The new Mercedes-AMG C63 SE Performance hybrid will arrive in Australia in mid-2023

The iconic Mercedes-AMG C63 muscle car is about to get a seismic makeover, with the new model ditching the famous V8 for a high-performance hybrid powertrain (PHEV).

Called the Mercedes-AMG C63 SE Performance, the new model will arrive in Australian showrooms around mid-2023 in sedan form – then it’s sure to be polarizing.

“As always, judgment should be reserved for when the vehicle has been tested,” a Mercedes-Benz Australia spokesman said this week.

MORE: A deep dive into the new Mercedes-AMG C63 SE Performance

It will be the most powerful C63 yet, and it will be faster than the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8-powered car it replaces and the 6.2-liter naturally aspirated V8-powered C63 before it.

As always, the latest C63 will battle the BMW M3, Audi RS4 and Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio. But when it comes to powertrain technology, it’s a whole different beast.

For the full picture, read our review of Angus McKenzie herebut here are the Mercedes-AMG C63 SE Performance 2023 notes:

• 2.0-liter four-cylinder M139 engine with a power of 350 kW and 545 Nm, mounted longitudinally
• 150 kW rear axle electronic motor
• Battery 6.1 kWh, weight 89 km, EV range 13 km
• The power of the system is up to 500 kW and 1020 Nm
• Minimum acceleration from 0-100 km/h in 3.4 seconds
• The maximum speed is 280 km/h
• Fuel consumption is 6.9 l/100 km
• The prepared mass is 2111 kg
• AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive with fully variable torque distribution and drift mode

MORE: A deep dive into the new Mercedes-AMG C63 SE Performance