Mercedes-AMG has introduced its latest high-performance plug-in hybrid, the C 63 S E Performance, in India at a price of ₹1.95 crore. This model represents AMG’s third major release of the year and the brand’s third plug-in hybrid for the Indian market, following the launch of the S 63 E Performance and the GT 63 S E Performance. Bookings are now open, with deliveries anticipated to begin in April 2025.
Powertrain and Performance
Departing from its traditional V8 engine, the C 63 S E Performance now features a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder, turbocharged petrol engine delivering 476hp and 545Nm of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. It also includes a rear-axle-mounted electric motor producing up to 204hp and 320Nm, resulting in a combined power output of 680hp and an impressive 1,020Nm of torque. Drawing on Formula 1-inspired technology, Mercedes-AMG has integrated an electric motor into the turbocharger to enhance turbine speed, optimizing response times.
Power is channeled to all four wheels via AMG’s 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system, which also includes a drift mode for added agility. The C 63 S E Performance sprints from 0-100 km/h in a claimed 3.4 seconds, and thanks to the standard AMG Driver’s Package, it boasts a top speed of 280 km/h.
Hybrid Capability and Advanced Features
The C 63 S E Performance includes a 6.1kWh battery pack weighing 89kg, offering an electric-only range of up to 13 kilometers. Four-wheel steering comes standard, allowing the rear wheels to steer up to 2.5 degrees in the opposite direction at speeds below 100 km/h, or 0.7 degrees in the same direction at higher speeds. The car features eight driving modes: Electric, Comfort, Battery Hold, Sport, Sport+, Race, Slippery, and Individual, along with an adaptive damping system with Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ settings.
Design and Interior
Distinguishing itself from the standard C-Class, the AMG model sports a vertical-slatted grille with active shutters, aggressive restyled bumpers, and wider front wheel arches, making it 83mm longer and 76mm wider than the base model. Standard 20-inch alloy wheels enhance its road presence, while AMG-exclusive paint options, like Matt Graphite Grey Magno, offer further customization. For braking, buyers can opt for ceramic high-performance composite brakes over the standard ventilated and perforated metal brakes.
Inside, the C 63 S E Performance mirrors the layout of the standard C-Class but adopts an all-black theme and an AMG-specific steering wheel. It comes equipped with ventilated sports seats in nappa leather, carbon fiber trim, a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a head-up display, and a premium 15-speaker Burmester sound system. Optional AMG Performance seats add an extra touch of exclusivity, while advanced ADAS features, seven airbags, and a 360-degree camera are also standard.
Price and Competition
Priced at ₹1.95 crore, the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E Performance has few direct rivals in the Indian market. However, it competes with high-performance models like the 550hp BMW M4 CS, priced at ₹1.89 crore, and the 500hp Porsche Panamera GTS, available at ₹2.34 crore. Additionally, Mercedes-AMG offers each buyer of the C 63 S E Performance a unique opportunity to experience the Nürburgring racetrack, adding an exclusive touch to the purchase.
The C 63 S E Performance stands as a symbol of cutting-edge technology and AMG’s signature engineering prowess, redefining the performance sedan category in India.
Read More:
