The 2024 Mercedes-AMG C63 E looks like a pure reinterpretation of its long series of pre-existing models. The basic design of the brand-new C-Class remains, however flared Fenders, aggressive air dams as well as a host of other cosmetic elements mark the evolution into one of AMG’s more exuberant hot rods. However, underneath the things aren’t as they were. The C-Class’s most popular models have been powered by V8 since 1997 But not anymore.
Instead of the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, in 2024, the C63 S is a plug-in hybrid that features the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder as well as the electric motor. While it previously drove through back wheels the new hybrid will have AWD. Some V8 fans may be wailing however, probably not until they can test the product. The most powerful 2021 C63 S V8 had 503 horsepower, this new version will have an overall total of 680 horsepower (a 35% improvement) but it’s also heavier because of all the new equipment.
That thrust is delivered almost instantly thanks to its electrically-assisted turbocharger and direct-cooled 6.1 kWh battery pack, both informed by similar tech on Mercedes’ Formula One car. AMG superfans may recognize a few of the components utilized in this new machine, but it’s not as similar to its corporate counterparts.
It’s expected to be the most affordable of the E Performance models, though it’s not going to be with a price tag that isn’t too expensive. It’s very likely, in addition, that the C63 S’ systems will influence those of the upcoming AMG-sized Mercedes-Benz CLE coupe, due to replace the C as well as the E-Class two doors in 2024. In a recent roundtable conversation, Mercedes-AMG Chief Technical Officer Jochen Hermann led us through the many changes to the vehicle.
2024 Mercedes-AMG C63 S Changes
Mercedes-Benz plans to become completely electric by 2030. AMG’s part in that plan is already taking shape as well, with the AMG EQS going on sale this year, as well as the battery-electric AMG.EA platform is due to be launched in 2025. In the meantime, plug-in hybrids are trending and AMG presented its first plug-in hybrid AMG GT63 S E Performance last year.
At the heart of that nearly $200,000 supersedan are the same 6.1-kWh battery pack and electric drive unit (with a two-speed transmission) as the new C63 S, and the same electrically-assisted turbocharging technology derived from the Formula 1 car. “The real secret of this battery,” Hermann explained to Forbes Wheels, “Is its 70-kW continuous power. This level of power can allow you to recover lots of energy from the battery in a short time.”
The liquid-cooled unit, which has 557 lithium-ion cylindrical cells in the same 2170-sized format Tesla utilizes, is designed to be swift in the draw after using the hammer, instead of being optimized for the range. “It’s copy-pasted from the Formula 1 car, but with different dimensions,” Hermann explained. In the majority of PHEVs, Hermann adds, the battery is charged overnight and then makes use of the electric range. This is difficult to replenish with the regenerative brake alone. “In this car,” Hermann stated, “Depending on how you drive, there are situations where you could deplete the battery and fully charge it twice in a 20 or 30-minute drive.” Despite that, the 2024 Mercedes-AMG C63 S is capable of driving for around 8 miles when in electric mode and speeds up to 81 miles per hour.
The two-speed transmission is designed to ensure that power is ready to launch rocket ships off the line, but it also allows for extending the top speed and shifts to a higher speed at 140 km/h (87 miles per hour). Placing the drive and pack unit back in the rear increases the weight distribution, Hermann said, and the car can carry 52 percent of all its mass on its rear wheels. The drive unit is electric and has a limited-slip differential and since it can transmit and is mechanically connected to driveshafts, this is a full-wheel drive at all times when it’s in hybrid or fully electric mode.
It also recovers the energy of all 4 wheels and AMG has created four different levels of regenerative brake and modified the driving modes to provide more efficient energy management, but it’s not clear what amount of energy people will ever recover in the “drift mode.”
Those who love the new C-Class will recognize the majority of the interior. However, AMG has an exclusive steering wheel, as well as numerous other adjustments which make it appear more athletic (sports seats are designed to hold you in a straight line) and also look more modern (tweaks in changes to the MBUX Interface). Mercedes-AMG
Electric Turbocharging
In the front in the front, the 2024 Mercedes-AMG C63 S will be front-facing. The C63 S will use a variant that uses its 2.0-liter “M139” four-cylinder engine that is used in the CLA45 and GLA45 models, but it will be rotated to run north-south, instead of the transverse layout used in the front-drive-focused models. It might not have as many cylinders as the original V8 however, the M139 is the most powerful production car four-cylinder engine in the world due to its electric turbochargers.
Conventional turbos utilize the exhaust gases from engines to spin a turbine, which is then rotated by a compressor, forcing air through the intake manifold, thereby increasing pressure to push additional air to the. The problem with Turbos is that it can take a few seconds for exhaust gas to rise to boost the amount. The electronic version of AMG uses an electric motor that is tiny to speed up the process and ensures that it is at maximum boost, which results in rapid throttle response.
“The concept is very much like the Formula 1 car,” Hermann explained that the car had a lock on the F1 championship from 2014 until 2020. AMG was the very first firm to provide production cars with this system. Both AMG models of the C-Class including the C63 S as well as the more mild C43 (arriving in 2023 and boasting 402 horsepower) will receive the same technology. For C63 S, the engine will produce the power of 469 horsepower as well as 402 pounds-feet of torque. The electric drive unit adds 236 pound-feet of torque and 201 horsepower however it will only keep these levels for 10 minutes. After that, the engine drops to a constant of 94 horsepower.
The combination of the electric turbo and the instant torque generated by an electric motor will produce acceleration that is similar to the acceleration of a performance electric vehicle which is why AMG is watching models such as those of Tesla Model 3 Performance and Audi e-tron GT, which could appeal to buyers. There aren’t Nurburgring time laps to brag about (yet) however AMG says that the C63 S Performance can reach 60 miles per hour in 3.3 seconds, and If ordered correctly it will accelerate to 173 mph.
Although the modifications to the powertrain could appear more dramatic, AMG has also extensively altered the design of the car and changed its design to fit its athletic purpose. 3.3 inches overall, the bulk of the stretch is located ahead of the A-pillar. the front of the car being strengthened and stretched across the 3.0-inch larger front track that is wider than the regular C. Its wheelbase is also growing by just a tiny bit.
The upgraded Shell, Hermann told Forbes Wheels is 20-30 percent more rigid than the 2024 Mercedes-AMG C63 S. Like all good things the case, a more rigid shell will mean more limits for the racetrack and improved handling, however, certain elements of the new design weren’t all about performance. “We added a larger size of the dampers to provide more comfort and in electric mode, you will truly feel the ease of driving.
The ride comfort is different than the old model.” Like similar AMGs as well, the C-Class has interior design differences, like the AMG steering wheel, as well as distinct images of the vehicle’s operating system. The only thing that does differ from the standard C-Class is the cargo area, because of the massive battery pack and the electric drive unit, but only a few enthusiasts of performance will be concerned.
2024 Mercedes-AMG C63 S Price & Release Date
The weight has increased obviously, but because of all the new equipment it’ll increase the car’s weight to 2100 kg (4,600 pounds ) compared to approximately 4,000 pounds in the previous V8) however, AMG hasn’t yet disclosed a specific amount. The price hasn’t been revealed on C63 S E Performance. C63 S Performance, however, considering that the 2021 model began at about $78,000, an estimate in the mid-$80,000 region is expected.
This is a few thousand over the price of 2022’s BMW M3 Competition, but it’s just a fraction of the cost that its predecessor, the 2024 Mercedes-AMG C63 S, and could be almost as thrilling the ride. AMG will officially unveil C63 S in the coming months. C63 S later this year and the first vehicles will be available for German customers next summer but it’ll be a 2024 model before the car arrives here in the United States.