As it transitions its most potent offering, the compact C63, into the turbocharged and electrified era, it has one heck of a consolation prize for buyers bemoaning engine downsizing: 671 horsepower and 752 pounds-feet of torque.
Those are increases of 168 hp and an incredible 236 pounds-feet from the previous V-8-powered C63 S sedan. Accounting for the exploding price of new cars over the last couple model years, the new model’s markup seems fair. The 2024 Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance has a base price of $85,050 (all prices include destination).
Like the previously released AMG C43, the C63 S E Performance is powered by the hand-built M139I turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The 63’s string of honorifics is due to the upgrades that boost its output beyond the 43’s piddling 402 hp and 369 pounds-feet. In the C63, the four-cylinder alone generates 469 hp and 402 pounds-feet. In both cars, the engine uses an electrically driven turbocharger derived from the one in Mercedes’ Formula One cars, but in the C63, the more powerful electrical system (400 volts versus 48) juices a larger turbocharger — as well as an electric motor that accounts for the remainder of the difference in output between the two.
The C63’s gas engine is mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission, while the rear-mounted electric motor transmits power through its own two-speed transmission. Standard 4Matic all-wheel drive helps the compact coupe put all that power down.
The 2024 C63 S E Performance will arrive in dealerships later this spring. Pricing is as follows:
C63 S E Performance: $85,050
C63 S E Performance Pinnacle: $87,100
Standard equipment on the C63 goes well beyond just power. It includes dynamic engine mounts that can soften for a more comfortable ride or stiffen to sharpen the car’s handling, as well as rear-axle steering, adaptive dampers, composite brakes and a panoramic moonroof. Inside, there’s a Burmester 3D surround-sound audio system, 64-color ambient lighting and a 360-degree parking camera.
The Pinnacle trim adds upgraded LED exterior lighting and a head-up display with augmented-reality navigation that projects upcoming directions into the driver’s line of sight.
