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Photographs by Siddharth Dadhe

There’s an old saying: never judge a book by its cover. This couldn’t be truer for the new Mercedes– AMG C 63 S E Performance. In the automotive world, few cars have sparked as much debate even before hitting the road. The latest C 63 has taken a significant departure from tradition, swapping its iconic V8 engine for a 2.0–litre 4–cylinder hybrid powertrain. And while enthusiasts initially voiced concerns about this bold change, Mercedes has proven it’s anything but ordinary.

At the heart of the AMG is a groundbreaking hybrid setup producing a jaw–dropping 670 bhp and 104.01 kgm of torque. The 2.0– litre turbocharged 4–cylinder petrol engine, already the world’s most powerful in its category, is paired with an electric motor mounted on the rear axle. This motor alone adds 201 bhp and 32.63 kgm of torque. The result? A combined power output that redefines what we thought possible from a car in this segment.

This hybrid powertrain features an innovative transmission setup. Up front, a 9–speed automatic gearbox is mated to the engine, while the electric motor at the rear is paired with a 2–speed gearbox. This unique combination optimises torque distribution and ensures that the car can handle the massive 104.01 kgm of torque being sent to the wheels. It’s a technological masterpiece that brings F1–level engineering to the streets.

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With its power channelled through Mercedes’ 4MATIC+ all– wheel–drive system, the car blasts down the road from 0 to 100 kph in just 3.3 seconds (we got it down to 3.1 seconds), and it can reach a top speed of 280 kph. But it’s not just the raw numbers that impress — it’s how the car delivers this performance. This AMG boasts nine distinct driving modes, each tailored to offer a unique experience.

The driving modes range from a practical ‘Battery Hold’ mode, which maintains the battery’s charge, to a pure EV mode with up to 13 km of electric-only range. The excitement really begins with ‘Sport’ and ‘Sport+,’ modes that unlock more power and give you a taste of the car’s full potential. But the real showstopper is ‘Race’ mode, designed for track days. If your local circuit is preloaded in the car’s system, it will even adjust its power delivery with a customised boost map for that specific track.

Driving the car at the Buddh International Circuit was an eye–opening experience. In ‘Race’ mode, the car comes alive, urging you to push it to its limits. The electric boost display on the digital instrument cluster prompts you to fully press the throttle to engage the system’s full potential. And when you do, there’s an extra kick when the pedal clicks into its deeper position — a nod to the precision of AMG engineering. The acceleration was so powerful that the stretches between corners felt like they vanished in the blink of an eye, making each lap an exhilarating experience.

Activating ‘Race Start’ in the C 63 S E Performance is both straightforward and electrifying. Plant your left foot on the brake, press the throttle down, and watch as the dashboard flashes red — signalling readiness. Release the brake, and the car surges forward with immense force, pinning you to your seat while the all-wheel-drive system delivers impeccable traction. Unlike many performance cars with complicated launch procedures, the car keeps it simple: brake, throttle, go.

And while it may lack the deep rumble of the previous V8, the car more than compensates with its own soundtrack. The AMG– tuned exhaust still provides the drama, pops, and bangs we’ve come to expect from the badge. The experience is exhilarating, a testament to how far hybrid technology has come in delivering not just eco–friendly efficiency but sheer excitement.

Beyond straight–line speed, the car’s handling is sublime. Mercedes has equipped this car with rear– axle steering, allowing it to tackle corners with precision. Whether darting through tight bends or sweeping through long curves, the car feels composed and agile, ready to respond to every input. Even when the tail starts to slide on longer corners, the traction control system subtly reins it in, sending you confidently out of the turn and down the straight.

This precision isn’t just for the track; it translates seamlessly to regular driving. The rear–axle steering also aids in reducing the turning radius, making city manoeuvres much simpler for what is otherwise a wide, aggressive– looking vehicle. One glance at this car, and you know it’s not your average C–Class. The car has a wider stance and pronounced haunches that hint at its power. The exclusive F1 Edition takes things up a notch with unique touches like red accents on the front and rear diffusers, a special red weave in the carbon fibre trim, and F1 logos on the mats and dashboard. It’s a visual reminder that this car is bred from motorsport.

Step inside, and the cockpit reinforces this impression. You’re greeted by AMG–branded seats with red seatbelts and sporty bolstering that hold you firmly in place. The interior boasts Mercedes’ signature blend of luxury and technology, with carbon fibre accents adding a performance–oriented touch. The standout, however, is the IWC clock animation that greets you on the infotainment display — a nod to Mercedes’ eye for detail.

The cabin is packed with technology that enhances both comfort and performance. The AMG– specific menu on the digital driver’s display provides all the data you could want, from boost levels to tyre pressures. There’s even a feature that enlarges track maps, showcasing the car’s attention to detail in catering to enthusiasts. The heads–up display ensures you keep your eyes on the road or track, displaying key information in your line of sight.

There’s been chatter about Mercedes planning a return to V8 power for future models, but this current hybrid setup proves the brand’s commitment to pushing boundaries. This isn’t just any plug– in hybrid; it’s a showcase of how performance and sustainability can coexist. The ability to plug in and enjoy the benefits of electric driving while having a 680–bhp powertrain at your disposal redefines what hybrids can offer. Plug–in hybrids are often seen as compromises, but this car flips that narrative. It’s the perfect blend of electric efficiency and pure AMG muscle, proving that hybrid doesn’t have to mean dull — it can also mean dynamic. It’s a formula inspired by F1 technology, adapted for the road, and it delivers on all fronts.

Driving the car is an experience that leaves a lasting impression. It challenges preconceptions about hybrid cars and shows what’s possible when engineering and passion come together. This is the hybrid powertrain enthusiasts have been waiting for — powerful, engaging, and unapologetically AMG. It’s a bold move by Mercedes, and it’s one that’s paid off. For anyone who might still be sceptical about the move away from a V8, one test drive will convince you that the future of performance is here, and it’s hybrid-assisted petrol motors. Lastly, you can tell your eco-conscious friends that this car identifies as an EV.