Three decades since the W202 C36 AMG broke cover, the history of the AMG-badged C-Class is notable. This first collaboration between the Three-pointed Star and tuning specialists Aufrecht Melcher Großaspach (AMG) paved the way for Mercedes-Benz to enter the conversation in response to products from BMW and Audi at the time (the E36 M3 and RS2 Avant, respectively). Three years later, the introduction of the first Mercedes-AMG, the (W202) C43 ushered in the V8 era for this automaker's performance-focused, premium-midsize sedan. For a quarter of a century, the V8 - whether naturally aspirated or force-fed would be the calling card of the apex C-Class.
At the introduction of the fifth-generation C-class, the bells started tolling for this eight-cylinder main act. The announcement of the latest C63, which now dons the brand's E Performance moniker, signalled the end of sonorous V8 soundtracks for this AMG product; replaced with the most powerful four-cylinder engine ever produced.
Positioned longitudinally and mated with a nine-speed Speedshift MCT transmission, the C63 S E Performance features the same M139 turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine from the A45 S that featured in our 2024 Performance Shootout issue. In this application, it features a larger turbocharger to deliver 350 kW and 545 N.m of torque - 40 kW and 45 N.m up on the hatchback. Added to this is an electric motor that feeds 150 kW/ 320 N.m directly into the car's rear differential via a two-speed transmission. The result is a total output of 500 kW and 1 020 N.m of torque, delivered for the first time in a C63 to all four corners via a torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system with a rear-mounted, electronically controlled limited-slip differential.
Including its 400V electric architecture that works to eliminate turbo lag and a 6.1 kWh (gross) battery pack, the new C63 S tipped our scales at 2 085 kg. Keep this figure in mind when you read the next paragraph...
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