FYI: The 2025 Mercedes-AMG C 63 SE Performance pushes the envelope with its audacious blend of high performance and intricate tech.
An Insanely Fun Overload: The 2025 Mercedes-AMG C 63 SE Performance
A New Era of Overkill
In Malibu, California, the legacy of the Mercedes C 63 AMG as a connoisseur of fun overkill lives on. This model has always seemed like the product of a few enthusiasts in a workshop thinking, "What if we stuffed an enormous engine into this compact sedan?" While the original C 63 utilized a brawny 6.2-liter V8 engine for its brand of excess, the 2025 Mercedes-AMG C 63 SE Performance achieves its same level of overkill through an intricate dance of advanced technology and complexity.
Powerhouse on Wheels
The latest iteration of the C 63 is an enigma. It starts with a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine that, on the surface, might seem underwhelming in comparison to its V8 predecessor. However, don’t be fooled. This compact power plant churns out a staggering 469 horsepower and 402 pound-feet of torque, thanks to a turbocharger inspired by Mercedes’ F1 electrification technology. This system spins the turbo using an electric motor before the exhaust gases take over, virtually eliminating turbo lag.
Handcrafted under AMG’s "one man, one engine" philosophy, our particular test car bore the signature of a Maxímílían Bee£ (though we suspect his craftsmanship speaks louder than the spelling of his name).
The Electric Assist
The "SE Performance" moniker signals another layer of complexity: it’s also a plug-in hybrid. The system boasts a formidable 6.1-kilowatt-hour battery feeding power to an electric motor positioned at the rear axle. This motor delivers 201 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque through a two-speed gearbox but is limited to ten seconds of full power.
Combining the internal combustion engine’s throughput to all four wheels via an AMG-modified 4Matic+ AWD system with the electric motor’s rear-wheel delivery, the total system output rates an impressive 671 horsepower and 752 pound-feet of torque. The estimated 0-60 mph time? A blistering 3.3 seconds.
Driving Dynamics
The complexity extends further with a selection of eight different drive modes and a customizable control hub by the steering wheel, allowing you to fine-tune the car to your precise driving conditions. Whether you’re in Sport, Sport+, or Race mode, you can adjust individual elements like suspension stiffness to your preference. In spirited driving, there’s no noticeable lag, and each press of the throttle delivers instant acceleration.
The wider chassis is not just for show; it serves a functional purpose, accommodating larger 265-front and 275-rear tires. This model’s configuration ensures robust road holding through intricate mountain roads, though the firm suspension can make for an uncomfortably stiff ride on uneven pavement.
Braking System
Although the carbon ceramic brakes are designed to handle the car’s incredible performance, the pedal feel was inconsistent during our test. The initial stroke sometimes disappeared, resulting in a stiff, unyielding response.
Visual Flair and Interior Comfort
Aesthetically, the C 63 SE Performance signals its prowess with three-inch-wider fenders, distinctively larger wheels, a unique front fascia, and aerodynamic bonnet vents. Inside, drivers will appreciate the AMG-specific displays and performance steering wheel, along with optional AMG performance seats that offer exceptional grip and adjustability.
Conclusion
All in all, the new Mercedes-AMG C 63 SE Performance represents a technological masterpiece for those who revel in explaining their car’s intricate systems to friends. The V8 roar may be gone, replaced by the complexity of modern engineering, but it’s undeniably more powerful than any AMG C-Class to date. In terms of driving enjoyment, however, some might miss the raw simplicity of the old V8. While the 2025 C 63 SE Performance is an impressive marvel of automotive engineering, its complexity might not resonate with purists who prefer raw generosity over technical prowess.
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Jack Carney, Editor of Automotive.fyi
