Driven! Mercedes’ C63 AMG S E Performance Arrives in America—Was It Worth the Wait?

The 2024 Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance combines a powerful hybrid system with advanced technology for an exhilarating driving experience. Is it worth the wait? Absolutely.

I’ve embarked on countless DIY projects with little to no knowledge of what I was doing. My initial attempt at rewiring an electric guitar turned into a tangled mess of wires and solder. My first oil change was a catastrophe.

And the first table I built was a shaky, splinter-filled disaster, complete with a screw prominently jutting out of the top. But through these failures, I learned. With each new attempt, things got better and smoother. Mercedes-Benz has had similar learning experiences with the 2024 Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance, which we finally got to drive in the US two years after its debut on European tracks.

Powering the New C63

For years, Mercedes-AMG’s mantra was “one man, one engine.” However, the plug-in hybrid C63 S E Performance changes the game. This might be the most complex performance car yet, aside from the AMG One hypercar, integrating two powerplants, two transmissions, all-wheel drive, and a host of software-enabled functions into a blisteringly fast 671-hp sport sedan.

Starting from the front, the latest C63 boasts a handbuilt version of the C43’s 2.0-liter electrically turbocharged I-4 engine, generating an impressive 469 hp and 402 lb-ft of torque, thanks to a larger turbo. This engine is paired with a wet-clutch 9-speed automatic transmission that directs power to the rear axle via Mercedes’ 4Matic all-wheel-drive system.

The driveline then passes under a fuel tank and a 400-volt 6.1-kWh liquid-cooled battery pack that extends into the trunk, meeting Mercedes’ first homegrown electric motor. This motor, housed alongside a two-speed automatic transmission and an electronically controlled limited-slip differential, signifies AMG’s new performance car philosophy.

Although it isn’t hand-built like the engine, it delivers a peak output of 201 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque in Boost mode. This motor’s main role is to fill the engine’s torque curve during acceleration and maintain acceleration while the 9-speed shifts. It can also power the front wheels, ensuring constant all-wheel drive. Combined, the system produces 671 hp and 752 lb-ft of torque.

The C63 S E Performance offers about 8 miles of all-electric range (pending EPA results), with the battery taking around 2 hours to recharge via its onboard 3.3 kW charger. However, the engine typically recharges the battery much faster during vigorous driving.

Adding to the complexity are features like a rear steer system, electro-hydraulic adaptive suspension, and extensive software programming. The C63 has eight driving modes (Electric, Comfort, Battery Hold, Sport, Sport+, Race, Drift, and Slippery, plus Individual), four regenerative brake settings (levels 0–3), three suspension and steering settings, five traction control settings (Basic, Advanced, Pro, Master, and Off), and “Track Pace,” which provides on-track guidance for braking zones, suggested gears for corners, and when to use full electric boost at 20 different AMG-mapped tracks.

This complexity posed significant challenges for AMG engineers, who described the integration of the C63’s systems as a “nightmare.” Additionally, federalization further delayed the car’s arrival in the US.

Was It Worth the Wait?

Absolutely.

If you’re worried about missing the old C63’s V-8, rest assured—the new powertrain is formidable. Launch control highlights the PHEV’s performance advantage over the old V-8. The experience begins with the seatbelt’s automatic cinch, followed by a powerful, continuous push as the rear motor and front engine engage nearly simultaneously.

Acceleration into triple digits is smooth and relentless, with the rear motor maintaining speed as the nine-speed shifts quickly, and the electric turbo eliminates power interruptions during gear changes. The only notable pause occurs at 87 mph when the rear two-speed shifts into high gear.

Despite gaining weight in its transition from V-8 to PHEV, the new C63 excels in corners, particularly in the challenging Malibu canyons. The narrow, hairpin-filled roads highlighted the C63’s finely tuned hardware and software. The variable ratio steering is lightly weighted and precise, while the four-wheel steering system, rear diff, and all-wheel-drive system work together to pull the car through bends at impressive speeds.

With its low, evenly distributed weight, the C63’s body control is superb, and the adaptive dampers handle rough pavement without unsettling the 671-hp sedan. The car’s 4,850-pound curb weight only becomes apparent during hard braking, where mild understeer can occur if you’ve carried too much speed into a corner.

Shut Up and Take My Money

The 2024 Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance’s complexity may not appeal to purists focused solely on driving, but those who appreciate the engineering feat (or can ignore it) will find it to be one of the most exhilarating performance cars in its class. Starting at $85,050, we eagerly anticipate how Mercedes’ latest innovation will fare against refreshed rivals from Audi and BMW.

2024 Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance Specifications

BASE PRICE: $85,050
LAYOUT: Front-engine/rear-motor, AWD, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan
ENGINE: 2.0L/469-hp/402-lb-ft electrically-turbocharged DOHC 16-valve I-4, plus 203-hp/236-lb-ft rear permanent magnet electric motor; 671 hp/752 lb-ft combined
TRANSMISSIONS: 9-speed auto (front), 2-speed auto (rear)
CURB WEIGHT: 4,850 lb
WHEELBASE: 113.2 in
DIMENSIONS (L x W x H): 190.6 x 74.8 x 57.4 in
0–60 MPH: 3.3 sec (manufacturer estimate)
EPA FUEL ECONOMY: Not yet rated
EPA RANGE: Not yet rated
ON SALE: Summer 2024