What happens when AMG’s past, present, and future collide? We’re unleashing three incredible Mercedes-AMG C63s in a battle of speed, sound, and pure adrenaline.
The all-new 2024 AMG C63 S E Performance – Hybrid power meets cutting-edge innovation.
The sleek and savage 2020 AMG C63S Cabriolet – A modern V8 masterpiece.
The iconic 2012 AMG C63 Black Series – A roaring legend that demands respect.
DRAG RACE 2024 AMG C63s E-Performance vs 2020 AMG C63s vs 2012 AMG C63 Black Series
The 2024 Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E Performance is controversial regarding its acceptance by hardcore V8 enthusiasts. However, Mercedes brags that its new-age inline-4 hybrid performance car can blow everyone’s socks off, including past predecessors like the 2020 AMG C 63 S V8 and the highly respected 2012 Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Coupe Black Series V8. But is it worthy of the C 63 badge, or is it just marketing?
The boys from Canada’s Mercedes-Benz Downtown Calgary dealership got four world-famous vehicles and raced them down the half-mile. The 2024 AMG C 63 S E Performance comes packing a handcrafted AMG 2.0-liter inline-4 turbocharged engine aided by an electric motor to output a combined 671 hp and 752 lb-ft (1,019 Nm) of torque.
It’s also equipped with the AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive with fully variable torque distribution, the AMG Speedshift MCT 9G transmission system, and a 2.5-degree rear-axle steering. On paper, it should hit the 62-mph mark (100kph) in 3.4 seconds and max out at an electronically limited 155 mph or 249 kilometers per hour. It’s also quite heavy, weighing 4,888 pounds or 2,217 kilograms.
Next, the 2020 Mercedes-AMG C 63 S cabriolet sports a hand-built 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 powerplant capable of delivering 503 hp and 516 lb-ft (700 Nm) of twist. It weighs 3,900 lbs. or 1,769 kilograms and can reach 62 mph or 100 kph from a standstill in 4.1 seconds.
Last but certainly not least, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Coupe Black Series throws its hat into the ring. Caging a massive 6.2-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine, this legendary beast can produce 510 hp at 6,800 rpm and 457 lb-ft (620 Nm) of torque at 5,000 rpm.
It’s the lightest of the trio, weighing 3,770 pounds or 1,710 kilograms. Capable of going from 0 to 62 miles per hour in just 3.8 seconds, this ancient but extremely capable monster can be a serious threat down the 1/4-mile, even in today’s advanced automotive world.
One important thing to note about this half-mile drag race is that it takes place 3,445 feet or 1,050 meters above sea level, which can strain V8 engines, especially the naturally aspirated one from the 2012 Black Series.
After two races, the 2024 AMG C 63 S E Performance proved it could smoke its predecessors without breaking a sweat. It easily won each start and got the checkered flag way before the other two. It also finished first in a 1/4-mile roll race that followed soon after.
The 2024 S E Performance scored the top position on the leaderboard, with 18.2 seconds on the clock while going at 144 miles or 232 kilometers per hour. The 2020 AMG C 63 S was second, with 19.2 ticks at 125 mph or 201 kph. The 2012 Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Coupe Black Series came in last place, with 20.02 seconds on the clock at 133.5 mph or 215 kph.
As a “one more thing,” the boys brought a 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG E 63 S sedan to race against the C 63 S E Performance. This no-nonsense performance machine cages a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine capable of generating 603 horsepower and 627 lb-ft (850 Nm) of twist.
It weighs 4,500 lbs. or 2,041 kilograms, but it can still go from 0 to 62 mph or 100 kph in just 3.4 seconds. It was neck and neck each time, but after three rounds, the C 63 S E Performance remained undefeated.
