Spy shots and video of the 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG C63: electric four-cylinder engine replaces the V8

In February, Mercedes-Benz unveiled the redesigned 2022 C-Class, once again offering the high-performance C63 developed by the Mercedes-Benz AMG skunkworks.

The latest spy shots show a prototype of the new C63 sedan body style. A wagon prototype, or estate as Mercedes prefers to call this body style, is also being tested and can be seen in the spy video below along with a sedan tester. The latest prototype is still heavily camouflaged, but what can be seen are flared wheel arches, large intakes in the front mask, an emphasized rear diffuser, and four square exhaust tips.

It has been confirmed that the new C63 will not feature a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8. Instead, the powertrain will consist of the 2.0-liter inline-4 turbo found in AMG's latest generation of compact cars, but with more power than the 416 hp maximum output of those cars, and a hybrid like that used in Formula One and the upcoming AMG hypercar, the AMG One technology will also be employed.

In the new C63, an electric-assisted turbocharger boosts the output of the 2.0-liter engine to 442 hp. It will also feature an electric motor integrated with the engine in a mild hybrid configuration, which will provide power for auxiliary functions and also act 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 special two-speed transmission.

This 643 hp figure will probably be reserved for the C63S E Performance model. The regular C63 is expected to make around 550 hp, which is still significantly more than the 503 hp of the current C63S.

However, there would be a weight penalty due to the complex powertrain. 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 provide a small amount of 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.