The next-generation Mercedes-AMG C63 4Matic, confirmed to switch from traditional V-8 power to a 4-cyl. plug-in-hybrid powertrain developing up to 670 hp, has been revealed in concept form ahead of a planned unveiling of the definitive production model later this year.
Displayed at the Nürburgring 24-hour race in Germany, the new performance sedan differs from other fifth-generation C-Class models by way of a comprehensive body kit, giving it a more muscular appearance than its standard siblings.
Although the concept wears a composite wrap featuring AMG’s new corporate color scheme, various exterior styling elements are clearly evident, including a new front bumper with a low-set splitter, large air ducts and signature Panamericana grille treatment (pictured, below).
Farther back, the new C63 receives a uniquely styled hood with a central air vent, widened front fenders, a lengthened front track and chunky sills underneath the doors.
The rear is distinguished by a revised bumper similar in style to that featured on the recently unveiled C43 4Matic as well as a subtle trunk-mounted spoiler and AMG’s traditional trapezoidal-shaped tailpipes.
The concept also receives 20-in. wheels.
More than the styling, though, it is the powertrain of the new C63 4Matic that already is the subject of heated discussion among the performance-car crowd.
The upcoming BMW M3 rival is powered by a longitudinally-mounted 2.0L gasoline 4-cyl. featuring an electrically driven turbocharger in combination with an electric motor in a layout designed to significantly boost the third-generation C63 4Matic sedan’s performance.
Exact power claims have not yet been made public, though AMG says its new 4-cyl. E-Performance propulsion system is capable of delivering a combined 670 hp – some 168 hp more than the twin-turbocharged 4.0L V-8 used by the second-generation C63 S 4Matic.
The heady reserves include 469 hp from the internal-combustion engine. This is 54 hp more than AMG’s existing M139 4-cyl., as used by the A45S 4Matic, promising to make the new AMG-developed unit the most powerful 4-cyl. engine to ever debut in a production car.
The gasoline engine is supplemented by a 201-hp electric motor mounted on the new C63 4Matic’s rear axle. It provides drive exclusively to the rear wheels via a two-speed gearbox, with energy provided by a 6.1-kWh lithium-ion battery mounted within the floor of the trunk. Charging can be achieved at up to 3.7 kW on an AC system.
Details remain scarce ahead of the new performance sedan’s official unveiling, though its peak power of 670 hp is claimed to be available in short, 10-second bursts of full-throttle acceleration. Its new plug-in hybrid system is rumored to develop up to 553 lb.-ft. (750 Nm) of torque.
By comparison, the newly unveiled C43 4Matic’s turbocharged 2.0L mild-hybrid gasoline 4-cyl. develops 402 hp and 369 lb.-ft. (500 Nm) of torque.
The electric motor alone provides a limited electric range of about 12 miles (19 km) at speeds up to 81 mph (130 km/h).
One of the key advantages of the adoption of partial electrification is a reduction in weight over the front axle. At 354 lbs. (161 kg), AMG’s existing M139 4-cyl. weighs 107 lbs. (49 kg) less than the M177 V-8 used by today’s C63 4Matic.
The mounting of the electric motor and battery at the rear, a layout mirroring that of the recently introduced GT63 4Matic E-Performance 4-door, adds extra weight overall but is claimed to provide improved front-to-rear weight distribution over previous C63 4Matic models.
As well as featuring in the new C63 4Matic, the new 4-cyl. plug-in-hybrid powertrain is also planned to appear in AMG versions of the new second-generation GLC and an upcoming coupe and convertible model pairing that will be sold under the CLE model name as a replacement for today’s C- and E-Class coupe and convertible models from 2023.
