AMG C 63 ditches V-8 for a powerful plug-in hybrid

What V-8? The most potent Mercedes-AMG C 63 sedan will be powered by a four-cylinder hybrid powertrain.

The spunky compact 2024 C 63 S E Performance swaps a V-8 for a plug-in-hybrid powertrain with 671 hp and 752 pound-feet of torque. Many of the key technologies in the 2.0-liter inline with an electric turbocharger are derived from the 1.6-liter hybrid that is among the most advanced and highest-performance powerplants ever under Mercedes' umbrella: the EQ10 Power+ setup used in Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One cars.

Mechanical linkages allow both the gasoline engine and electric motors to power all four wheels.

The latest C 63 marks the end of compact V-8 performance sedans by AMG that began with the W202 C 43, followed by C 63 models with a 6.2-liter V-8 and the outgoing C 63 with a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8.

The changes go beyond what is under the hood. The front end is 2 inches longer, the wheelbase has grown by 0.4 inch, and the front fenders have been widened over the standard C-Class sedan. Two striking ridges adorn the hood to flank an air outlet. The rear bumper has an aggressive diffuser and AMG's venerable quad tailpipes.

AMG claims the C 63 will accelerate to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds with a top speed of 174 mph when properly equipped. It goes on sale in 2023, with pricing to be released closer to launch.