New Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance hybrid hits Australia mid-2023

The iconic Mercedes-AMG C63 muscle car is about to get a seismic makeover, with the new model ditching the famous V8 for a high-power plug-in hybrid (PHEV) drivetrain.

The new model, called Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance, will roll into Australian showrooms around the middle of 2023 in sedan form – at which point it’ll be sure to polarise.

“As always, judgment should be reserved for when the vehicle has been experienced,” a Mercedes-Benz Australia spokesman said this week.

MORE: Deep dive into new Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance

It will be the most powerful C63 made, and be quicker than the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8-powered car it replaces and the 6.2-litre naturally aspirated V8-powered C63 before that.

As ever, the latest C63 will go up against the BMW M3, Audi RS4, and Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio. But when it comes to powertrain technology, it’s quite a different beast.

For the full picture you should read our deep-dive by Angus MacKenzie here, but here are the 2023 Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance cliff notes:

• System outputs of up to 500kW and 1020Nm
• 2.0-litre ‘M139’ four-cylinder engine
  • 350kW and 545Nm, mounted longitudinally
  • Electric turbocharger
  • Nine-speed multi-clutch transmission
• Rear axle e-motor with 150kW
  • Two-speed transmission and LSD unit
• 400V electrical architecture
• 6.1kWh battery, weighing 89km, 13km EV range
• Minimum 0-100km/h time of 3.4 seconds
• Top speed of 280km/h
• Fuel consumption of 6.9L/100km
• Kerb weight of 2111kg
• AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive
  • Fully variable torque distribution
  • Drift Mode

MORE: Deep dive into new Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance