The new C 63 S E Performance, which costs Rs 1.95 crore, was introduced by Mercedes-AMG in India. After the S 63 E Performance and the GT 63 S E Performance, the C 63 S E Performance is AMG’s third new vehicle this year and its third plug-in hybrid in India.

Mercedes AMG C 63 S E Powertrain Performance

The V8 engine that powered the preceding C 63 is no longer there. A 2.0-liter, four-cylinder, turbo-petrol engine with 476 horsepower and 545 Nm, coupled to a 9-speed automated transmission, has taken its place. A rear axle-mounted electric motor with a maximum output of 204 horsepower and 320 Nm is connected to the engine. 680 horsepower and an astounding 1,020 Nm of torque are the total maximum output. The turbine spools more quickly thanks to Merc’s turbocharger, which combines technology from Formula One and includes an electric motor that is powered by a 400V electrical system.

The 4Matic+ system, which has a drift mode, distributes power to all four wheels. The C 63 S E Performance has a stated 0-100 kph timing of 3.4 seconds. The C 63 comes with the AMG Driver’s Package, which is typically an option. 280 kph is the maximum speed.

With a 6.1kWh battery pack weighing 89kg, the plug-in hybrid sports sedan C 63 can travel up to 13km on electricity alone. The rear wheels can turn up to 2.5 degrees in the opposite direction (up to 100 kph) and up to 0.7 degrees in the same direction at greater speeds thanks to the conventional four-wheel steering. Eight drive modes—Electric, Comfort, Battery Hold, Sport, Sport+, RACE, Slippery, and Individual—as well as three adaptive damping system settings—Comfort, Sport, and Sport+—are available on the new C 63.

Mercedes AMG C 63 S E Performance interior, exterior

The AMG-spec vehicle has a vertically slatted grille with active shutters that open or close in response to the engine’s cooling requirements, which sets it apart from the ordinary C-Class. The performance version is 76mm wider than the regular sedan due to the bigger front wheel arches and the redesigned, more aggressive front and rear bumpers, which also add 83mm to the car’s length. Standard are lightweight 20-inch alloy wheels.

Mercedes explained that the normal ventilated and perforated metal brakes can be replaced with ceramic high-performance composite brakes and that AMG-only paint options, such as the Matt Graphite Grey Magno, are configurable. With the C 63 S E Performance, the firm, of course, provides a lot of customisation choices.

The AMG and the normal model have the same interior design, but the AMG-specific steering wheel and all-black interior are added. Standard features include a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment and head-up display, ventilated sports seats in nappa leather with carbon fibre inside trim, and a 710W, 15-speaker Burmester sound system. AMG Performance seats are available as an add-on. A 360-degree camera and seven airbags are standard, in addition to the typical array of ADAS capabilities.

Explained that Mercedes-AMG, each purchaser of the C 63 S E Performance will receive a complimentary chance to compete at the Nürburgring.

Mercedes AMG C 63 S E Performance price, rivals

Although there are no direct competitors for the Rs 1.95 crore Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E Performance in India, the larger 500hp Porsche Panamera GTS (Rs 2.34 crore) and the recently released 550hp BMW M4 CS (Rs 1.89 crore) are competitors in this exclusive performance-focused market.