2024 Mercedes C63 S E Performance Specs: Delivers an Impressive 671 Horsepower – For science fiction author Arthur C. Clarke, “any suitably sophisticated technology is distinguishable as magic.” This 2024 Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance is so amazing that if I were a necromancer, I’d use it to rouse old Art from his grave. A complicated plug-in hybrid system, including technology from Formula 1, gives this little luxury vehicle a lot of punch. Still, in many respects, life continues as normally as can be expected.
2024 Mercedes C63 S E Performance Changes
On the track, though, such concerns are irrelevant. The Ascari Race Resort in Spain is a fantastic venue because of its mix of on- including off sweepers, fast technical parts, and then a couple straights. There’s something new I learn about the C63 every time I read something, and while I find a lot to appreciate, it’s clear that this sedan has some challenges to overcome.
The weight of this vehicle cannot be overstated. The C63’s electronic trickery increases its curb weight by about 600 pounds compared to the outgoing AMG’s 4,600 pounds, which is about the same as a Charger Hellcat Redeye. On the sweepers, I immediately feel the mass resisting the grip of a Michelin Sport tires, and the heft is immediately apparent.
Manufacturers intentionally build some degree of lean into most vehicles for safety reasons; however, the C63 derives some of its lean from pure momentum. However, the standard four-wheel steering helps with maneuverability around tighter corners, and once I shift the bulk of the vehicle’s mass over the front wheels, it turns in enthusiastically. 2024 Mercedes C63 S E Performance Specs
When the C63 settles into a straight line, it’s time to put it into Race mode and see what it can do. The regular adaptive dampers can be made stiffer, and the transmission may be tuned for optimum attack, but a Boost Option takes it to the next level. If the driver is using the AMG Circuit Pace app, the kickdown detent on the gas pedal can be used to unlock the full e-thrust motor’s (usually capped at 80%) at specific points on the track.
When it is time using the kickdown, “BOOST” will be displayed prominently on the gauge display, as well as “LIFT” will be displayed prominently as I reach the braking zone. While not accessible on every song, this ingenious piece of gamification is definitely worth checking out. There will be a button just on steering wheel that must be pressed in order to activate Boost Mode in such cases.
Despite what you may have heard, the battery doesn’t drain quite as quickly as you might expect during track shenanigans. Regeneration while on the track is surprisingly efficient, given that the juice caboose’s primary function is to exchange energy as frequently as possible. Because of this focus on maintaining a “traditional” acceleration feel, the electric motor’s ability to deliver 100 kW back to the battery system during lift-off is limited in Track mode. My electronic needs are always met throughout the duration of two 6- to 8-lap stints at the track.
2024 Mercedes C63 S E Performance Specs
The 2024 C63 produces 672 hp as well as 753 lb-ft of torque from its 2L turbocharged I4 drivetrain plus electric motor, sending power to AWD through a 9 automatic gearbox. The modest 6.1 kWh battery is not optimized for efficiency, but rather for greatest input plus output. 2024 Mercedes C63 S E Performance Specs
The C63’s electric engine is mounted in the trunk, but it can still power all four wheels thanks to the car’s all-wheel drive technology. The 87 mph mark is where the electrical motor’s 2 transmission starts to engage, and it reaches its highest speed of roughly 13,501 RPM. The electric boost helps the Mercedes’ hyper-powerful turbo-four get its turbocharger spooling sooner than it would with just exhaust gases. 2024 Mercedes C63 S E Performance Specs
This 2024 Mercedes-AMG C63 is indeed a blast to drive on the track, but you’ll probably spend most of your time driving it on regular streets. To my relief, that place is also hilarious. Driving on the narrow streets of central Málaga, Spain, I rely solely on electric power. The EPA has not released its estimations yet, but I would think that the range is less than 10 miles with the 6.1 kWh battery, but the maximum 202 hp output provides more than enough power for getting around town. Forcing EV operation with Electric mode is one option, but just a light leg in Comfort does the same thing.
The C63’s heavy curb weight is less noticeable as I navigate the city’s many neighboring mountains. The four-wheel steering and flexible powertrain of this vehicle make it a blast to throw around tight turns. Before my speed slows to a stop, the road itself ends. The exhaust noise is very sweet for a four-cylinder, and the suspension firmness is about right for enthusiastic driving when set to Sport or Sport Plus. The 9-speed automatic is happy to respond to my shifting commands, but I find that the onboard computers are just as capable, so I usually let them handle things.
There are three distinct regenerative braking modes, plus an additional “regenoff” setting. Vehicles with a fully charged battery will automatically return to the most efficient mode. Those of us prefer to use only one foot on the pedal will appreciate the two more powerful settings. It is fairly powerful at its highest level, but unfortunately it does not provide genuine one-pedal driving; I still need to use the left pedal to stop the car completely. 2024 Mercedes C63 S E Performance Specs
2024 Mercedes C63 S E Performance Release Date and Price
While the new C63 has the smoothest ride of any C63 model to date, it is nonetheless noisy over potholes or highway. Adaptive dampers can’t replace the absolute calm of air suspension, however I believe the load is heavy enough as it is. However, Mercedes obviously skimped just on cushioning, and as such the car’s inherent rigidity shines through. The new AMG sport seats include a lot of horizontal bolstering, which really is good at speed.
To put it mildly, a 2024 Mercedes-AMG C63 is a complex machine. From where I sit in the driver’s seat, though, I strongly disagree. There are a plethora of options for personalization, but everything works together smoothly. How much do you think it weighs? Yes. How much do you think it costs? Even if we don’t know for sure, I’d say yes to it as well. However, the core principles of the AMG sub-brand remain unchanged in the next generation of vehicles: take a regular car, add a ton of power, and have a great time speeding off into the distance.