The 2025 Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance is a plug-in hybrid super sedan that embodies the complex nature of modern performance. It represents Mercedes’ AMG division’s approach to achieving performance while developing the technology for fully electric high-performance vehicles. Although it still relies on gasoline, the 2025 C63 significantly improves efficiency compared to its predecessor, replacing a thirsty V8 with a four-cylinder engine augmented by electric power. This powertrain is familiar, as it’s also used in the 2025 GLC63 S E Performance crossover SUV. While Mercedes initially announced the C63, media event scheduling led to an earlier drive of the GLC63. Although impressive, the crossover’s driving dynamics raised some questions. However, the C63, as a sedan, benefits from a lower center of gravity and less weight, giving the hybrid powertrain and its driver aids a better chance to impress.
The C63 builds upon the styling of the current-generation Mercedes-Benz C-Class, which debuted for the 2022 model year but hasn’t offered a plug-in option until now. The hood features ribs reminiscent of past Mercedes sports cars, the fenders are flared, and larger front air intakes hint at the powerful hardware beneath the surface. Following AMG tradition, the C63 retains the luxurious interior appointments of its base model. Similar to the exterior styling, the C-Class provides a solid foundation. The inclined dashboard is topped by large air vents, seat adjustment controls are elegantly positioned on the door panels, and details like 64-color ambient lighting enhance the interior’s appeal. The only noticeable compromise in the C63’s interior is the use of some plastic for lower portions of the dashboard, a reflection of its initial lower price point. AMG-specific upgrades include sport seats that provide increased bolstering for spirited cornering without compromising comfort. These seats are standard with artificial leather and microfiber upholstery, but Nappa leather is an available option. The AMG steering wheel, while appearing large initially, offers a full range of motion without causing discomfort. While the C-Class is considered a compact luxury sedan, it’s not a small vehicle. Interior space is comparable to competing sedans, and a wide center console separates the driver and front passenger, enhancing the sense of spaciousness. The mechanically similar AMG GLC63 S E Performance offers even more space due to its crossover body style, but only very tall individuals will find it necessary.
The C63 comes standard with an 11.9-inch central touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, powered by the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) operating system found in other current Mercedes models. MBUX includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as native voice recognition. Upgrading to the Pinnacle trim level adds augmented reality navigation and a head-up display. Despite the increased price, the infotainment system remains essentially the same as that found in non-AMG C-Class models. Those purchasing a C63 prioritize performance over an abundance of screens. However, the system itself is excellent. Its physical layout is reminiscent of Mercedes’ flagship S-Class, and the graphics and responsiveness contribute to a premium feel. Navigating the main touchscreen is straightforward, thanks in part to Mercedes’ use of tiles rather than endless menus, and the available augmented reality feature for the navigation system overlays arrows onto a video feed, reducing the likelihood of missing turns. The C63 also includes a Burmester 3D surround-sound system. The C63 features hybrid-specific displays to help monitor the battery pack’s charge usage, along with steering wheel controls for drive modes, artificial sound enhancement, stability control, and regenerative braking levels. While these controls are intended to be less distracting than the touchscreen, we found memorizing their functions challenging, leading to uncertainty about whether we were increasing regenerative braking or decreasing stability control. Most driver aids are bundled into an optional Driver Assistance Package. This includes adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go and automated lane change functionality, blind-spot monitoring (which also attempts to nudge the car back into its lane if another vehicle is detected in the blind spot), lane keep assist, automatic emergency braking, and forward collision warning, among other features.
Mercedes provides engineering enthusiasts with plenty to analyze, starting with the C63’s 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This engine, claimed to be the highest-output series-production four-cylinder engine, generates 469 horsepower and 402 pound-feet of torque on its own. It features a small electric motor to maintain turbo spool-up and is connected to a nine-speed automatic transmission. The electrified portion of the powertrain comprises an electric motor that powers the rear axle through its own two-speed transmission and a limited-slip differential. This motor is powered by a 6.1-kilowatt-hour battery pack mounted towards the rear of the car for improved weight distribution. Mercedes claims a near-identical 49%/51% front/rear weight split, although the overall curb weight is a substantial 4,817 pounds. The electric motor contributes to a combined system output of 671 horsepower and 752 pound-feet of torque, surpassing the previous C63’s 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 output by 168 hp and 236 pound-feet. This also makes the C63 significantly more powerful than its closest rival, the BMW M3 Competition, which extracts 523 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque (with the optional all-wheel drive system) from a 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six without a hybrid system. However, this power advantage isn’t as noticeable on paper, as Mercedes’ estimated 3.3-second zero-to-60 mph time is only 0.5 seconds faster than its predecessor and 0.1 seconds quicker than BMW’s claim for the M3. Nonetheless, this is still incredibly quick and impressive considering Mercedes achieved this performance with a smaller engine than its rival, BMW. The chassis is as complex as the powertrain, featuring adaptive suspension, rear-axle steering, and a sophisticated all-wheel drive system that helps manage the power and counter the C63’s considerable weight. The resulting driving experience may not appeal to traditional car enthusiasts, but it will satisfy those who simply desire speed. A car this heavy and powerful should be challenging to handle, but all you need to do is point it in the right direction and trust that the technology will do its job. However, we did feel a slight disconnect from the car’s actions, which is common when a car relies heavily on chassis technology.
The C63 prioritizes performance over being a plug-in hybrid. Official fuel economy and electric range ratings weren’t available at the time of the review, and they weren’t a primary focus for the Mercedes-AMG engineering team. Mercedes estimates only eight miles of electric range when driving the C63 conservatively. While EV range is available up to 81 mph, consistent use without engaging the gasoline engine is challenging. Drive the C63 as intended, on roads with hills, and the engine and aggressive regenerative braking settings will effectively charge the battery pack, a strategy German automakers have mastered. However, this is only truly helpful if your favorite driving road is located near heavily trafficked main thoroughfares. This scenario was true in Malibu, California, where we test drove the C63.
The starting price for this exceptional sedan is $85,050, exceeding that of most rivals. The $87,100 Pinnacle trim level adds augmented reality navigation, a head-up display, and digital light projections, while the $1,950 Driver Assistance Package is necessary to access the full range of driver aids, bringing the total cost to $89,050 to get all the tech features. Mercedes hadn’t released pricing for the mechanically similar GLC63 S E Performance at the time of the review, but expect a premium for the SUV. While both models share the same high-tech powertrain, we believe the lower-slung C63 offers a better driving experience. The lower center of gravity inherent in a sedan makes a noticeable difference. The C63 is also more affordable than the all-electric Mercedes-AMG EQE sedan and avoids its divisive styling. In the C63 S E Performance, returning AMG customers will find impressive engineering and everyday usability. However, new car shoppers seeking a sports sedan have numerous other options. The C63’s traditional rivals, such as the BMW M3 and Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing, provide a more engaging driving experience at a lower cost. And while it might not be as fast in a straight line, the Lucid Air Pure offers better fun-per-dollar for those ready to transition to an EV. For now, AMG’s latest plug-in hybrid serves as a bridge between the combustion cars of today and the performance EVs of the future. It will be remembered as a remarkable engineering achievement, but whether it will be as fondly remembered by driving enthusiasts as past AMG sedans remains to be seen.
