MERCEDES-AMG IS CHANGING THE GAME by introducing an advanced hybrid drivetrain for the first time to power its C 63 performance sedan.
Inspired by technology transfer direct from Formula 1, the combination of the world’s most powerful production four-cylinder engine with a Mercedes-AMG-developed Electric Drive Unit (EDU) mounted on the rear axle produces truly astonishing levels of performance – a combined total of 500kW and 1020Nm.
A highly potent turbocharged combustion engine claims the mantle of the world’s most powerful four-cylinder production engine with an astonishing output-per-litre of 176kW. The seamless combination of this unit mounted longitudinally in the engine bay with a powerful two-speed electric motor positioned on the rear axle not only demonstrates the viability of hybrid technology as a source of powerful acceleration and outstanding responsiveness, but also delivers 50:50 front-rear balance. Experts refer to this layout as a P3 hybrid.
In addition, with the help of an advanced onboard battery, the C 63 S E PERFORMANCE can store recuperated energy, and also draw electric power from an external charger via an onboard charging port. The electrical energy stored in this high-performance battery weighing just 89kg can generate continuous output of 70kW and peak output of 150kW for up to 10 seconds, in addition to output from the combustion engine.
The AMG-devised battery has been designed for fast power delivery and draw, rather than the longest possible electric driving range. Nevertheless, an all-electric range of up to 15km allows a practical operating radius – for example, a quiet and emission-free commute from a residential area to the outskirts of the city or to a motorway.
‘A technological masterpiece’
Jochen Hermann, the Technical Managing Director of Mercedes-AMG GmbH, describes the new C 63 S E PERFORMANCE as “a technological masterpiece” with its innovative approach. “The electrified powertrain offers a whole new driving experience,” he says.
“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 fully variable all-wheel drive, and the new C 63 illustrates once again the high level of technical expertise that AMG possesses.”
Technology transfer from Formula 1
In the course of development of this groundbreaking drivetrain, there was a lively exchange of expert knowledge between the High Performance Powertrains (HPP) engine shop of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team in Brixworth, UK, and Mercedes-AMG in Affalterbach, Germany.
Thanks to this collaboration, power delivery and torque build-up in the new C 63 S E PERFORMANCE occur spontaneously and without delay. As in the F1 racing car, the electric support of an exhaust gas turbocharger eliminates turbo lag from the combustion engine, while the Electric Drive Unit (EDU) pushes powerfully from a standstill.
Also like F1, maximum propulsion is always available when the driver demands it by kickdown – for example, for powerful acceleration out of bends, or when overtaking. Electric power can always be called up and frequently reproduced, via high recuperation performance and needs-based recharging. A battery concept specifically developed for the C 63 S E PERFORMANCE allows optimal compromise between maximum driving dynamics and contemporary efficiency.
Meanwhile, an automated two-speed transmission operating on the EDU at the rear axle has a specially calibrated gear ratio to ensure high wheel torque can be applied for agile starting, while safe continuous output can also be achieved at higher speeds. An electric actuator engages second gear at around 140km/h at the latest, which corresponds to the electric motor’s maximum speed of around 13,500rpm.
An electric approach to turbocharging
An innovative Mercedes-AMG-developed electric exhaust gas turbocharger significantly improves the responsiveness of the combustion engine directly from idle speed, and across the entire rev range, with spontaneous response to accelerator pedal input and a significantly more dynamic driving feel.
In addition, the electrification of the turbocharger allows higher torque at low revs, increasing agility and optimising acceleration from a standstill. Even when the driver takes their foot off the accelerator or brakes, the technology maintains boost pressure at all times to ensure a continuously direct response.
Powered by the 400-volt on-board electrical system, the turbocharger can operate at up to 150,000rpm.
Direct cooling: an innovative battery solution
The electric powertrain and the 400-volt high-performance battery are AMG-exclusive, in-house developments. The battery is specifically designed for fast power output and draw, with innovative direct cooling of the cells. A high-tech coolant based on an electrically non-conductive liquid flows around all 560 cells and cools them individually. To achieve this, AMG specialists developed new cooling modules that are only millimetres thin.
The result is that the battery is always within a consistent, optimum operating temperature window averaging 45°C, no matter how often it is charged or discharged. This makes it possible to use cells with a very high power density, allowing the battery system to be particularly light and compact.
This means that during a brisk drive in hilly terrain, for example, drivers can immediately call on the full power potential on uphill stretches, while recuperation is strong when driving downhill.
The inherent stability of the battery system also helps to optimise energy recuperation during deceleration, which is selectable in four stages ranging from minimal intervention with low-level recuperation, to maximum energy recovery with the option of ‘one-pedal driving’, during which as much as 100kW of power can be fed back into the battery.
External charging is via the 3.7kW on-board AC charger – at a charging station, via a Mercedes-Benz Wallbox, or using a 240-volt household socket.
All-electric driving at the flick of a switch
By selecting ‘Electric’ driving mode from the eight-way AMG Dynamic Select menu, the focus becomes the electric driving experience. All-electric driving with the combustion engine switched off is possible from standstill up to 125km/h.
Even in this mode, a mechanical connection to the AMG Performance 4MATIC+ components means that all-wheel drive remains always available: if the rear wheels have too much slip, the power of the electric motor is also transmitted to the front wheels via the propeller shaft and drive shafts.
If the battery has run down or the driver requests more power, the intelligent operating control system automatically switches to ‘Comfort’ mode and the combustion engine starts up to provide propulsion.
AMG Real Performance Sound
To create an authentic AMG sound experience for vehicle inhabitants, the actual sound of the combustion engine is recorded via a pressure sensor in the exhaust system and further enriched before it is emitted in the interior via the entertainment sound system. The sound signature is also modulated via exterior loudspeakers.
The sound intensity depends on the selected drive program but can also be set individually via the display in the centre console or a button on the steering wheel.
In every situation, one thing remains the same: under all conditions, the C 63 S E PERFORMANCE is immediately recognisable as an AMG by its sound.
A C 63 first: Rear-axle steering
For the first time in the history of this model, the C 63 S E PERFORMANCE is fitted with rear-axle steering. This standard inclusion operates with a maximum steering angle of 2.5 degrees.
At speeds of up to 100km/h (variable, depending on the AMG DYNAMICS setting), the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction to the front wheels. This leads to a virtual shortening of the wheelbase, which results in significantly more agile turn-in, less steering effort and improved manoeuvrability. In turning or parking situations, the turning circle is noticeably reduced.
At speeds above 100km/h, the rear wheels turn up to a maximum of 0.7 degrees, in parallel with the front wheels. This has a positive effect on driving stability, leads to a faster build-up of lateral force when changing direction, and thus to a more direct reaction of the vehicle to steering commands.
Additionally, three-stage AMG parameter steering features a variable steering geometry ratio that adapts to the selected drive program. At high speeds, the steering power assistance decreases; at low speeds it is steadily increased.
Another C 63 first: AMG Performance 4MATIC+
In another first for any C 63 model, the fully variable all-wheel drive system, AMG Performance 4MATIC+, is used to transfer the drive power to the road, and integrates with the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT’s eight driving modes plus the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT-9G transmission to responsively ensure stability, assurance and optimal drive in all driving conditions.
AMG Performance 4MATIC+ also includes a selectable Drift Mode. Offered for the first time on a C 63 model, this performance-focused feature is designed for exploration in closed environments, such as racetracks.
The C 63 S E PERFORMANCE’s hybrid drive also makes a significant contribution to dynamic handling control. Instead of braking intervention by ESP, the electric motor can also control traction as soon as a wheel signals too much slip. To do this, the intelligent control system reduces the drive torque of the electric motor that is transferred to the wheel via the limited-slip rear differential. The result is that ESP does not have to intervene at all, or only later.
Optimised handling and stopping as standard
Standard AMG RIDE CONTROL steel-spring suspension with Adaptive Damping System combines pronounced sporty dynamic handling with long-distance touring comfort.
With specially developed steering knuckles and suspension joints on the front axle spring control arm, and elastokinematics designed for driving dynamics at the rear axle, damping at each individual wheel is continuously adjusted to the current demand, taking into account the preselected suspension level, the driving style and the condition of the road surface.
In addition to an improvement in ride quality and comfort, this leads to an increase in driving safety.
Nor are there any compromises when it comes to the brakes, with a standard AMG high-performance composite brake system with 6-piston fixed callipers at the front and 1-piston floating callipers at the rear.
This system contributes to very short braking distances as well as maximum stability and fade-resistance under heavy use. Furthermore, lightweight material reduces unsprung mass.
Design and dimensional upgrades
The dimensions of the new C 63 S E PERFORMANCE differ considerably from those of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, based on an extensively modified AMG bodyshell. The front end is 50mm longer than the previous C 63, with a wider track width at the front axle that results in 76mm more overall width at the front. A total 83mm in extra length helps to add 10mm to the wheelbase. All in all, this results in a layout that gives the new C 63 S E PERFORMANCE a powerful, stretched and muscular look.
A new distinguishing feature that is exclusive to the C 63 S E PERFORMANCE is a slim air outlet in the centre of the bonnet that transitions elegantly into two powerdomes. Meanwhile, a round badge with a distinctive black AMG emblem replaces the Mercedes star with laurel wreath on the bonnet.
A new AMG-specific radiator grille with vertical struts pairs with a jet wing-inspired AMG front apron with flics, inlets and air curtains, to direct airflow to its various functions. Two electronically controlled AIR PANELS (behind the radiator grille and in the front apron) allow airflow to be further regulated as required.
At the rear, two trapezoidal dual tailpipe trims round off the updated design along with an ‘E PERFORMANCE’ badge on the wings and the presence for the first time of a plug-in charging flap.
Design
Other notable features of the new C 63 S E PERFORMANCE include distinctive AMG Sport Seats as standard – with the option of an AMG Performance Seat with supportive side seat bolsters and weight-saving openings that also improve ventilation.
The latest generation of the MBUX multimedia system incorporates various AMG- and hybrid-specific displays and functions. These include special displays in the instrument cluster, on the stunning portrait-orientation multimedia central display in the centre console, and on the head-up display. The appearance of the instrument cluster can be personalised with different display styles and individually selectable main views, including an AMG-specific Supersport style.
An AMG Performance steering wheel in a distinctive twin-spoke design incorporates AMG steering wheel buttons with brilliant displays and perfect turn-and-press operating logic. In this way, important driving functions and all driving modes can be controlled without the driver having to take their hands off the steering wheel.
A new feature is the ability to select regeneration levels of the hybrid drive via the steering wheel buttons.
Impressively specified
The standard specification on the new Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E PERFORMANCE is unsurprisingly comprehensive and includes a high-quality new interior design that is simple to operate, sophisticated and stylish, yet also with distinctive AMG flourishes.
Standard equipment includes a panoramic sliding sunroof, a head-up display with AMG-specific graphical elements, a Burmester 3D surround sound system, heated and powered front seats, premium Ambient Lighting, smartphone integration and wireless charging for compatible mobile devices, MBUX augmented reality for navigation and the AMG Track Pace package.
Safety and security are taken care of by a standard suite of assistances including DISTRONIC PLUS automated cruise control, active lane-keeping assist, Traffic Sign Assist, a Parking Package including 360-degree camera function, the PRE-SAFE accident anticipation system and headlights equipped with DIGITAL LIGHT and Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus.
Pricing
The new Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E PERFORMANCE can be ordered from 7th December at $187,900 (plus on road costs) with first deliveries occurring during January 2024.