Get ready for a four that out-punches a V8
Mercedes has a bumper year in store: EVs galore, and radically di erent new models wearing familiar badges, like this four-cylinder hybrid C63
An AMG super saloon without a V8? Unthinkable to some. But soon a reality. A new Mercedes C-Class arrives in 2021, and its AMG C63 crowning glory is set to be revealed before the year’s out, packing not eight but four cylinders under its muscular bonnet – plus a lot of electronics.
Mercedes pulled the plug early on the outgoing V8-powered C63 because of the pending CO2-related penalties on each vehicle sold. So 2021’s C63 AMG 4-Matic+ EQ Power Sport will be dramatically more efficient, while beating the current V8 C63 on power, torque and performance.
This is by far the most complex C-Class ever, combining combustion power with three electric support acts. AMG’s M139 turbo engine (as seen in the A45 S hyper hatch) is aided by an electric rear-wheel-drive unit and an integrated starter-generator (ISG). The turbo itself is AMG’s new electrically-assisted design, designed to help kill lag.
The way these components complement each other, working together to deliver huge and seamless outputs, will be key to helping the world get over the fact there’s no V8 under the bonnet. The most intriguing piece of engineering is the twin-power rear axle, through which the car deploys both its 200bhp e-motor and the 420bhp from its petrol four, relayed via the 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system. The e-module operates independently from the transmission, which would otherwise struggle with the e-motor’s instant torque. The aggregate output will top 550bhp (more than the new M3 Comp), with maximum torque up to 590lb ft.
Active all-wheel drive with Drift mode is standard, as are a nine-speed sport transmission, adaptive suspension and offset tyre sizes (bigger at the back) for better corner-exit traction and into-the-corner front-end grip.
These complex systems are marshalled by a new 400-volt electrical architecture, not the 48-volt circuit used in all other versions of the new C-Class. It improves on-the-move battery recharging, extending the electric-only range to around 40 miles if the driver goes gently.
The hybrid hardware adds approximately 250kg, taking the total close to 2000kg. That’s the bad news. The good news is a reduced front axle load – the four-cylinder motor is a full 60kg lighter than the eight – and perfect 50:50 front-to-rear weight distribution. Thanks to hybridisation, official WLTP consumption is set to improve significantly from 26.6 to 93.9mpg, which looks great on paper but is of course a mirage on the road. Top speed on the other hand is a hard fact. Like the model it replaces, the new C63 AMG can do 181mph – even on empty batteries and with zero boost left – although the urge beyond 125mph may not quite match the ballsy V8.
Equally impressive is the acceleration time relayed by the Affalterbach grapevine. According to our source, the new C63 AMG does 0-62mph in 3.5sec, half a second quicker than the outgoing C63. It’s looking like an ideal playmate for the hottest BMW M4. Challenge accepted…
Before we get the C63, the rest of the new C-Class line-up will arrive, including a hybrid C43; expect every W206 C-Class to be roomier, lighter and aerodynamically more efficient. The family starts with the imminent four-door saloon; the estate will be along later in the year. ⊲
With a 0-62mph time half a second quicker than the outgoing C63, this looks like an ideal playmate for the new BMW M4