THE NEW 2023 AMG C63'S NAME DOESN'T MAKE SENSE ANYMORE - IS IT STILL WORTHY OF THE BADGE?
The Mercedes-AMG C 63 has always had a reputation in automotive enthusiast circles. The V8 engine setup was arguably the best-sounding 8-cylinder car you could buy, and if you heard one with an aftermarket exhaust a proper fanatic could identify the car from at least a kilometre away. It’s that recognisable. Well, it was… When the car was first released in 2008 it was fitted with a normally-aspirated 6.3-litre V8 that was so amazing it was seen in the following 2012 model too. In its best state of tune it had 378 kW with 610 Nm of torque in the limited number Edition 507 guise (378 kW is 507 hp). This is the last time the badges on the car made sense. The 2019 C 63 saw fitment of a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 that made a rather healthy 375 kW and 700 Nm in regular form. Decreased capacity with boot made for a decent alternative to the normally-aspirated V8 but it lost the glorious soundtrack as well as it wore badges that made no sense. This latest version for 2023 sees a further decrease in engine size, in fact it lost four cylinders and two whole litres. It’s now a turbocharged 2.0-litre 4-cylinder that has extra help from an electric motor and the new combined power output is a very healthy 500 kW with a possible 1 020 Nm of torque, but it’s still called a C 63.
“With the C 63 S E PERFORMANCE, we are opening a new chapter in the history of our brand. The new C 63 in particular is a real game changer. With its revolutionary concept, it brings a completely new approach to the segment, which until now has been primarily characterised by the promise purely of performance. With a maximum system output of 680 hp, we do indeed keep this promise. But the intelligent P3 hybrid concept offers much more. I am sure that with this technology, which incorporates a lot of know-how from Formula 1, we will also appeal to a new group of customers." Philipp Schiemer, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-AMG
"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 - the new C 63 illustrates once again the high level of technical expertise that AMG possesses.” Jochen Hermann, Technical Managing Director of Mercedes-AMG GmbH
Take a look at the YouTube video that aims to show off the driving dynamics of the all-new Mercedes-AMG while it's being put through it's paces at 10/10ths, and luckily the video doesn't have a soundtrack so you can hear that monster engine setup roaring through the corners. Oh, no, this ones doesn't do that anymore, but it looks fast: The new 2023 AMG C63's name doesn't make sense anymore - is it still worthy of the badge? | CWM
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