2024 Mercedes-AMG C63 Review, Pricing, and Specs (2024)

Overview

The high-performance variant of Mercedes’s entry-luxury C-class sedan returns as the 2024 C63, but this time it will get a radically different engine. The previous generation was powered by a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 with either 469 or 503 horsepower, but this new-generation C63 is motivated by a gasoline engine half that size: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that combines with an electric motor to make a whopping 671 horsepower in total. The new plug-in hybrid setup promises to improve upon the previous C63’s great performance, though the engine’s character has no doubt changed radically. To help mitigate turbo lag, the downsized engine uses an electrically powered turbocharger system related to the one found in Mercedes-AMG’s Formula 1 race car. Running in full-electric mode, a fully-charged battery should provide about 6 miles of driving range. The rest of the package is heavily based on the new C-class that debuted for the 2022 model year but with racier styling and a spruced-up interior. Mercedes-AMG has also confirmed that the junior C43 model will also return to the lineup, but we review that model separately.

What's New for 2024?

The C63 is all new for the 2024 model year and, unlike last year, it will be offered solely as a sedan. We expect to see the 2024 C63 roll into Mercedes dealerships in the middle of 2023.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

When it comes to choosing between the C63's two trims, we'd stick with the standard version that comes with everything we want. For an extra $2050, though, others can opt for the Pinnacle that adds navigation with augmented video, a head-up display, and Mercedes's "Digital Light" setup.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Gone is the old twin-turbo V-8 engine from the last-generation C63 and in its place is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder. But before you get disappointed at an engine half the size of the old one, you should know that this inline-four will be augmented by a 201-hp electric motor and uses an electric turbocharger to reduce turbo lag. The new high-performance plug-in hybrid propulsion system will pump out a massive 671 horsepower, giving it an edge over rival performance sedans such as the BMW M3 and the Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing, at least on paper. This setup allows for some limited all-electric driving, but only about 6 miles or so; its purpose instead is to provide similar performance to the outgoing car with better overall fuel economy. During our first test drive, we were impressed with the C63's sharp handling and explosive acceleration. The electrified powertrain packs a wallop. We were able to sample the car on a race course as well as on public roads, and its cruising demeanor is more comfortable than the outgoing model. Ride quality is firm, but not harsh, and the C63's steering is expertly weighted and tactile. We wish there was more firmness in the brake pedal, but stopping performance proved excellent and the C63 needed just 139 feet to stop from 70 mph.

0–60-MPH Times

We had a chance to test a Euro-spec example in Europe and it hit 60 mph in just 2.9 seconds, 0.7 seconds quicker than the previous generation car. Power delivery is not always perfectly modulated, as the complex powertrain shifts the electric motors' power between the front and rear axles and through a two-speed transmission. During normal driving, it feels smooth enough, but you feel the system doing its thing more during full-throttle takeoffs.

Range, Charging, and Battery Life

The C63's onboard battery pack isn't just good for providing a bit of electric boost to aid performance, it can also be used to power the car on electrons alone for those times when you need a quiet commute. We estimate that the 4.8-kWh battery pack will be good for only about 6 miles of all-electric driving but it can be charged either by being plugged into a charging station or power outlet, or by using the car's regenerative braking.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The EPA hasn't released fuel economy figures for the 2024 C63 sedan yet. But due to the introduction of the downsized engine and hybrid system, we're expecting to see some fuel efficiency improvements over the outgoing model which was rated at 17 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. When we get a chance, we'll take the new C63 sedan on our 75-mph highway fuel economy test route and update this story with its results. For more information about the C63’s fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The C63’s cabin looks much like the standard C-class and junior AMG C43 model, but it sports unique upholstery and stitching patterns as well as AMG-branded sport seats with openings cut out to help save weight. Mercedes hasn’t detailed every feature and option, but we expect to see plenty of luxury and convenience items available, including a panoramic sunroof, heated and cooled seats, four-zone automatic climate control, and more.

Infotainment and Connectivity

All models will likely come with the same large 11.9-inch infotainment touchscreen that is integrated into the center console and canted slightly toward the driver in the C43 model. A 12.3-inch digital gauge display will also likely be standard. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto should both be standard for wireless connectivity, and a high-end Burmester stereo system is expected to be available too.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Like the C43, the C63 will offer a host of standard driver-assistance features but unfortunately, the car's coolest tech, which includes an adaptive cruise-control system that utilizes navigation data to adjust the vehicle's speed for upcoming curves and roundabouts, will probably remain an optional upgrade. For more information about the C43's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features are likely to include:

• Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Available lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
• Available adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Although rivals such as BMW, Genesis, and Volvo offer three years of complimentary maintenance, Mercedes-AMG omits that benefit from its standard warranty offerings. Otherwise, all new AMGs come with an industry-standard plan that covers most things for up to four years or 50,000 miles.

• Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• No complimentary scheduled maintenance