The new Mercedes-AMG C63 S sedan will be more powerful, more efficient, and more complicated than the current V8 model thanks to its plug-in hybrid powertrain. It’ll also be more expensive.
The outgoing model, which is powered by a 4.0-litre turbocharged V8 making 375kW of power and 600Nm of torque, had a sticker price of $168,176 before on-roads before being phased out.
A spokesperson for Mercedes-Benz has confirmed the new model with its PHEV powertrain, which pumps out 500kW and 1020Nm, will rise in price due to the extra performance on offer.
“Based on the technology, you can expect an increase,” the spokesperson said, asked about the potential price of the new C-Class flagship.
As the C63 gets more expensive, Mercedes-Benz is expecting more attention to be directed to the C43 with its 300kW and 500Nm four-cylinder turbocharged engine with 48V MHEV tech.
“I think a lot of people probably haven’t looked closely enough at the C43. We definitely see C43 numbers to increase as the performance has as well, and we’ll see what C63 does,” they said.
The new C63 S represents a significant departure from the formula laid down by its predecessors, raising questions about whether it will appeal to buyers accustomed to V8 power.
Mercedes-Benz told CarExpert “it will appeal to a certain group of current C63 owners, and maybe some outside of the brand altogether”.
“The technology in that vehicle, there aren’t many brands that can say they have that technology,” the spokesperson said.
“I don’t think anyone has it in the segment, but in the price bracket you can expect it to be – that has that level of technology, where it’s all about the performance.”
The new C63 S combines a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine making 350kW and 545Nm on its own. The engine features an electrically-driven turbocharger to slash lag, and a nine-speed multi-clutch transmission.
The rear axle is home to a 150kW electric motor, hooked up to a 6.1kWh battery pack with 13km of EV-only range.
Combined, they make 500kW and 1020Nm, and enable fully-variable all-wheel drive with Drift Mode.
The 100km/h sprint take a claimed 3.4 seconds, and flat out you’ll be doing 280km/h.
When it arrives Down Under, the C63 S will go head-to-head with the BMW M3 Competition xDrive ($166,500) and Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio ($151,700).
Neither has the plug-in hybrid smarts of the C63, but both will likely undercut it on price, and offer more traditional powertrains.
Firm timing for the new C63 S hasn’t been confirmed, but it’s expected to arrive around “mid next year”.
