Wild hybrid! 2024 Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E Performance priced for Australia, and with a four-cylinder this bonkers you won't be pining for a V8

The 2024 Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance will land in Australia from January 2024, priced at $187,900 before on-road costs.

Featuring the “world’s most powerful production four-cylinder engine” combined with a rear-axle electric motor, Mercedes says the plug-in hybrid C63 pumps out an impressive 500kW and a maximum 1020Nm of torque, making it among the most powerful AMG models ever.

That grunt, says Mercedes, is enough to push the C63 S E Performance to 100km/h in just 3.4 seconds, while its EV mode unlocks 15kms of zero-emissions driving, too.

And far from being a boring, economical hybrid, the electrified C63 is equipped with a hoon-friendly Drift Mode, along with all-wheel drive and rear-axle steering.

“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,” says Jochen Hermann, Technical Managing Director Mercedes-AMG.

Far from being a boring, economical hybrid, the electrified C63 is equipped with a hoon-friendly Drift Mode, along with all-wheel drive and rear-axle steering.

“Add to this the standard-fit rear-axle steering and fully variable all-wheel drive, and the new C 63 illustrates once again the high level of technical expertise that AMG possesses.”

The combination of front engine and rear motor helps the C63 S E Performance claim perfect 50:50 weight distribution, while the two-speed electric motor further boosts acceleration performance.

The combination of front engine and rear motor helps the C63 S E Performance claim perfect 50:50 weight distribution, while the two-speed electric motor further boosts acceleration performance.

Providing the electric power, and the EV driving range, is a small 400-volt battery (weighing 89 kilograms), but AMG makes no mystery of the role it plays, saying performance, not driving range, was the core focus.

The AMG can be plugged into a public charger, a wallbox or a home electrical outlet, and is setup for 3.7kW AC charging.

A well-stacked standard feature list includes a head-up display, a Burmester sound system, heated and powered front seats, premium Ambient Lighting and wireless charging MBUX augmented reality navigation.

The rear-axle steering - with a maximum steering angle of 2.5 degrees - is also a C63 first, and will either aid with stability at high speeds, increase agility at parking speeds, or improve cornering turn-in and response when cornering.

A well-stacked standard feature list includes a panoramic sliding sunroof, a head-up display, a Burmester sound system, heated and powered front seats, premium Ambient Lighting, wireless charging MBUX augmented reality navigation and the AMG Track Pace package, which tracks your on-track performance, and even offers coaching tips.

The 2024 Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance will land in Australia from January 2024, priced at $187,900 before on-road costs.

Orders for the Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance are now open, ahead of deliveries in January next year, with the wild hybrid listing at $187,900 before on-road costs.