center of the bonnet, which gracefully merges into the two power bulges, is a brand-new distinctive characteristic. The circular emblem with the black AMG crest replaces the Mercedes star with a laurel wreath on the bonnet for the first time on a Mercedes-AMG production vehicle.
The vertical radiator grille-specific to AMG and the jet-wing-shaped front apron remain distinguishing features. Airflow is particularly directed to each of its many tasks via flics, big inlets, and air curtains. The air may be adjusted as needed using two electrically controlled AIR PANELS (in the front apron and behind the radiator grille).
The design is completed with matching side skirts, a massive diffuser on the rear apron, and two trapezoidal, outwardly ribbed twin tailpipe trims. The distinctive airflow breakaway edge on the boot lid (roof spoiler on the Estate), the plug-in charging flap, and the model identifier set against a red backdrop are exclusive elements at the rear.
The hybrid drive is indicated by the “E PERFORMANCE” label on the wings. AMG light-alloy wheels and 19-inch mixed tires are standard equipment on the C 63 S E PERFORMANCE. A new forged wheel is one of the optional wheel/tire combinations that are available in 20-inch size, along with mixed tires.
Sporty and luxury features for the Mercedes AMG C 63 S E Performance
The AMG sports seats in the cabin, which have unique fabric and stitching patterns, contribute to the air of refinement. Interior customization options are many as well. Exclusive colors and different Nappa leather upholstery with the AMG emblem embossed in the front head restraints highlight the C 63 S E PERFORMANCE’s sporty or opulent side.
The second-generation AMG Performance seat has undergone a thorough makeover and is an option. The seat side bolsters’ unique feature is their weight-saving holes that help improve ventilation. If Nappa leather is used, the upholstery will also have different accent colors. The bottom of the backrest’s form tapers. The integrated head restraint now has the AMG logo sandwiched between the matt chrome apertures.
The MBUX system enhanced for AMG hybrid performance
The MBUX infotainment system has a number of displays and features that are exclusive to AMG and hybrid vehicles. These consist of the displays on the multimedia central display in portrait mode in the center console, the instrument cluster displays, and the optional head-up display.
With many display options and individually selected primary views, the instrument cluster view may be customized. A vertical menu structure may be used to present a variety of information in the AMG-specific Supersport style.
These include a menu with temperatures tailored specifically for hybrids or a setup menu that shows the suspension or transmission’s current settings. A navigation map or consumption information may also be shown to the driver in the Supersport format.
The data recorder for usage on racetracks, AMG TRACK PACE, is also incorporated. While driving around a racetrack, the program gathers more than 80 vehicle-specific data points at a rate of 10 times per second, including speed, acceleration, steering angle, and brake pedal activation. Additionally, the sector and lap timings are shown.
Hybrid drive, AMG-style
The 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo engine is coupled with a permanently excited synchronous electric motor, an Affalterbach-developed high-performance battery, and completely variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive in the new Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E PERFORMANCE.
With a system output of 500 kW (680 horsepower) and a maximum system torque of 1,020 Nm, the Saloon and Estate can reach 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds from a complete stop. The maximum speed at which acceleration stops is electronically limited to 280 km/h (270 km/h for the estate, both with the optional AMG Driver’s Package).
At the rear axle, a small electric drive unit with a 150 kW (204 hp) electric motor, an electrically moved two-speed gearbox, and an electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential are combined (EDU). This design is referred described as a P3 hybrid by experts. Also at the back, above the rear axle, is the compact, high-performance battery.
Formula 1 technology for the battery unit
It was immediately apparent while the electrification plan was being designed that all crucial parts would be produced at Affalterbach. The AMG high-performance battery is one of them (HPB). The Formula 1 hybrid racing vehicles built by the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team served as models for the development of lithium-ion energy storage technology.
The engineers from High-Performance Powertrains (HPP) in Brixworth, a supplier of Formula 1TM engines, engaged in frequent brainstorming sessions with Mercedes-AMG in Affalterbach throughout the development process. The AMG high-performance battery boosts the car’s total performance by combining low weight with high power that can be called up again in succession.
The quick energy drain and great power density are other factors. This implies that, for example, during a rapid drive in mountainous terrain, drivers may quickly draw upon their maximum power capacity on uphill sections, while recovery is robust while driving downwards.
The C 63 S E PERFORMANCE’s high-performance battery has a 6.1 kWh capacity, a constant output of 70 kW, and a peak output of 150 kW for 10 seconds. The very high power density of 1.7 kW/kg is made possible by the light weight of just 89 kilograms. Comparatively, traditional batteries that do not directly cool the cells produce around half of this amount.
The 3.7 kW on-board AC charger, a charging station, a wall box, or a regular home outlet are all options for charging. The battery’s architecture prioritizes quick power supply and draws above the maximum range. However, the 13-kilometer electric range provides a useful field of action, allowing for, for instance, calm all-electric driving from a residential neighborhood to the outskirts of a city or to the freeway.
Incredible 8 driving modes
The eight driving modes available in the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT system—”Electric,” “Comfort,” “Battery Hold,” “Sport,” “Sport+,” “RACE,” “Slippery,” and “Individual”—are each specifically designed to work with the new drive technology. As a result, they provide a variety of driving experiences, from efficient to lively.
Important aspects may be changed by the driving modes, including the drive and transmission’s reaction, the steering feel, the chassis damping, and the sound. The appropriate driving mode affects the electric motor’s boost power as well. The AMG steering wheel buttons or the display in the center console may be used to choose it.
The kick-down feature makes it simple to request the electric motor’s 150 kW peak output, which is consistent throughout all modes. The driver’s foot must cross a real pressure point provided by the haptic accelerator pedal.
The Performance Hybrid begins automatically (“Silent Mode”) with the electric motor turned on when in the “Comfort” driving mode. The “Ready” indication in the instrument cluster indicates that the car is ready for the road.
Additionally, the inside of the car emits a strong, thunderous start-up sound that is characteristic of AMG as acoustic feedback indicating ready to go. The AMG Performance hybrid just only a little amount of pedal power to get moving.
