2024 Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E Performance equipped with technologies derived from F1

MANILA: Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the 2024 Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E Performance which introduces cutting-edge technologies from Formula 1 to the streets.

Just like in Formula 1, the electric support of the exhaust gas turbocharger minimizes the turbo lag of the combustion engine while the electric motor at the rear axle pushes aggressively from a standstill. Power delivery and torque build-up happen spontaneously with no delay. The 400-volt high-performance battery and electric drivetrain are both proprietary AMG innovations that highlight the company's engineering expertise. The battery is innovatively developed for quick power output and draw with direct cooling of the cells, just like in Formula 1. The entire system produces  671hp and 752lb-ft of torque. These represent new standards for the C-Class.

The electric motor is combined with a two-speed electrically shifted gearbox and an electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential at the rear axle to form a compact electric drive unit (EDU). This layout is referred to as P3 hybrid. Also at the rear, above the rear axle, is the lightweight, high-performance battery.

“With the C 63 S E Performance, we are opening a new chapter in our brand history. Even 55 years after our company was founded, we at AMG continue to show the courage and the will to realize the creative, the special things. The new C 63 in particular is a real game-changer. With its revolutionary concept, it brings a completely new approach to the segment, which until now has been primarily characterized by the promise of pure performance. With a maximum system output of 671hp, we do indeed keep this promise, but the intelligent P3 hybrid concept offers much more. I am sure that with this technology, which incorporates a lot of know-how from Formula 1, we will also appeal to a new group of customers,” Mercedes-AMG GmbH Board of Management Chairman Philipp Schiemer said.

The electric motor acts directly on the rear axle and can thus transform its power more directly into motion for that extra kick when starting from a standstill, accelerating, or overtaking. Due to the electric motor's inherent design, its full torque is almost instantly available, enabling exceptionally agile acceleration. Additionally, the integrated, electronically-controlled limited-slip rear differential gives the driver an instantaneous perceptible performance boost. The hybrid vehicle has the best traction and, as a result, has a high level of driving agility when accelerating out of corners.

The positioning on the rear axle enhances the vehicle's weight distribution and axle load distribution, which forms the cornerstone of the vehicle's agility and handling.

With its specifically designed gear ratio, the automated two-speed transmission at the rear axle ensures both high wheel torque for quick acceleration and safe constant output at higher speeds. An electric actuator shifts into second gear at up to 140kph, or around 13,500rpm for the electric motor.

When the electrification strategy was being designed, it was immediately apparent that all essential parts wouldbe made at Affalterbach, Germany. At its core is the AMG high-performance battery. The Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team’s Formula 1 hybrid racing cars served as inspiration for the creation of the lithium-ion energy storage technology. The AMG high-performance battery boosts the vehicle’s overall performance by combining high power that can be used frequently in succession with low weight. Other factors include the quick energy draw and high power density.

The high-performance battery has a 6.1kWh capacity, 94hp sustained output, and 201hp peak output for 10 seconds. The extremely high power density is made possible by the lightweight design (only 89kg). Alternating current is used for charging through the insyalled 14V on-board charger at a charging station, wallbox, or home outlet. The battery's design prioritizes quick power delivery and draw over maximum range.

A specific temperature is required for each battery to produce optimum power. The 400-volt battery's revolutionary direct cooling technology serves as the foundation for its excellent performance. A high-tech coolant circulates around all 560 cells, cooling each one individually. As a result, the battery is always within an appropriate operating temperature window, regardless of how frequently the battery is charged or discharged. Protection systems are set up so that maximum battery performance can be attained if the average temperature is surpassed while driving at high speeds. The temperature level is then reduced via direct cooling.

The eight AMG Dynamic Select drive programs—Electric, Comfort, Battery Hold, Sport, Sport+, Race, Slippery, and Individual—are specially engineered for the new drive technology and provide a variety of driving experiences, from efficient to dynamic. Important parameters including steering characteristics, suspension damping, sound, and the response of the drive system and transmission are adjusted by the drive programs. The chosen drive program affects the electric motor's boost power as well.

In the Electric drive program, the main focus is the electric driving experience. Up to 130kph can be reached with all-electric driving, with the combustion engine constantly off. If the battery is low or the driver needs additional power, the intelligent operating control system immediately shifts to the Comfort drive program and the combustion engine powers up.

In the Comfort drive program, the suspension and steering are set up with comfort in mind. Combustion engine and electric motor operate in accordance with the demands of the situation: electric drive at low speeds, such as while driving in cities, and hybrid driving with a combustion engine and an electric motor at a high speed when driving on the highway. The electric motor's boost power is limited to a maximum of about 25%. Overall, the result is a smooth and efficient driving experience, in part because of the AMG Speedshift MCT 9G transmission's early upshifts.

In the Battery Hold drive program, the combustion engine and electric motor also run according to the driver’s demand with a maximum boost of around 25%, similar to the Comfort drive program. The main difference is that the operating strategy maintains a constant battery level of charge. For instance, if the battery is at 75% charge, it remains in this range under Battery Hold. The operation of the electric motor is therefore limited and optimized for low power draw. The driver can choose when to use the battery charge to its fullest capacity again by changing the drive program.

In the Sport drive program, the electric motor may produce up to around 65% more boost. A sportier driving experience is provided by a more responsive accelerator, quicker shift times, earlier downshifts, and a more dynamic suspension and steering setup.

In the Sport+ drive program, up to 80% boost performance is produced by the electric motor. Extremely sporty character is brought on by a more nimble throttle response and targeted torque intervention during upshifts with cylinder deactivation for the fastest shift times. This drive program also enables increased idle speed for faster acceleration and an even more dynamic setup for suspension, steering, and powertrain.

Meanwhile, the Race drive program is engineered for highly dynamic driving on closed race tracks. All the parameters are set to their highest performance levels. This drive program enables strong battery recharging at low power demand for maximum energy availability. It also comes with a “Boost Mode” that limits the boost power to a maximum of 30% to conserve energy reserves. It can then be used particularly on the racetrack for impulsive power demand via kick-down and 100% boost performance for powerful acceleration.

The Slippery drive program, on the other hand, is optimized for slippery road conditions. This enables reduced power and a flat torque curve. Electric-only driving and recuperation adjustment are also deactivated.

The Individual drive program allows individual customization of the drive, transmission, AMG Dynamics, chassis, steering, and exhaust systems.

The AMG C 63 S E comes with the Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System that produces a specially composed, low-frequency, and speed-modulated AMG sound to the outside through a loudspeaker at the front and a soundbar with two loudspeakers at the rear.

The external speakers are also used by the AMG designers for a more sophisticated sound experience. To achieve this, they use a pressure sensor in the exhaust system to capture the actual sound of the combustion engine and further amplify it before it is transmitted through the entertainment sound system and heard inside the vehicle, giving it the distinctive AMG sound. The sound is further modified by the existing external loudspeakers.

The handcrafted AMG 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is developed in accordance with the “One Man, One Engine” philosophy. Mercedes-AMG does this by fusing the expertise of its highly skilled workers with cutting-edge production methods from “Industry 4.0” and a high level of digitalization.

The fully variable AMG Performance 4Matic+ all-wheel drive transmits power to the road for the first time in a C 63. It comes with a Drift Mode for even more driving excitement. Another unique feature in this segment is the standard-fit active rear axle steering.

“With its performance hybrid drive and electrically assisted exhaust turbocharger, the new C 63 S E Performance is a technological masterpiece that takes a new approach. The electrified powertrain offers a whole new driving experience. The immediate response of the electric drive at the rear axle, the rapid torque build-up as well as the fast power output and also draw of our battery are very special features. Add to this the standard-fit rear axle steering and the fully variable AMG Performance 4Matic+ all-wheel drive with Drift Mode — the new C 63 once again illustrates the high level of technical expertise that AMG possesses,” Mercedes-AMG GmbH Chief Technical Officer Jochen Hermann stated.

The new C 63 S’s design deviates from the Mercedes-Benz C-Class as it has more muscular proportions. The performance sedan is based on a heavily modified AMG bodyshell.

A new defining feature that is unique to the C 63 S is the narrow air vent in the center of the hood that gracefully transitions into the two power domes. he Mercedes star with laurel wreath on the bonnet has been replaced for the first time on a Mercedes-AMG production model by a round badge with a black AMG emblem. The vertical strut radiator grille that is exclusive to AMG and the “jet-wing” front fascia are other examples of distinctive design cues.

AMG sports seats with unique fabric and a distinctive stitching pattern give elegance to the cabin, and there are numerous options for individualization. Second-generation AMG Performance Seats are available as option. These feature side bolsters with weight-saving openings that help improve ventilation.

The MBUX infotainment system of the AMG C 63 S E has a number of AMG- and hybrid-specific displays and functions that can also be customized. These include the central multimedia display in portrait orientation in the center console, the special displays in the instrument cluster, and the optional head-up display.

Photos from Mercedes-Benz

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