Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance F1 Edition Launched Locally

This now electrified four-pot version of Mercedes’ hottest C-Class lands over here costing RM 958,888. 

Following on from its international debut over a year ago now, the Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance has nevertheless since finally landed locally in Malaysia. Arriving over here in F1 Edition guise, this hottest of C-Classes comes fully imported from Afflaterbach with a price tag of RM 958,888. 

Handily however, said eye-watering asking price is to be subsidised somewhat from the road tax in Malaysia of this C63 being only just RM 380 a year. Such is as unlike the traditional V8s that have long since been a staple of the hottest of AMG-fied Mercedes compact sedans, what lies under the hood of this latest iteration is instead the same 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder found in its smaller siblings. 

The longitudinal M139 motor in this C63 currently outputs 476 PS at 6,750 rpm and 545 Nm of torque from 5,250 to 5,500 rpm, thereby making it most powerful production four-cylinder in the world right now. Thanks to an electric turbocharger too developed from its Formula 1 experience, Mercedes-AMG is currently claiming for the virtual elimination of the turbo lag and near-instantaneous response. 

Though on the topic of electric, this is hardly to be all that AMG has up its sleeve. This is because while the C63 has lost its V8 (for now at least), what it has gained in place of that is a PHEV powertrain, that features a rear-mounted two-speed electric motor capable of delivering an additional 204 PS and 320 Nm of electrified shove. 

Total system output for this hot electrified Benz therefore is 680 PS and 1,020 Nm of torque, which for context is a healthy chunk more than the 510 PS and 700 Nm offered up by the twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 predecessor. All that power is to be sent through an AMG Speedshift MCT 9G 9-speed multi-clutch automatic transmission and (for the first time ever) an AMG Performance 4Matic+ all-wheel drive system, resulting in this 2.1-tonne electrified sedan rocket from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds and onwards an electronically-governed top speed of 280 km/h. 

Other technical highlights that is perhaps worth a mention here is for this C63 to feature an electronically-controlled rear axle differential lock, which with its newly-added Drift mode sees for this AMG to still be capable of some proper rear-drive sideways action. The C63 is also to land locally with an AMG Ride Control steel-spring suspension featuring Adaptive Damping System and rear axle steering, with the latter enabling its rear wheels to steer at an angle of up to 2.5º at speeds of up to 100 km/h.

Touching on its exterior now, this hottest of C-Classes can be distinguished from its lesser counterparts from its swollen jaw up front that detracts away from the bespoke double-domed bonnet and Mercedes-AMG’s signature Panamericana grille. The standard-fit AMG Aerodynamics Package then adds a front splitter right below that with flics on its sides, while an aerodynamically optimised diffuser and subtle wing can be found on the rump of this hot Benz.  

Setting the C63 apart on its side meanwhile are the set of gills on its widened front fender, with a set of 20-inch AMG 10-spoke light-alloy matte black wheels tucked neatly within its bulging wheel arches. The crimson accents which adorn its brake calipers are then to be be continued as a pin stripe right along the lower edge of this performance compact sedan, with this F1 Edition coming as standard with an exclusive Manufaktur alpine grey solid exterior finish. 

Moving within, the C63 nets a smattering of AMG carbon-fibre trim elements (which  includes a having its dash panel made entirely from it) and AMG Performance seats upholstered in black Nappa leather. An AMG Performance steering wheel wrapped with Nappa leather and Microcut microfibre further amplify its sportiness, while the Burmester 3D surround sound system and a panoramic complements the 12.3-inch driver’s display and 11.9-inch portrait central display in adding a dash of high-tech luxury to this baby Benz. 

And while on the topic of those screens, the C63 also nets with its latest-get MBUX infotainment system AMG Track Pace and AMG Real Performance Sound. The former of which has been touted by its maker in being your personal virtual race engineer, while the supposedly makes this ‘sedan sounds even more sporty’. The head-up display offers AMG-specific display styles such as Race and Supersport.

First local deliveries of the C 63 S E Performance F1 Edition are currently set to commence from August, but those who are inclined to see this PHEV sports sedan for themselves can go down to Mercedes-Benz World at KL BASE this weekend (5th to 7th July). This automotive event showcases the entire current Mercedes-Benz products available in Malaysia, with the attached runway at this event opening up the chance of taking some of these cars out for a cheeky flat-out test drive as well.

The Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E PERFORMANCE at a glance:

*On the road without Insurance. With 10% Sales Tax.