Performance hybrid with technology transfer from Formula 1

The new Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E is a real game-changer in the 55-year history of AMG.

With know-how from Formula 1, it brings state-of-the-art technologies from motorsport to the road. A two-speed electric motor positioned on the rear axle supports the 2.0-litre turbo engine that is mounted longitudinally at the front.

This is the most powerful production four-cylinder in the world. Power delivery and torque build-up occur spontaneously and without delay. As in Formula 1, the electric support of the exhaust gas turbocharger eliminates the turbo lag of the combustion engine, while at the same time the electric drive pushes powerfully from a standstill.

The electric powertrain and the high-performance battery with 400v are AMG-exclusive, in-house developments. They underline the high-end engineering competence of the Affalterbach-based developers. Just like in Formula 1, the battery is specifically designed for fast power output and draw with innovative direct cooling of the cells. The combined system output is 500kW, the combined maximum system torque 1 020Nm. These are new benchmarks for the C-Class.

Other highlights of the new model series

For the first time in a C 63, the fully variable all-wheel drive AMG Performance 4MATIC+ transfers the drive power to the road and includes drift mode for even more driving pleasure. Added to this is the standard-fit active rear axle steering, another unique feature in this segment.

“With its performance hybrid drive and electrically assisted exhaust turbocharger, the new C 63 S E Performance is a technological masterpiece that takes a new approach. The electrified powertrain offers a whole new driving experience. The immediate response of the electric drive at the rear axle, the rapid torque build-up as well as the fast power output and also draw of our battery are very special features. Add to this the standard-fit rear axle steering and the fully variable all-wheel drive with drift mode – the new C 63 once again illustrates the high level of technical expertise that AMG possesses,” said Jochen Hermann, member of the executive board – chief technical officer of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

Form follows function

The design of the new C 63 S differs from the Mercedes-Benz C-Class in its more muscular proportions.

A new distinguishing feature, and one that is exclusive to the C 63 S, is the narrow air outlet in the centre of the bonnet that transitions elegantly into the two powerdomes.

Stylish interior of the new generation of the AMG Performance seat

In the interior, AMG sports seats with special upholstery layout and a distinctive stitching pattern add to the refined impression. The completely redesigned second-generation AMG Performance seat is available as an option. Its special feature is the seat side bolsters with weight-saving openings that also allow better ventilation. The shape of the backrest tapers towards the bottom.

The AMG specific E Performance hybrid drive: combustion engine in the front, electric motor in the rear

In the new Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E Performance, the 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engine is combined with a permanently excited synchronous electric motor, a high-performance battery developed in Affalterbach and fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive. The system output of 500kW and the maximum system torque of 1 020Nm enable impressive driving performance. The saloon accelerates from a standstill to 100km/h in 3.4 seconds. Acceleration only ends at an electronically governed 280km/h.

The 150kW electric motor is positioned at the rear axle, where it is integrated with an electrically shifted two-speed gearbox and the electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential in a compact electric drive unit (EDU). Experts refer to this layout as a P3 hybrid. The lightweight high-performance battery is also located in the rear above the rear axle.

Inspired by Formula 1, developed in Affalterbach: the AMG high-performance battery

The high-performance battery offers a capacity of 6.1kWh, a continuous output of 70kW and a peak output of 150kW for 10 seconds. The low weight of only 89kg helps to deliver a very high power density of 1.7kW/kg. Charging takes place via the installed 3.7kW on-board charger with alternating current at a charging station, wallbox or household socket. The battery is designed for fast power delivery and draw, not for the longest possible range. Nevertheless, the electric range of 13km allows a practical operating radius, for example for quiet and emission-free driving from a residential area to the outskirts of the city or to the motorway.

Eight AMG drive programmes

The eight AMG dynamic select drive programmes “Electric”, “Comfort”, “Battery Hold”, “Sport”, “Sport+”, “Race”, “Slippery” and “Individual” are precisely tailored to the new drive technology and thus offer a wide range of driving experiences – from efficient to dynamic.

New sound experience in all driving conditions: electric, hybrid and internal combustion engine

When driving on all-electric power, the legally required acoustic vehicle alerting system warns the surroundings that the Performance hybrid is approaching. A specially composed, low-frequency and speed-modulated AMG sound is emitted to the outside via a loudspeaker at the front and a soundbar with two loudspeakers at the rear.

AMG ride control suspension with adaptive damping system

The standard AMG ride control steel suspension with an adaptive damping system combines sporty driving dynamics with a high level of long-distance comfort. The basis for this is provided by the front axle with specially developed steering knuckles and supporting joints for the spring link, as well as by the rear axle, which also features elastokinematics designed for dynamic handling. Based on this, the damping at each individual wheel is continuously adjusted to the current demand – always taking into account the preselected suspension level, the driving style and the condition of the road surface.

Good control and fade resistant: the AMG high-performance composite brake system

In keeping with the extreme output figures and the associated performance, the AMG high-performance composite brake system with 6-piston fixed calipers at the front and 1-piston floating calipers at the rear is fitted as standard. The brake system impresses with very short braking distances as well as maximum stability and fade resistance under heavy use.

Technical data at a glance

Source: MotorPress