RM 375 road tax for 680 PS/1020 Nm - 2023 Mercedes-AMG C63S E Performance revealed

• C63 is now a 4-cylinder PHEV
• Most powerful C-Class yet with 680 PS/1020 Nm
• Also the heaviest, at 2,111 kg

It’s all true, the W206 2023 Mercedes-AMG C63S E Performance is a 4-cylinder plug-in hybrid (PHEV). To make up for the loss of displacement and cylinder count, the new C63S features a whole lot more go-fast tech.

Electrification plays a huge role in making the new C63S faster than ever before, and Mercedes says it has F1-derived technology.

The M139 2.0-litre turbocharged engine alone makes 476 PS/545 Nm, the highest of any production 2.0-litre engine. With an electric motor producing 204 PS/320 Nm mounted at the rear, the result is a combined output of 680 PS/1020 Nm.

There are two gearboxes – one for the engine and one for the electric motor; the engine gets a 9-speed multi-clutch transmission while the electric motor has a 2-speed gearbox. Both can power all four wheels, which means even in full-electric mode, the C63S is all-wheel drive.

Also read: Think twin-clutch 'boxes are amazing? New Mercedes-AMG C63 will have twin gearboxes

Yes, the C63S is able to operate on pure electric mode for up to 13 km, courtesy of its 6.1 kWh battery. A 3.7 kW on-board charger gives it the plug-in capability. There’s also selectable energy recuperation level, up to four stages.

All these explain its weight – coming in at 2,111 kg – the heaviest a C63 has ever been, heavier than even the E63S. But its sheer power means its 0-100 km/h sprint time is claimed at 3.4 seconds while top speed is limited to 250 km/h, with an option to lift it to 280 km/h.

Exterior wise, the front end is 50 mm longer and the front fenders are wider. In terms of length, the C63S is 83 mm longer than the regular C-Class. The wider track width at the front axle results in 76 mm more overall width at the front, and the wheelbase has grown by 10 mm.

A new distinguishing feature is slim air outlet in the centre of the bonnet that transitions into the two power domes. Also new is the round badge with a black AMG emblem replaces the Mercedes star with laurel wreath on the bonnet.

The C63S rolls on 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels with staggered tyres sizes. There’s also the option for 20-inch wheels.

Inside, the redesigned second-generation AMG Performance seat is available as an option. Its unique features are the side bolsters with weight-saving openings that also allow better ventilation.

The MBUX infotainment system includes various AMG- and hybrid-specific displays and functions. These include special displays in the instrument cluster, on the portrait-orientation multimedia central display in the centre console and on the optional head-up display.

The standard AMG Performance steering wheel with its twin-spoke design has integrated control buttons to alter driving functions and driving modes.

Adaptive dampers come as standard, so does rear-axle steering. Below 100 km/h, the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction to the front, with a maximum steering angle of 2.5 degrees. Above that speed, the rear wheels turn in parallel to the front by up to 0.7 degrees.

Also read: No more V6, 2023 (W206) Mercedes-AMG C43 gets A45 engine with 408 PS/500 Nm