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...
This story is from the CAR July 2024 edition of CAR South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the CAR July 2024 edition of CAR South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Toyota Fortuner
Considered by many as the quintessential adventure SUV, the Fortuner is about as strong a used buying proposition as you can get in this segment. We take you through the things to look out for and list two rivals for comparison.
MIND THE HURDLE
With a repaired car and a point to prove, Alex Shahini returned for Round 3 of the Toyota GR Cup at Zwartkops Raceway to achieve a career-best finish
KING OF KILLARNEY
For four decades, Denis Joubert was directly involved with the creation, development and ongoing success of Cape Town's international motorsport venue, Killarney. Having just celebrated his 90th birthday, we talk to the man whose contribution to South Africa's motor-racing heritage is priceless....
Selecting the 4WD SYSTEM for your needs
As 4WD SUVS and double cabs grow in popularity, more first-time buyers face the challenge of selecting a vehicle with a drivetrain that best meets their requirements. We explain the key differences between the all-wheel drivetrains available
Kia Picanto 1.0 LX MT
Kia's ever-popular budget hatch has recently received a range of exterior and interior updates - we test the entry-level variant to see if it remains a force to be reckoned with in this highly competitive segment
Super C
The fastest and most technologically advanced flagship C-Class to date, AMG's C63 S has evolved into an electrified uber-sedan. Has this mighty model forsaken some character in pursuing this status? We strapped our test equipment to the new shooting star.
Bentley's Brutes
A break in proceedings during an exclusive preview of the fourth-generation Bentley Continental GT afforded us an opportunity to sample the stately yet hair-raising Bentayga S
RUNNING UP THAT HILL
Now in its 14th year, the Simola Hillclimb continues to combine adrenaline-fuelled competition with showcasing some of the most appealing classics out there in a heady mix that keeps local petrolheads coming...
BAND OF BROTHERS
Complete with rugged bakkie-based underpinnings that encourage off-the-beaten-track venturing, largely proven powertrains that afford maximum range and towing capability, and brand names with enviable respective reputations for reliability, adventure SUVs remain the favourite of thousands of South Africans.
TWELVE OF THE BEST
Ferrari keeps things suitably old-school with its V12-engined 12Cilindri GT
