Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 PHEV
Based on the C-Class that debuted in 2022, the AMC C63 improves performance with its 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, providing a staggering 671 horsepower. It uses an electronically powered turbo system similar to the one Mercedes employs in its Formula 1 race car that's capable of taking your six miles on electric power only and it can blast you from zero to 60mph in an EPA-estimated 3.0 seconds.
Bad Boy Bravado
The mighty Mercedes C63 has been known for its V8 rumble and spirited performance. A lavish luxury sedan with sweeping design and every high-tech gadget known to man. But the 2024 version of this sleek plug-in hybrid no longer sports the fire-breathing twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine packing 469 or 503 horsepower. That's been replaced by a powertrain that's half that size but considerably more powerful. The 2024 AMG C63 PHEV represents the high-performance version of M-B's entry-luxury C-Class with technology gleaned from the automaker's F-1 racing team.
Design-wise, the AMG adds a much more aggressive look to the C63. This is seen in the vertical grille, huge air intakes on each front corner, and the lower front grille has slats that actually shut. There's a functional power dive in the hood with working vents, and the entire car is meatier. It has flared wheel arches, standard 19-inch alloy wheels (though 20's are available), and the front end is slightly wider and longer to accommodate the hybrid tech. You'll also find carbon fiber side skirts, door mirrors, trunk lid spoiler, and rear defuser. Sadly, only two of the four AMG exhaust tail pipes are functional. They look mean, though.
Under the Hood
The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces a total of 671 horses by including a 201-horsepower electric motor and an electric turbocharger to reduce turbo lag. That means this astonishing plug-in hybrid leads the pack in the luxury sedan performance category, even besting such rivals as the Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing, and the BMW M3.
This version of the C63 is a big improvement over the previous incarnation, though we miss the sweet growl of the V8. Still, the electrified acceleration is simply mind-blowing, throwing you back into the plush race seats with the greatest of ease. Steering is precise and handling inspires confidence.
The Four-cylinder gas engine alone makes 469 horsepower and 402 pound-feet of torque: the highest output of any production four-cylinder on the market. The electric motor ups the ante with an additional 168 ponies and 236 pound-feet of torque.
Then there's the chassis that includes adaptive suspension and all-wheel drive with rear-axle steering. Thus, what we have here is a luxury performance car with a staggering amount of technology in a killer package.
Inside the Cabin
The basic cabin layout is similar to Mercedes' flagship S-Class, encasing you in premium goodness. AMG upgrades include high end sport seats with added bolstering to hold you in place during drastic cornering. Base models come in faux leather though Nappa Leather is an option. The wide center console also helps keep the driver in his or her own private Idaho while piloting the vehicle.
An 11.9-inch infotainment touchscreen boasts Mercedes' MBUX system including wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and voice recognition. The higher trim Pinnacle version includes a head-up display and augmented-reality navigation. The MBUX system is easy to navigate and is very intuitive. You'll also enjoy the upgraded 710-watt Burmester 3D surround-sound system with its 15 speakers.
An upgraded Driver Assist Package includes adaptive cruise control with automated lane change capability, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning and more. But what's it like behind the wheel? Let's find out.
On the Road
When you first put your foot on the brake and hit the Power button, the first thing you'll notice is that there is no deep, guttural roar that makes its way to your ears. Gone is the low rumble of a V8. In fact, in Electric Mode, it's rather quiet. But here's the thing about this PHEV, it is absolutely brilliant when you put it in Race Mode and press down on the accelerator. You will hear and feel the combination of the electric motor and that fab 4-cylinder engine engage and blast you forward. Unlike a turbocharged gasoline engine, there is very little lag and the pull forward is both instant and profound. It actually feels better and more responsive than when you floor the old V8.
As mentioned earlier, this AMG will get you to 60mph in a hair over 3 seconds and handle a quarter mile in around 11.2 seconds. That is crazy fast! It is quicker than the old C63 with the V8, faster than the Audi RS5, in fact, the only performance sedan that can beat it is the BMW M5 Competition version and possibly the M3 Competition x-Drive.
But as we all know, speed without a proper chassis is useless. The C63 has that handled. The brakes have been upgraded for max stopping power, sport suspension and adaptive dampers are standard and include a number of settings including comfort, sport, and sport+ which is super stiff.
Speaking of, on a racetrack, the C63 is phenomenal. Special AMG screens allow you to use BOOST Mode for maximum grunt when needed. The only downside is that this is a very heavy car, weighing in at 4,850 pounds and while that really doesn't take away from normal on-the-road use, you feel that extra weight on the racetrack. Not that most of you will take your 85K C63 out for a track day.
We think this remarkable high end premium plug-in hybrid is in a league of its own.
Mercedes AMG C63 PHEV Sedan
Starting MSRP $85,050.
Pinnacle Trim = $87,100.
