New Mercedes-AMG C63 and C43 spotted: price, specs and release date
February 22, 2022 by
Prototypes of the new Mercedes-AMG C63 and C43 have been spotted testing. Both cars are expected to be revealed this year with new four-cylinder engines. Read on for everything you need to know so far…
- Mercedes-AMG C63 spotted
- New high-performance version of latest C-Class
- Suitably aggressive design tweaks
- Introduction of four-cylinder hybrid engine
- 653hp expected
- Four-wheel-drive system near-guaranteed
- C43 on the way too
- Similar four-cylinder engine without electric assistance
- Could have around 450hp
- Reveal of both cars anticipated later this year
New high-performance AMG versions of the latest Mercedes C-Class are on the horizon.
Prototypes of both the Mercedes-AMG C63 and C43 have been spotted testing, with both models marking a switch to four-cylinder power. These alternatives to the BMW M3 and M340i are expected to be revealed later in 2022.
New Mercedes-AMG C63 design
The light camouflage of this Mercedes-AMG C63 doesn’t do much to hide its aggressive new look.
It looks as though the front will get snarling great new air intakes, along with a downturned grille with vertical chrome slats – an AMG signature.
Expect to see some more aggressive side skirts as well, plus some AMG-specific alloy wheels. This prototype is sporting an odd set, which could indicate Mercedes has been focusing on development work for the tyres or wheels.
At the back, a quad-exit exhaust system (likely to feature on the finished car) makes an appearance while an aggressive diffuser looks to be hiding underneath this camouflage wrap. Look closely and you’ll spot a very subtle spoiler on the boot lid.
New Mercedes-AMG C63 engine
It’s no secret the Mercedes-AMG C63 is making a switch over to hybrid power. Mercedes has already confirmed that fact, and you’ll see electrical warning stickers on the side and rear of the car.
It won’t be the first series-production AMG hybrid — that title goes to a AMG GT 4-door 63 S E. However, it will be the first to link a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine to an electric motor.
The petrol engine will be lifted straight from the Mercedes-AMG A45 S but could see power bumped from 421hp to around 449hp, with another 204hp coming from the electric motor. That tasty combination could give you a total of 653hp.
Power will be sent to all four wheels through an all-wheel-drive system, with a nine-speed gearbox fitted.
New Mercedes-AMG C63 interior
The new Mercedes-AMG C63’s interior remains a secret for now, though there should be a lot of similarities with the regular C-Class’ cabin. The swoopy dashboard design will be carried over mostly intact, as will the huge touchscreen display on the centre console.
Because the new C-Class is a little larger than the previous model, the new AMG C63 should be slightly more spacious than the car it’ll replace, too.
Not everything about the C63’s interior will be a carbon copy of the standard C-Class’, though. A smattering of sporty touches, such as shiny AMG-badged trim pieces and sportier seats will be fitted to this performance version.
The steering wheel will likely be redesigned, too, and will come with a few extra buttons controlling the car’s driving modes.
The new hybrid system will occupy a significant amount of boot space, however, so there’s a chance the new car won’t be quite as practical as the old AMG C63.
New Mercedes-AMG C43 spotted
Alongside the C63 will be the Mercedes-AMG 43. This should use the same 2.0-litre engine, albeit without the electric motor.
It may use a slightly different tune too, perhaps nudging it to a nice, round 450hp. Expect it to be all-wheel-drive as well and use the same gearbox as the C63.
It’ll carry a slightly less aggressive design than the C63, too. Notice the large blanking off of the intakes at the front, and smaller rear exhausts.
New Mercedes-AMG C63 and C43 price and release date
Expect both the Mercedes-AMG C63 and C43 to be revealed later in 2022, and potentially go on sale before the new year.
Pricing for the AMG C43 will rise over the current range-topping petrol C300’s £49,700 asking price, while the AMG C63 could top well over £80,000.
Check out deals on the Mercedes C-Class or compare the latest sports cars on sale today