Mercedes-Amg C63 S E Performance 2023 Review

This is perhaps the most radical AMG ever. Why? Because it throws out the tried-and-tested, copy-and-paste formula that we associate with the brand. No more 4-litre V8 powering the rear wheels. Now we have technology in abundance, marrying multiple power sources with an all-wheel-drive system. Its hybrid powertrain generates some very large headline figures, but alongside the impressive 670bhp there is also the worrying 2165kg kerb weight. The question is, which do you feel the effects of more?

The engine is an uprated version of the M139 2-litre four-cylinder that has wowed us in the AMG A45 S. In the C63 S it is mounted longitudinally rather than transversely and it has a bigger turbocharger with its own electric motor to minimise lag. The result is 469bhp and 402lb ft (going through the familiar nine-speed multi-clutch ’box) making it the most powerful series-production four-cylinder available. However, that’s not all, because the C63 S also has a 6.1kWh battery and a permanently excited synchronous electric motor capable of producing 201bhp and 236lb ft of torque. This is deployed through a two-speed gearbox to the rear axle and is the same hybrid system used in the GT63 S and S63 E.