We've already gone into detail here about what to expect from the new Mercedes-AMG C 63 which, in short, will do without its charismatic V8 and will gain a plug-in hybrid engine, combining a four-cylinder in-line with an electric motor, and will also debut the four-wheel drive.
Now we got the first spy photos of the model in the usual winter tests, with the muscular German saloon appearing still quite camouflaged.
Even so, it is possible to detect the typical Panamerican grille that adorns the models with the AMG seal, the four exhaust outlets and also wheels and brake discs that are quite generous in their dimensions. There is no doubt about which model it is.
What we can't identify are the weird appendages that seem to stick out of the hood near the base of the windshield. What will they be? Any kind of test equipment related to the suspension? Leave your suggestions…
New era in Affalterbach
Admittedly, there's still a lot of shock over AMG's decision to forgo the twin-turbo V8 that marked the last generation of the C 63 — the V8 has been a regular under the hood of the C-Class since the first generation — emerging in the its place an in-line four cylinders coupled with an electric motor.
We've already explained here why they didn't also use the new star brand six-cylinder to take the place of the V8, but instead moved to a four-cylinder — even if the M 139, the same one that equips the A 45 and A 45 S — seems like a pretty radical step.
Despite the abrupt downsizing — half the cylinders and half the displacement — it is not to be expected that the new Mercedes-AMG C 63 will come with less “muscle” than the current model. Rumors point to the more powerful version, the C 63 S, reaching something like 550 hp.
A way to also compensate for the additional ballast of the electrical part and the four-wheel drive. Even so, everything points to this technological “monster” charging very close to 2000 kg when it is revealed. Almost 200 kg more than its recently unveiled arch-rival BMW M3 Competition, which also has very little in light — a difference that will be reduced when the unprecedented four-wheel drive version of the M3 arrives.
The new Mercedes-AMG C 63 should be known later this year, but it is expected that its sale will only take place in early 2022.