V8 WHAT?

We test the world's most powerful 2.0-litre engine to see if it can truly replace a V8

- Kurt Morris.

There's an old saying: never judge a book by its cover. This couldn't be truer for the new MercedesAMG C 63 S E Performance. In the automotive world, few cars have sparked as much debate even before hitting the road. The latest C 63 has taken a significant departure from tradition, swapping its iconic V8 engine for a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder hybrid powertrain. And while enthusiasts initially voiced concerns about this bold change, Mercedes has proven it's anything but ordinary.

At the heart of the AMG is a groundbreaking hybrid setup producing a jaw-dropping 670 bhp and 104.01 kgm of torque. The 2.0litre turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine, already the world's most powerful in its category, is paired with an electric motor mounted on the rear axle. This motor alone adds 201 bhp and 32.63 kgm of torque. The result? A combined power output that redefines what we thought possible from a car in this segment.

This hybrid powertrain features an innovative transmission setup. Up front, a 9-speed automatic gearbox is mated to the engine, while the electric motor at the rear is paired with a 2-speed gearbox. This unique combination optimises torque distribution and ensures that the car can handle the massive 104.01 kgm of torque being sent to the wheels. It's a technological masterpiece that brings F1-level engineering to the streets.

With its power channelled through Mercedes' 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive system, the car blasts down the road from 0 to 100 kph in just 3.3 seconds (we got it down to 3.1 seconds), and it can reach a top speed of 280 kph. But it's not just the raw numbers that impress it's how the car delivers this performance. This AMG boasts nine distinct driving modes, each tailored to offer a unique experience.