Up to 680 hp - the Mercedes-AMG C 63 SE Performance!

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Recently updated on December 14, 2022 at 03:33 am

The new Mercedes-AMG C 63 SE PERFORMANCE is a real game changer in AMG's 55-year history. With know-how from Formula 1™, he brings state-of-the-art technologies from motorsport onto the road. A two-speed electric motor positioned on the rear axle supports the 2,0‑liter turbo engine installed longitudinally at the front. This is the most powerful series four-cylinder in the world. Power development and torque build-up occur very spontaneously and without delay: As in Formula 1™, the electrical support of the exhaust gas turbocharger eliminates the turbo lag of the combustion engine, while at the same time the electric drive pushes powerfully even from a standstill.

Mercedes-AMG C 63 SE Performance

The electric drive train and the high-performance battery with 400 volts are AMG-exclusive in-house developments. They underline the high-end engineering competence of the Affalterbach developers. As in Formula 1™, the battery with innovative direct cooling of the cells is specifically designed for rapid power delivery and absorption. The combined system output is 500 kW (680 hp), the combined maximum system torque is 1.020 Nm. These are new peak values ​​for the C-Class. Further highlights of the new series, which is being launched simultaneously as a sedan and estate: for the first time in a C 63, the fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive transfers the drive power to the road, including drift mode for even more driving pleasure. Added to this is the standard active rear-axle steering, another unique feature in this segment.

“With the C 63 SE PERFORMANCE we are opening a new chapter in our brand history. Even 55 years after our founding, we at AMG still show the courage and the will to implement the creative, the special. The new C 63 in particular is a real game changer. With its revolutionary concept, it brings a completely new approach to the segment, which until now has been primarily characterized by pure promises of performance. With a maximum system output of 680 hp, we keep this promise. But the intelligent P3 hybrid concept offers much more. I am certain that we will also appeal to a new group of customers with this technology, which contains a great deal of know-how from Formula 1,” says Philipp Schiemer, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

“With its performance hybrid drive and the electrically assisted exhaust gas turbocharger, the new C 63 SE PERFORMANCE is a technological masterpiece that takes a new approach. The electrified powertrain offers a whole new driving experience. The immediate response of the electric drive on the rear axle, the rapid build-up of torque and the rapid output of power and also the absorption of our battery are very special features.

In addition, there is the standard rear-axle steering and the fully variable all-wheel drive with drift mode – the new C 63 once again illustrates the high level of technical competence in AMG,” says Jochen Hermann, Technical Director of Mercedes‑AMG GmbH. As in Formula 1, the battery is specifically designed for fast power delivery and absorption. The electric range of 13 kilometers enables a practical radius of action, for example in the city or in residential areas.

Expressive design with a distinctive front apron

Form follows function: the design of the new C 63 S differs from the Mercedes-Benz C-Class in that it has more muscular proportions. The sedan and station wagon are based on an extensively modified AMG bodyshell. The stem is 50 millimeters longer, the front fenders are wider. Overall, the overall exterior dimensions differ considerably compared to the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The length of the sedan and estate is 83 millimeters longer. The larger track width on the front axle means that the overall width is 76 millimeters more. And the wheelbase grew by ten millimeters. All in all, the new C 63 S appears powerful and stretched.

A new distinguishing feature and reserved exclusively for the C 63 S is the narrow air outlet in the middle of the bonnet. It transitions elegantly into the two power domes. Small but particularly fine detail: For the first time on a Mercedes-AMG production model, a round badge with a black AMG crest replaces the Mercedes star with a laurel wreath on the bonnet. Typical elements continue to be the AMG-specific radiator grille with vertical struts and the AMG front apron in jet-wing design. Flics, large inlets and air curtains direct the airflow to its various functions. Two electronically controlled AIR PANELS (behind the radiator cladding and in the front protection) enable the air to be regulated as required.

Matching side skirt panels, the rear apron with a large diffuser and the two trapezoidal, externally corrugated twin pipe covers round off the design. Exclusive details at the rear are the special spoiler lip on the boot lid (roof spoiler on the T-model), the plug-in loading flap and the model designation with a red background. On the side, the "E PERFORMANCE" badge on the wing indicates the hybrid drive. The C 63 S rolls on 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels and mixed tires as standard. Wheel/tire combinations in 20-inch format are optionally available, also with mixed tires, including a new forged wheel.

Numerous paint finishes and equipment details are available for further customization. The AMG matt paintwork graphite gray magno is available exclusively for the C 63 S. The exterior design can be further accentuated with, among other things, the AMG Exterior I and II carbon-fibre packages, the AMG Night packages I and II or the AMG aerodynamics package.

Elegant interior, new generation of AMG performance seats

In the interior, AMG sports seats with special graphics and unique stitching make for a classy impression. There are also many individual options available in the interior. Exclusive colors and various nappa leather upholstery with an embossed AMG emblem in the front headrests emphasize either the sporty or the luxurious side of the C 63 S.

The completely redesigned AMG performance seat of the second generation is available as an option. Its special features are the side bolsters with weight-saving openings, which also enable better ventilation. When fitted with nappa leather, they are also accentuated in a contrasting colour. The shape of the backrest tapers downwards. The AMG logo is now placed between the matt chrome openings under the integrated headrest.

MBUX multimedia system with hybrid-specific displays

The MBUX infotainment system includes various AMG and hybrid-specific displays and functions. These include the displays in the instrument cluster, in the portrait-format central multimedia display in the center console and in the optional head-up display. The view of the instrument cluster can be personalized with different display styles and individually selectable main views. The AMG-specific Supersport style offers the option of displaying different content via a vertical menu structure. This includes a menu with hybrid-specific temperatures or a setup menu that displays the current chassis or transmission settings. In addition, the driver can display a navigation map or consumption data in Supersport style.

The head-up display also offers AMG-specific display styles such as Race and Supersport. These can be called up via the main menu in the instrument cluster. High-quality graphics in the multimedia display also visualize the power flow of the entire drive system, speed, power, torque and temperature of the electric motor and the battery temperature in a manner specific to AMG. There is also a direct access button for the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT drive programs. Also integrated is AMG TRACK PACE, the optional data logger for use on the racetrack. The software records more than 80 vehicle-specific data such as speed, acceleration, steering angle and brake pedal actuation ten times per second while driving on a race track. In addition, lap and sector times are displayed.

AMG performance steering wheel in double-spoke design

The standard AMG performance steering wheel with its distinctive double-spoke design and seamlessly integrated buttons also offers added value that you can see and feel. The round AMG steering wheel buttons impress with brilliant displays and their intuitive turning and pressing operating logic. This can be used to control important driving functions and all driving programs without having to take your hands off the steering wheel. A new feature is the option of selecting the recuperation levels of the hybrid drive using the steering wheel buttons.

The AMG-specific E PERFORMANCE hybrid drive: combustion engine at the front, electric motor at the rear

In the new Mercedes-AMG C 63 SE PERFORMANCE, the 2,0-liter four-cylinder turbo engine is combined with a permanently excited synchronous electric motor, a high-performance battery developed in Affalterbach and the fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive. The system output of 500 kW (680 hp) and the maximum system torque of 1.020 Nm enable impressive driving performance: Acceleration from a standstill to 100 km/h takes 3,4 seconds in the sedan and estate. The propulsion only ends at an electronically limited 280 km/h (Estate 270 km/h, each with optional AMG Driver's Package).

The 150 kW (204 PS) electric motor is positioned on the rear axle, where it is integrated into a compact Electric Drive Unit (EDU) with an electrically switched two-speed gearbox and the electronically controlled rear axle locking differential. Experts refer to this layout as a P3 hybrid. The lightweight high-performance battery is also located in the rear above the rear axle. This compact design has numerous advantages:

• The electric motor acts directly on the rear axle and can thus convert its power directly into propulsion - for that extra boost when starting, accelerating or overtaking.
• The power of the electric motor can be deployed at full torque, as is typical of the design, so that particularly agile start-up behavior is possible.
• In addition, thanks to the integrated, electronically controlled rear axle locking differential, the driver immediately experiences a noticeable increase in performance: the hybrid model accelerates out of bends with great agility, offers optimum traction and therefore greater driving safety.
• If there is any slip on the rear axle, the driving force of the electric motor is also transferred to the front wheels for more traction as required. The mechanical connection of the fully variable all-wheel drive makes this possible by means of a cardan shaft and drive shafts for the front wheels.
• Positioning on the rear axle improves weight and axle load distribution in the vehicle. This forms the basis for the convincing handling.
• The AMG concept offers a very high level of efficiency in recuperation because the system allows only minimal mechanical and hydraulic losses from the engine and transmission.
• The automatically shifting two-speed transmission on the rear axle, with its specially matched gear ratio, ensures the spread from high wheel torque to agile starting up to safe continuous performance at higher speeds. An electric actuator engages second gear at around 140 km / h at the latest, which corresponds to the maximum speed of the electric motor of around 13.500 rpm.
• With the increase in performance through the additional electric motor, the development team was also able to improve the efficiency of the entire vehicle at the same time - and achieve lower emissions and lower consumption.

Inspired by Formula 1, developed in Affalterbach: the AMG high-performance battery

When defining the electrification strategy, it was clear from the start that all essential components would be developed in Affalterbach. The centerpiece of this is the AMG High Performance Battery (HPB). The development of the lithium-ion energy storage is inspired by technologies that have proven themselves in the Formula 1 hybrid racing cars of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team. In the course of development, the experts from the Formula 1 engine manufacturer High Performance Powertrains (HPP) in Brixworth exchanged information intensively with Mercedes-AMG in Affalterbach. The AMG high-performance battery combines high power that can be called up frequently in succession with low weight in order to increase the overall performance of the vehicle. Added to this are the fast energy consumption and the high power density. This means that when driving briskly on hilly terrain, for example, drivers can spontaneously call up the full performance potential uphill, while there is strong recuperation when driving downhill.

70 kW continuous output and 150 kW at peak

The high-performance battery in the C 63 SE PERFORMANCE has a capacity of 6,1 kWh, 70 kW continuous output and 150 kW peak output for ten seconds. The low weight of only 89 kilograms enables the very high power density of 1,7 kW/kg. For comparison: Conventional batteries without direct cooling of the cells achieve about half of this value. Charging takes place via the installed 3,7 kW on-board charger with alternating current at the charging station, wall box or domestic socket. The battery is designed for fast power delivery and absorption and not for the longest possible range. Nevertheless, the electric range of 13 kilometers enables a practical range of action, for example for low-noise and fully electric driving from the residential area to the outskirts of the city or the motorway.

The innovation boost: the direct cooling of the battery cells

The basis for the high performance of the AMG 400-volt battery is the innovative direct cooling: for the first time, a high-tech coolant based on an electrically non-conductive liquid flows around all 560 cells and cools them individually. Every battery needs a defined temperature for optimum power output. If the energy store gets too cold or too hot, it loses power noticeably at times or has to be turned down to avoid damage when the heat levels are too high. An even temperature control of the battery therefore has a decisive influence on its performance, service life and safety. Conventional cooling systems, which only cool the entire battery pack with air or indirectly with water, quickly reach their limits - especially as the requirements of ever more energy-dense cells continue to increase. If the thermal management does not optimally fulfill its function, there is a risk of premature aging of the battery.

For direct cooling, the AMG specialists had to develop new cooling modules that were only a millimeter thick. Around 14 liters of coolant circulates from top to bottom through the entire battery past each cell with the help of a specially developed high-performance electric pump and also flows through an oil/water heat exchanger that is attached directly to the battery. This dissipates the heat into one of the two low-temperature circuits (LT) of the vehicle. From there it goes on to the NT cooler at the front of the car, which gives off the heat to the ambient air. The system is designed to ensure even heat distribution in the battery.

The result: The battery is always within an even, optimal working temperature window of an average of 45 degrees Celsius, no matter how often it is charged or discharged. If you drive hard, it is quite possible that the average temperature will be exceeded. The protective mechanisms are therefore set in such a way that the maximum power can be drawn from the battery in order to then reduce the temperature level again through direct cooling. Conventional cooling systems cannot do this, and the battery can no longer fully utilize its capacity. This is not the case with the AMG high-performance battery: even during fast laps in hybrid mode on the race track, during which there is frequent acceleration (battery is discharged) and deceleration (battery is charged), the energy store retains its high performance capacity.

Only effective direct cooling makes it possible to use cells with a very high power density. Thanks to this individual solution, the battery system is particularly light and compact. The material-saving busbar concept and the light, yet stable crash structure of the aluminum housing also contribute to the low weight. It guarantees the highest level of security.

Operating strategy: electrical power always available

The basic operating strategy is derived from the hybrid power pack of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 racing car. As in the premier class of motorsport, maximum propulsion is always available when the driver calls it up with a kick-down - to accelerate powerfully out of corners or to overtake quickly. The electric power can always be called up and frequently reproduced via high recuperation performance and needs-based recharging. The independent battery concept enables the optimal compromise between maximum driving dynamics and modern efficiency. All components are intelligently matched to one another: the increase in performance can be experienced and measured immediately.

Eight AMG driving programs

The eight AMG DYNAMIC SELECT drive programs "Electric", "Comfort", "Battery Hold", "Sport", "Sport+", "RACE", "Slippery" and "Individual" are precisely tailored to the new drive technology. They offer a wide range of driving experiences - from efficient to dynamic. The driving programs adjust important parameters: the response of the drive and transmission, the steering characteristics, the chassis damping or the sound. The boost performance of the electric motor also depends on the respective driving program. It can be selected via the display in the center console or the AMG steering wheel buttons.

However, one thing is the same for all programs: The peak power of the electric motor with a boost of 150 kW can be called up very easily using the kick-down function. The haptic accelerator pedal provides a tactile pressure point that the driver's foot has to overcome. By default, the Performance Hybrid starts silently ("Silent Mode") in the "Comfort" drive program when the electric motor is switched on. The "Ready" icon in the instrument cluster signals readiness to drive. In addition, a powerful, sonorous, AMG-typical start-up sound sounds as acoustic feedback that the driver is ready to drive, which is radiated into the interior via the vehicle loudspeakers. A light step on the accelerator pedal is all it takes for the AMG Performance Hybrid to start moving.

• "Electrical": The focus is on the electric driving experience. Purely electric driving takes place from a standstill at up to 125 km/h, the combustion engine is always switched off. Thanks to the mechanical connection to the AMG Performance 4MATIC+ components, all-wheel drive is always available: if the rear wheels suddenly start to slip too much, the power of the electric motor is also transmitted to the front wheels via the cardan and drive shafts. If the battery runs out or the driver requests more power, the intelligent operating control automatically switches to the "Comfort" drive program: the combustion engine starts and takes over the drive power.
• "Comfort": Starting is mostly electric. The combustion engine and electric motor then run according to the situation - with electric drive at low speeds, for example in residential areas or in the city center. Hybrid driving with a combustion engine and an electric motor usually takes place on country roads and on the freeway. The maximum boost power of the electric motor is around 25 percent. The overall result is a harmonious and consumption-optimized driving impression, among other things due to early upshifting of the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT-9G transmission. The chassis and steering are tuned for comfort. The focus of the control is on energy efficiency, so that fuel consumption and emissions can be reduced. The sportiness and agility typical of AMG are retained.
• "Battery Hold": As in the "Comfort" drive program, the combustion engine and electric motor run with a maximum boost of around 25 percent depending on the situation. Biggest difference: The operating strategy keeps the battery charge level constant. For example, if the battery has a charge level of 75 percent, it remains in this range in "Battery Hold". The use of the electric motor is then limited and optimized for low energy consumption, which is compensated for by recuperation, for example. Advantage for the driver: By simply changing the driving program, he can decide when to fully utilize the battery charge again.
• "Sports": Starting with combustion engine and electric motor and situational interaction of the two drives. More boost from the electric motor is released, up to around 65 percent. Sporty character of the driving impression through more agile response to accelerator pedal commands, shorter shift times and earlier downshifts. More dynamic tuning of chassis and steering.
• "Sport +": Starting with combustion engine and electric motor and situational interaction of the two drives. Even higher boost performance of up to 80 percent. Extremely sporty characteristics thanks to even more agile throttle response and targeted torque interventions when shifting up with cylinder suppression for optimal shift times. Increased idle speed for faster starts. The chassis, steering and drive train have been tuned to be even more dynamic.
• "RACE": For highly dynamic rides on closed racetracks. Here all parameters are trimmed for maximum performance. Starting with combustion engine and electric motor and situational interaction of the two drives. Electrical boost performance of the electric motor up to 80 percent. Strong recharging of the battery with low power requirements for maximum electrical availability. In addition, the "Boost Mode" can be called up via the left steering wheel button. The boost power is then limited to a maximum of 30 percent in order to conserve energy reserves. These can be used specifically on the racetrack for spontaneous power demand via kick-down and 100 percent boost power - for example for an acceleration maneuver or powerful acceleration out of corners.
• "Smoothness": Is optimally tuned to slippery roads, with reduced power input and a flat torque curve. Purely electric driving and the recuperation adjustment are deactivated.
• "Individual": Individual adaptation of drive, transmission, AMG DYNAMICS, chassis, steering and exhaust system.

New sound experience in all driving conditions: electric, hybrid and combustion engine

When driving purely on electric power, the statutory Acoustic Vehicle Aging System warns the surroundings of the approach of the performance hybrid. A specially composed, low-frequency and speed-modulated AMG sound is heard. This is emitted to the outside via a loudspeaker at the front and a soundbar with two loudspeakers at the rear. Part of the sound can be heard discreetly as acoustic feedback for the passengers in the interior. In the European Union, the system is active up to 20 km/h, in the USA up to the equivalent of approx. 30 km/h. The electric driving signal then fades out harmoniously. If you want, you can also experience the electric driving sound up to higher speeds. All you have to do is select the sound using the corresponding button on the steering wheel (recognizable by the frequency wave symbol).

In addition, the AMG developers offer customers an extended sound experience. To do this, they pick up the real sound of the combustion engine via a pressure sensor in the exhaust system and enrich it before it is emitted in the interior via the entertainment sound system. This makes it possible to experience the typical AMG sound up close. The sound pattern is also modulated via the external speakers. Everything within the framework of the legal requirements that apply in the respective markets. The intensity depends on the selected driving program. However, it can also be set individually via the display in the center console or the steering wheel button. One thing remains the same in every situation: the Performance Hybrid can also be immediately recognized as an AMG acoustically under all conditions.

Performance hybrid drive can regulate the traction of a wheel instead of ESP

Further advantages of the hybrid drive arise for the driving dynamics control. Instead of ESP® braking intervention, the electric motor can also regulate traction as soon as one wheel signals too much slip. To do this, the intelligent controller reduces the drive torque of the electric motor, which is transmitted to the wheel via the rear axle locking differential. The result: the ESP® does not have to intervene, or only does so later. Advantage: The combustion engine can be operated with higher torque. This improves agility afterwards and increases efficiency. In addition, the power that would otherwise be "wasted" when braking can be used to charge the battery.

Recuperation can be selected in four stages

Because the high-performance battery is always within the optimal temperature window of around 45 degrees thanks to the direct cooling, recuperation can also be optimized: Normally, a battery heats up a lot with high recuperation performance, so that energy recovery has to be restricted. Recuperation begins when the driver takes his foot off the accelerator pedal, i.e. when coasting without touching the brake pedal. The battery is charged and a strong braking torque is generated. This protects the wheel brakes and, depending on the level of recuperation and the traffic situation, they do not have to be operated at all.

Another advantage of recuperation: the vehicle does not speed up on steep downhill stretches. The system works like an engine brake and feeds energy into the battery. The driver can select four different levels of recuperation performance using the AMG steering wheel button on the right. This applies to all driving programs with the exception of "Slippery", whereby the energy recovery is designed differently depending on the driving program.

• Level 0: The vehicle behaves in a similar way to a conventional combustion engine with manual transmission, where the clutch is disengaged. If the driver takes the gas off, the car rolls on with the least resistance. The recuperation power is very low and only serves to maintain the vehicle's power supply. When the combustion engine is switched off, the friction losses in the drive train are reduced to a minimum.
• Level 1: This is the default. The driver can feel the recuperation. It roughly corresponds to the deceleration of a conventional, engaged internal combustion engine.
• Level 2: Stronger recuperation. When swimming along in traffic, the brake pedal hardly needs to be pressed.
• Level 3: Highest energy recovery. So-called “one-pedal” driving is possible here, just like in a purely electric car. Depending on the driving situation, more than 100 kW of power can be fed back into the battery.
• Special driving program RACE: On the racetrack, the driver wants to get the last bit of time out on the brakes. In the "RACE" drive program, recuperation is automatically set to level 1 in order to enable vehicle behavior that is as reproducible as possible at the limit.

AMG 2,0 liter engine with electrically assisted exhaust gas turbocharger

The AMG 2,0-liter four-cylinder engine was developed entirely in Affalterbach. Experienced fitters build it there according to the "One Man, One Engine" principle in manufacturing quality. In doing so, Mercedes-AMG combines the craftsmanship of the highly qualified employees with the modern production methods of Industry 4.0 and a high degree of digitization. The internally referred to M139l engine (l for longitudinal installation) is the world's first production engine to be supercharged with an electric exhaust gas turbocharger. The innovative system is a direct derivation of the technology that the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team has been successfully using in the premier class of motorsport for many years.

The new form of charging guarantees particularly spontaneous response across the entire engine speed range. This leads to an even more dynamic driving experience and increases efficiency at the same time. Compared to the C 43 4MATIC and SL 43 sibling models, however, the turbocharger in the C 63 S is significantly larger. This enables a higher air flow and thus more power. In addition, the integrated electric motor is powered by the 400-volt high-voltage system (48 volts in the 43 models).

The functional principle of the electric exhaust gas turbocharger in detail

An electric motor that is around four centimeters wide is integrated directly on the shaft of the turbocharger between the turbine wheel on the exhaust gas side and the compressor wheel on the fresh air side. Electronically controlled, this drives the shaft of the turbocharger directly, thus accelerating the compressor wheel before the exhaust gas flow takes over the conventional drive. This significantly improves the response behavior from idle speed and over the entire speed range. The combustion engine reacts even more spontaneously to commands from the accelerator pedal, and the overall driving experience is significantly more dynamic. In addition, the electrification of the turbocharger enables higher torque at low engine speeds. This also increases agility and optimizes the ability to accelerate from a standing start. Even if the driver takes their foot off the gas or brakes, the technology is able to maintain the boost pressure at all times.

This ensures a continuous and immediate response. Operated by the 400-volt vehicle electrical system, the electric exhaust gas turbocharger operates at speeds of up to 150.000 rpm. The charger, electric motor and power electronics are connected to the cooling circuit of the combustion engine in order to always create the best possible temperature environment. The closed deck construction of the M139 - a construction from the motor sport ensures high rigidity with low weight and enables peak combustion pressures of up to 160 bar. The areas around the cylinders are largely closed, and the cover plate is broken only by smaller channels for the coolant and engine oil. Another outstanding feature is the two-stage fuel injection. In the first stage, particularly fast and precise piezo injectors deliver the fuel into the combustion chambers at a pressure of up to 200 bar.

In the second stage, there is intake manifold port injection with solenoid valves, which is required to achieve the high specific power of the engine. The high performance also requires a sophisticated cooling system that can be used to cool the cylinder head and crankcase at different temperature levels. This measure enables a cold cylinder head for maximum performance with efficient ignition timing and a warm crankcase to reduce internal engine friction. The cylinder head is cooled by a high-performance mechanical water pump; the crankcase is cooled by a second, electrically driven water pump. After a cold start, this pump remains passive until the engine has warmed up. During operation, it is regulated by the engine control unit in such a way that the crankcase is always cooled as required.

The most powerful production four-cylinder in the world

In the C 63 S, the four-cylinder delivers 350 kW (476 hp) at 6.725 rpm. This makes it the most powerful series-produced four-cylinder in the world. The maximum torque of 545 Nm is available at 5.250-5.500 rpm. A belt-driven starter generator (BSG) combines alternator and starter in one component. The RSG starts the combustion engine and ensures the basic supply of the ancillary units such as air conditioning or headlights. This also applies when the vehicle is stopped at traffic lights and the charge level of the high-voltage battery is no longer sufficient to support the low-voltage vehicle electrical system. The RSG is integrated into the 400-volt high-voltage network.

Power is transmitted via the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9G transmission (MCT = Multi-Clutch Transmission), in which a wet starting clutch replaces the torque converter. It reduces the weight and, thanks to its lower mass inertia, optimizes the response to commands from the accelerator pedal, especially when sprinting and changing loads. The elaborately coordinated software ensures extremely short shift times and, if necessary, fast multiple downshifts. In addition, the double-declutching function in the "Sport" and "Sport+" driving programs provides a particularly emotional shifting experience. The RACE START function guarantees optimal acceleration from a standing start.

AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension with adaptive adjustable damping

The standard AMG RIDE CONTROL steel spring suspension with adaptive adjustable damping combines sporty driving dynamics with a high level of comfort over long distances. The basis for this is laid by the front axle with specially developed steering knuckles and ball joints of the spring link and the rear axle, which also features elastokinemetics designed for driving dynamics. Based on this, the damping on each individual wheel is continuously adapted to the current requirement - always taking into account the preselected suspension level, the driving style and the condition of the road surface. In addition to improving rolling and driving comfort, this also leads to an increase in driving safety. A system is used that has already proven itself in GT3 customer racing and in the AMG GT Black Series.

The core elements are dampers made of lightweight materials that can move significantly more hydraulic oil than conventional systems: instead of a narrow piston, a significantly larger disc displaces the oil in the damper. These are each equipped with two external electro-hydraulic valves that control tension and compression independently of one another. The system's control software continuously monitors operating data such as steering wheel angle, vehicle speed, acceleration and body movement. The dampers are controlled according to the situation within milliseconds. The result: Even with extreme driving maneuvers or bad roads, the wheels are always firmly on the ground. There is a choice of three different damper maps ("Comfort", "Sport" and "Sport+").

Three-stage AMG speed-sensitive steering and rear-axle steering as standard

The steering layout also contributes to the increase in dynamics and comfort. The three-stage AMG speed-sensitive steering has a variable steering geometry ratio that adapts to the selected drive program. At high speeds, the power steering decreases, at low speeds it increases continuously. As a result, only comparatively little effort is required at low speeds and when maneuvering and parking. When driving faster, the best possible control over the vehicle is maintained. In the "Sport" and "Sport+" suspension settings, the driver also receives significantly more feedback about the driving situation via the steering wheel.

The standard rear axle steering operates with a maximum steering angle of 2,5 degrees. Up to this point, the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction to the front wheels at speeds of up to 100 km/h (varies depending on the AMG DYNAMICS setting). This leads to a virtual shortening of the wheelbase and results in significantly more agile steering, less steering work and increased maneuverability. The turning circle is noticeably reduced when turning or parking. At speeds of more than 100 km/h (varies depending on the AMG DYNAMICS setting), the rear wheels turn parallel to the front wheels - up to a maximum of 0,7 degrees. The virtual lengthening of the wheelbase has a positive effect on driving stability: it builds up the lateral force more quickly when changing direction and thus enables the vehicle to react more directly to steering commands. The response of the rear-axle steering depends on the selected AMG DYNAMIC SELECT drive program.

The integrated driving dynamics control AMG DYNAMICS is also standard. It influences the control strategies of the ESP® (Electronic Stability Program), the all-wheel drive and the electronically controlled rear-axle locking differential. This increases agility without sacrificing stability. Particularly noteworthy: AMG DYNAMICS determines how the vehicle should react. To do this, the system uses the existing sensors, which record the speed, lateral acceleration, steering angle and yaw rate, among other things. Using intelligent pre-control, the vehicle behavior desired by the driver can be predicted from the actions of the driver and the data from the sensors. The control tailors itself to the driver's driving dynamics abilities – without any noticeable or disruptive interventions by the system. The driver gets an authentic driving experience with high cornering dynamics and optimal traction with high stability and predictable driving behavior. Even experienced pilots are optimally supported without being patronized by the system.

• "Basic" is assigned to the "Comfort" and "Electric" drive programs. The design results in very stable handling with high yaw damping.
• "Advanced" is activated in the "Sport" program. The vehicle remains neutrally balanced. The lower yaw damping and increased agility support dynamic maneuvers such as driving on winding country roads.
• "Per" (Abbreviation for "Professional") belongs to the "Sport +" program. In "Pro", the driver is given even more support during dynamic driving maneuvers, and agility and roadway feedback when cornering are further increased.
• "Master" is linked to the "RACE" driving program. The "Master" mode is aimed at drivers who want to experience dynamics and driving fun on closed circuits. "Master" offers a vehicle balance that tends to oversteer slightly, more direct steering and more agile steering behavior. In this way, "Master" guarantees maximum agility and optimally brings out the potential of the "S" version in terms of driving dynamics. In order to switch to "Master" mode, the driver must use the separate button on the center console to switch the ESP® to ESP® SPORT Handling Mode or ESP® OFF.

In the “Individual” drive program, the driver can set the AMG DYNAMICS levels “Basic”, “Advanced”, “Pro” and “Master” himself.

Easy to dose and stable: the AMG high-performance composite brake system

There are no compromises when it comes to the brakes either: in line with the extreme power values ​​and the associated performance, the AMG high-performance composite brake system with 6-piston fixed calipers at the front and 1-piston floating calipers at the rear is used as standard. The brake system convinces with very short braking distances as well as maximum stability and fading stability under heavy loads. In addition, it scores with a long service life and a particularly spontaneous response. In addition, the light material saves weight and reduces the unsprung masses. The comfort functions include hill start assist as well as pre-filling and dry braking in the wet. When the ignition is switched off and the vehicle is stationary, the park position "P" is automatically activated by the transmission; the electric parking brake releases automatically when driving off. The AMG ceramic high-performance composite brake system is available as an option.

The data at a glance:

¹ Overall system, depending on the gear combination
² The values ​​given are the determined WLTP-CO₂-Values ​​within the meaning of Art. 2 No. 3 Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/1153. The fuel consumption values ​​were calculated on the basis of these values. The power consumption was determined on the basis of VO 2017/1151/EU.
^[1] The values ​​given are the determined WLTP-CO₂-Values ​​within the meaning of Art. 2 No. 3 Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/1153. The fuel consumption values ​​were calculated on the basis of these values. The power consumption was determined on the basis of VO 2017/1151/EU.

Don't worry, of course that was far from being the case when it came to auto / auto tuning. Our magazine still has tens of thousands other tuning reports in stock. Do you want to see them all? Then just click HERE and look around. Or are you particularly interested in everything to do with vehicles with the AMG abbreviation at the rear? Then click on one of the following posts!

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