Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E Performance gets a 2.0-litre 4-cyl engine with electric motor
Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E Performance launched in India with a price tag of Rs. 1.95 crores (ex-showroom). This model marks AMG’s third launch in the country this year and the third plug-in hybrid under its brand umbrella in India, joining the S 63 E Performance and the GT 63 S E Performance. Bookings are open as of today, with deliveries expected to begin in April 2025.
Powertrain
A significant departure from the previous C 63, the new C 63 S E Performance has moved away from the traditional V8 in favour of a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, which outputs 476 HP and 545 Nm of torque. The engine is coupled with a rear-mounted electric motor delivering an additional 204 HP and 320 Nm of torque. Combined, the hybrid setup generates an impressive total output of 680 HP and 1020 Nm of torque.
Mercedes-AMG has introduced Formula 1-inspired technology in the turbocharger, using an electric motor powered by the vehicle’s 400V system to help speed up turbine performance. Power is sent to all four wheels through the AMG 4Matic+ system, with a drift mode also included. The vehicle boasts a 0-100 km/hr acceleration time of just 3.4 seconds, while the AMG Driver’s Package comes as a standard feature, unlocking a top speed of 280 km/hr.
Hybrid Battery and Driving Modes
Equipped with a 6.1kWh battery pack, the C 63 S E Performance offers an electric-only driving range of up to 13 km. The 89kg battery unit adds a hybrid layer to the model’s performance-oriented profile, while four-wheel steering enhances manoeuvrability; the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction up to 100 km/hr and in the same direction at higher speeds. The vehicle also features eight drive modes – Electric, Comfort, Battery Hold, Sport, Sport+, Race, Slippery and Individual—complemented by three adaptive damping settings: Comfort, Sport and Sport+.
Interior and Exterior Highlights
The C 63 S E Performance differentiates itself from the standard C-Class with a sportier, AMG-specific design that includes a vertically slatted grille with active shutters and more aggressive front and rear bumpers. The body has been extended by 83 mm and the wider front wheel arches increase the vehicle’s width by 76 mm. Lightweight 20-inch alloy wheels come standard, while buyers have options for AMG-exclusive paint finishes, such as Matt Graphite Grey Magno and can also opt for ceramic high-performance composite brakes over the standard ventilated metal brakes.
Inside, the AMG model features an all-black interior theme with AMG-specific accents, such as a sport steering wheel and carbon fiber trim. Nappa leather sports seats and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system come standard, alongside a 710W, 15-speaker Burmester sound system. AMG Performance seats are available as an optional upgrade, and standard safety features include seven airbags, a 360-degree camera and an extensive suite of ADAS technologies.
Competitive Landscape and Added Perks
Although it has no direct rivals in India, the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E Performance competes in a niche market, alongside models such as the BMW M4 CS and the Porsche Panamera GTS.
To sweeten the deal, Mercedes-AMG is offering each buyer of the C 63 S E Performance a complimentary Nürburgring driving experience, highlighting the model’s performance credentials.
With the introduction of this high-powered hybrid, Mercedes-AMG continues to diversify its range of performance-oriented vehicles in the Indian market, while showcasing an innovative approach to hybrid technology.
