The Mercedes-AMG С 63 (W206) will come to the market packing a hybrid system based on a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 470 PS (464 hp / 346 kW) at the output end, a record high in the industry.
The specifications leaked from a private showing of the new C-Class AMG. The combined hybrid output was given as 670 PS (661 hp / 493 kW) and 750 Nm (553 lb-ft) of torque.
The four-pot will work in tandem with an electric motor rated at no lower than 200 horsepower (150 kilowatts), a revised nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive system. The latter is said to be capable of distributing torque between the axles in a much wider range than before, which suggests something a Drift Mode for the new C-Class flagship. Asked why there are no longer any rear-wheel-drive models available, a Mercedes representative allegedly replied that customers tended to increasingly prefer AWD.
The parameters listed above make the new C-Class much more attractive than even its nemesis, the BMW M3 Competition, which only makes 510 PS (503 hp / 375 kW). The previous-gen C 63 S was much less impressive with the same 510 PS at its disposal. It remains to be seen how these numbers will translate into actual acceleration figures, of course.
Aside from being environmentally cleaner, the new C-Class AMG is much lighter than it was with a bulky V8 on board. Specifically, the new 2.0-liter TFSI weighs 48.5 kilograms (107 pounds) less than the eight-cylinder block did. To improve the weight balance further, the engineering team took care to mount the drivetrain low and distribute it as evenly as possible.
The launch is probably a few months away, and sales should begin before the end of the year.