Is the Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance the Future of Super-Hybrids or Just an Overpriced Tech Marvel?
Driving the new Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance on the track is an experience that veers sharply away from the sensations offered by its eldest sibling. Gone are the days when the car relied solely on its throaty V8 to deliver raw, unfiltered power. In its place, we have a sophisticated, yet somewhat disorienting, amalgamation of electric and petrol power. When you’re in Race mode, the car employs Mercedes-AMG’s Track Precision lap telemetry app to enhance your drive. This app doesn’t just log your position; it goes as far as flashing 'BOOST' graphics on the car’s digital instrument screen, guiding you to optimize the electric motor's power deployment.
Engage the kickdown switch situated at the furthest point of the accelerator pedal travel, and you might feel like a Formula 1 driver activating a KERS button. It’s an immensely satisfying sensation, hooning around the track and imagining you’re George Russell on a record-breaking lap. The system is designed to ensure that the battery power remains consistent if you follow the 'BOOST' suggestions, making sure you remain in optimal performance mode almost indefinitely.
But there’s much more to this super-hybrid than just track-day thrills. One might start to ponder what else the Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance has to offer. Have AMG's engineers succeeded in incorporating the same old-school hot-rod charm and dynamic prowess into this futuristic machine?
Old-School Power Meets New-Age Tech
When comparing it to AMG's traditional models, it might seem like some elements got lost in translation. For one, it’s worth noting that this four-cylinder turbocharged engine delivers ample speed when the electric motor is at full boost. With eight driving modes to choose from, including specific Electric and Battery Hold modes for the plug-in hybrid technology, there’s a lot to explore. Not even mentioning the Drift mode, which promises a whole different set of adventures. For the most part, full electric boost is available without necessitating the throttle kickdown switch, offered across multiple drive modes. Shifting to higher gear ratios using the paddle shifters for the nine-speed gearbox reveals a car that’s effortlessly brisk, with torque flooding in at mid-range engine revs.
However, when you push the car to higher engine revs, the four-cylinder engine’s limitations become evident. Unlike a more extensive multi-cylinder engine, it lacks the freedom to rev high smoothly, and it doesn't surge forward with the ferocity you might expect, especially if you're transitioning from older C63 models. This can be particularly noticeable on a track, where you may find yourself hitting the rev limiter post-downshift due to the absence of traditional high-rpm power delivery that earlier C63 iterations spoiled us with.
The Soundtrack Dilemma
Another notable difference lies in the auditory experience. The previous iterations of C63 models were renowned for their gratifying growl, while the new four-pot turbo in the C63 S E Performance generates a sound that’s, frankly, ‘alright’ but doesn’t live up to the performance car’s nearly £100,000 price tag. Let’s face it; for that kind of expense, one expects a symphony of high-performance exhaust notes.
Despite these critiques, the C63 S E Performance remains a testament to technological advancement. It’s an intriguing blend of what’s possible in the realm of hybrid performance vehicles, showcasing a futuristic take on AMG's formula that’s bound to attract a new demographic of drivers. It offers incredible speed, meticulous engineering, and a unique driving experience, even if it somewhat bypasses the raw, visceral thrill that characterized its predecessors.
In conclusion, the Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance dares to redefine what we expect from a super-hybrid vehicle. Whether you’re a die-hard AMG enthusiast or a tech-savvy automotive aficionado, this car presents an unexpected and intriguing balance between heritage and innovation. The big question remains: is it the future of performance cars, or just an overpriced tech marvel? The answer may lie in the driver's seat.