In the new generation of the Mercedes C-Class, it has only four-cylinder engines, and this limitation has affected not only the “loaded” model. AMG C 43, but also the top versions with the traditional C 63 index. These figures have long since ceased to indicate the engine displacement: the previous generation had a 4.0 twin-turbo V8 engine under the hood. But now the C-class has said goodbye to him. The new model with the long name Mercedes-AMG C 63 SE Performance is a hybrid with a four-liter turbo quattro.
Installed under the hood engine M139 with combined injection, which appeared three years ago junior models with front-wheel drive layout, and later it was adapted under the longitudinal arrangement (version M139l) and got an electric turbocharger. But for the “sixty-third” the most powerful version with a larger turbine was prepared: AMG calls this unit the most powerful series four-cylinder.
There is only one compressor and an electric motor is installed on the shaft between the turbine and the compressor wheels. It is powered by a 400 volt electrical network (instead of 48 volts for the younger models), it can run up to 150 thousand rpm and starts working immediately at the command of the electronics, accelerating the compressor wheel even before the flow of the exhaust gas turns the turbine. The electric boost minimizes turbo lag and also maintains pressure during short-term gas discharges.
Engine power – 476 hp and 545 Nm. Works in tandem with the nine-speed AMG Speedshift MCT-9G automatic planetary gear, which has an oil bath clutch instead of a torque converter. In addition there is a belt driven starting alternator, which helps during starting.
The hybrid superstructure is the same as the liftback introduced a year ago. Mercedes-AMG GT 63 SE Performance. An electric module is installed on the rear axle, which includes an electric motor with a return of 204 hp. and 320 Nm, a two-speed gearbox (second gear engages after 140 km / h) and an interwheel differential with electronically controlled locking. In addition, there is a 4Matic + “manual” transmission: the “sixty-third” C-class became all-wheel drive for the first time.
In hybrid mode, the cardan transfers power from the internal combustion engine to the rear axle. But it can also be used while driving in purely electric mode (up to 125 km / h). If the rear wheels slip, the electronics can transfer some of the torque from the rear electric motor to the front axle using the standard transfer box and center clutch.
The lithium-ion traction battery was specially developed for the AMG models. It sits above the rear axle, runs on a voltage of 400 volts, weighs 89 kg and has a modest capacity (6.1 kWh), but boasts a high level of energy exchange. In nominal mode, it produces 70 kW and in peak power it can reach 150 kW (i.e. just 204 hp), but no more than ten seconds. The battery can be charged from the outlet and there are four levels of recovery. The autonomy in purely electric mode is only 13 km.
The peak power of the hybrid power plant is 680 hp. and 865 Nm, although the developers skillfully operate with an indicator of 1020 Nm, which is achieved by taking into account the gear ratios of the two-stage gearbox of the electric motor. In any case, these features are only available with a charged battery. The former eight-cylinder Mercedes-AMG C 63 S had 510 hp in all conditions. and 700 Nm.
The new hybrid has become noticeably heavier than the outgoing petrol model. The curb sedan (with driver) pulls 2111 kg against 1730 kg: the increase reaches 381 kg! The station wagon is even heavier: 2145 kg. With a charged battery, the hybrid will be able to accelerate to “hundreds” in 3.4 seconds versus 4.0 seconds on the previous model. Top speed is traditionally limited to 250 km / h as standard or 280 km / h with the optional AMG driver package (270 km / h for the station wagon). And the fuel consumption of the passport decreased from 9.9 to 6.9 l / 100 km for the WLTP cycle. There are eight driving modes to choose from: Electric, Comfort (the car starts with electric drive), Battery Hold, Sport, Sport +, Race, Slippery and customizable Individual.
The hybrid has a fully steered chassis: at low speeds, the rear wheels can offset up to 2.5 degrees from the front wheels, improving maneuverability, and on the highway they deviate by 0.7 degrees in sync with the front wheels, increasing stability. Spring suspension – with extended track, original levers and electronically controlled shock absorbers: there are Comfort, Sport and Sport + modes. Brakes front – with six-piston mechanisms, rear – single-piston simple.
Especially for the “sixty-third” class C, not only the original plastic plumage was developed, but also new body panels. The inflated front bumpers made the car 76mm wider than the standard model and the front overhang was 50mm longer. The basic wheels are 19-inch, but you can also order “twenties”. Inside, there are new bucket seats and other AMG attributes, including special virtual instrumentation graphics.
“Gills” appeared in the front fenders and a new hood with a slot for removing hot air. And another important point: the new Mercedes-AMG C 63 SE Performance became the first model in which not a small three-pointed star flaunts above the radiator grille, like all Mercedes, but a separate logo of the AMG division. Apparently, this double “marking” will soon spread to all AMG models.
The hybrids will only go on sale next year. According to preliminary data from the German media, the starting price will exceed 100,000 euros. Furthermore, the “younger” version of the C 63 (without the letter S) will no longer be in the range.
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