2022 Mercedes-AMG C63 hybrid confirmed! Four-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive coming in new plug-in BMW M3 and Audi RS4 rival

Mercedes-AMG has finally let the cat of the bag: the next-generation C63 sports car will shun its predecessor’s twin-turbo V8 for a plug-in hybrid powertrain that features a four-cylinder engine and fully variable all-wheel drive.

While the new C63 is expected to be revealed in the next 12 months, Mercedes-AMG has confirmed it will feature the A45 hot hatch’s 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine (M139), with its version producing more than 330kW of power.

This unit will be accompanied by a permanently excited synchronous electric motor on the rear axle that develops up to 150kW and 320Nm of torque for 10 seconds at a time. Combined power will be more than 480kW, which is well ahead of the current-generation C63 S’ 375kW.

The new BMW M3 and Audi RS4 rival’s longitudinally installed version of the record-setting engine will alone be at least 20kW more powerful than the A45 S, with the additional grunt thanks a more responsive electrified version of the exhaust-gas turbocharger.

Of course, the electric story won’t stop there, with the C63 also featuring a belt-driven starter-alternator and a liquid-cooled 6.1kWh battery, which will alternatively be charged via four levels of regenerative braking.

A nine-speed dual-clutch automatic will also be in tow, although it will only serve the engine, with the rear axle to feature its own two-speed transmission for the electric motor.

A similar plug-in hybrid will be used by the upcoming GT73 4-Door Coupe, although its engine will be a 4.0-litre twin-turbo petrol V8, with this combination set to deliver combined outputs of more than 600kW and 1000Nm, and a zero-to-100km/h sprint of less than three seconds. It will be revealed later this year.

Mercedes-AMG has also confirmed it will reveal its first series-production all-electric model later this year, with it all but confirmed to be based on the upcoming EQS upper-large sedan. That said, 43 and 53 versions known to be on the way.

Either way, two permanently excited synchronous electric motors will deliver fully variable all-wheel drive, with the zero-to-100km/h sprint to be completed as quickly as less than four seconds. Stay tuned.