Spy shots and video of the 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 wagon: more power, fewer cylinders

In February, Mercedes-Benz unveiled the redesigned 2022 C-Class, which will again be available in a high-performance C63 developed by the Mercedes-Benz AMG skunkworks.

We have already spotted a prototype of the C63 sedan, and now we have spy shots and video of a new wagon prototype. The regular C-Class wagon has already been revealed and will not be introduced in the US. If we are lucky, we may get to see the new C-Class All-Terrain soft-roader in the US.

The prototype is heavily camouflaged, but from what we can see there are flared wheel arches, large intakes in the front mask, a pronounced rear diffuser, and four square-shaped exhaust tips.

The current C63's 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine will not be featured in the new generation. Instead, the powertrain will consist of a 2.0-liter inline-4 turbo from AMG's latest generation of compact cars, but with more power than the 416 hp maximum output of those cars, and hybrid technology similar to that used in Formula One and the upcoming AMG One hypercar The power will be boosted by.

In the new C63, the output of the 2.0-liter engine will be boosted to 442 hp by an electric-assisted turbocharger. There is also an electric motor integrated with the engine in a mild hybrid configuration, which provides power for auxiliary functions and also acts as a starter motor. In addition to this, a more powerful motor (up to 201 hp) is mounted on the rear axle for a total output of up to 643 hp. This rear motor is mated to a dedicated 2-speed transmission. This 643 hp figure is probably reserved for the C63 S. The regular C63 is expected to have around 550 hp, which is still a significant improvement over the 503 hp of the current C63 S.

The complex powertrain will result in a weight penalty. The hybrid technology will add about 550 pounds, bringing the vehicle's weight to almost 4,410 pounds. Part of this heavy load is due to the large battery, which should have a modest electric range. One weight-related advantage of this system is that the smaller engine will reduce the weight on the front axle compared to the current C63, resulting in an ideal 50:50 weight distribution.

Traditional elements such as the 9-speed automatic, mechanical all-wheel drive system, adaptive suspension, and drift mode will also likely be found in the new C63.

Performance is expected to be 0-62 mph acceleration in 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 181 mph. This top speed is comparable to the current C63, but accelerates about 0.5 seconds faster.

The new C63 will debut late this year or early next year, as will a new C43 that may carry the C53 badge. Stay tuned.