While we mourn the loss of the 6.2-litre beast and the V8 that once was, we can’t deny the bona fide hot rod the 2024 Mercedes-AMG C63 S has become
When offered the opportunity to test drive the 2024 Mercedes-AMG C63 S, I said ‘yes’ quicker than when my partner got down on one knee. Priced at over half a million Singapore dollars, the C63 line stands out as the pinnacle of high-performance engineering in the AMG portfolio, compared to its 43, 53 or 55 siblings—which are already powerful, by all standards.
In the AMG 63 variants, more horsepower and torque are to be expected, along with advanced suspension, transmission and drivetrain. This is a sports car in disguise: ultra-fast, ultra-furious, and packed with features for a more agile and responsive drive.
The 2024 Mercedes-AMG C63 S tends to provoke two distinct reactions: either an outburst of excitement—like mine—or casual indifference, much like my partner’s. Those who belong to the latter camp probably see the latest model as a pared-down roll-out, featuring a 2.0-litre engine compared to the previous generation’s 4.0-litre engine, while boasting similar price tags.
But take the time to dig deeper—and put this beast through its paces—and it’ll be clear why this car a real game-changer in AMG’s 55-year history. For starters, the W206 C63 S is very much what some would call a sleeper on the roads. Casual onlookers wouldn’t think it’s any more threatening than an entry-level C180 sedan. That is, until it rips right by with speed and torque that the C180 can only dream of.
This 680 hp hybrid—yes, Mercedes-AMG has gone down that path—is said to be the world’s most powerful four-cylinder engine at the moment, with a torque of 1020 Nm and output per litre of 238 hp. It wouldn’t carry the AMG namesake if it didn’t complete the century sprint in under four seconds. For this model, it sprints to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds (not that I tried, though). That’s intensely fast, despite its hefty kerb weight of a substantial 2,165 kg.
With inspiration and know-how from Formula 1 cars, the C63 S showcases Mercedes-Benz and AMG’s relentless push for innovation. It employs an innovative hybrid concept; its in-line four-cylinder engine working in tandem with an electric motor, and a high-performance 400-volt AMG battery powering its rear-axle.
The result? A superior system output of 680 hp (476 hp from its 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, and 204 hp from the electric motor), impressive driving dynamics, and top-notch efficiency. Unlike its predecessors which were rear-wheel driven, this iteration is now a fully-variable all-wheel drive, which may or may not have emboldened me to take on corners and bends at a higher speed.
Race ready
In keeping with the Formula 1 spirit, the right hemisphere of the steering wheel features a F1-style rotary knob, which allows drivers to cycle between the eight driving modes without needing to take their eyes off the road. On the left, a similar knob lets the driver configure a whole set of technical functions, like stability controls, exhaust flaps, dampers, and much more. Personally, these knobs are my favourite features, which I really utilised over the three-day drive. I’m no snob, but with ‘bouncy’ cars nearly topping my pet-peeve list, the ease of toggling to the Sport mode suspension without dealing with a bunch of buttons, menus and sub-menus is a major plus.
For its ability to ‘multi-task’, I’ll give it another plus-point. Even on days where I wanted the stiffer suspension but not the higher gear shifts of the Sport mode, it was possible to stay on the Comfort drive program yet adjust the suspension damping to that of the Sport or Sport+ mode. There is nothing to compromise when you have countless combinations to find a drive experience that suits every mood perfectly.
The term “sportive luxury” sounds overused, but it describes this car perfectly. While I can’t say for sure how it’ll perform on track, those who have experienced the G-force of the Sepang International Circuit bends as passengers, I’m sure, will report that the redesigned second-gen AMG Performance bucket seats (which now come standard) are very welcome. With its adjustable side bolsters and entire seats luxuriously sheathed in nappa leather, I wouldn’t mind even a road trip to Penang.
If you’re on the hunt for a deceptively refined ride with boisterous character, the C63 S has to rank at the top of your list. Perhaps the ultimate test for motorheads is whether a car can put an involuntary smile on their faces. The C63 S certainly did that to me, right from the moment we ripped out onto the expressway.
