When the new Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance was announced earlier this year, many were slightly shocked. There’s no sign of the powerful V8s that used to define the car, both in naturally aspirated and turbocharged form, replaced by a four-cylinder hybridised powertrain. Surely this isn’t befitting for Affalterbach’s most well-known muscle car?
Well, the electronically turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder under the bonnet is something of a feat of engineering - with 469bhp, it’s the most powerful four-pot ever fitted to a production car. There’s also a 201bhp electric motor that delivers power straight to the rear wheels, meaning that this super saloon has a total combined power output of 671bhp. However, all that added technology means that it’s put on a bit of weight - it tips the scales at a whopping 2.1 tonnes.
So, it’s fast, but is it as characterful as its predecessors? Join Matt Saunders as he takes to both the road and the track to find out.
Join the debate
Add your comment
I am making a real GOOD MONEY ($550 to $750 / hr) online from my laptop. Last month I GOT chek of nearly 85000$, this online work is simple and straightforward, don’t have to go OFFICE, Its home online job. zz50 You become independent after joining this JOB. I really thanks to my FRIEND who refer me this SITE…..,
>>>>>>> EarnCash7.com
This change in drivetrain is driven by environmental concerns, so how green is it?
Who's going to plug in regularly for no more than 8 miles of electric range? Realistically this is no more economical than the old V8 C63. But it weighs a lot more and uses significantly more resources to make, so it's actually more environmentally damaging than the previous model.
It's a sick joke really. The EU rules might look good on paper but are clearly failing in this instance.