Mercedes-AMG C 63 history: W204, W205 and W206 generations

Mercedes-AMG C 63 history

The C 63 name arrived with the 204-series C-Class, which used AMG's hand-built naturally aspirated V8 — the M156 family, which Mercedes describes as the first engine AMG developed completely for its own vehicles. The W204 also produced the limited C 63 AMG Black Series, which Mercedes calls the most powerful C-Class of all time.

The W205 C 63 moved to AMG's handcrafted 4.0-liter V8 biturbo. For 2017 Mercedes-Benz USA listed the C 63 at 469 hp and the C 63 S at 503 hp.

The current W206 C 63 S E PERFORMANCE replaced the V8 with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder — which Mercedes calls the world's most powerful production four-cylinder — plus a rear-mounted electric motor, for 671 hp and 752 lb-ft combined.[1],[2],[3],[4]

Years and production numbers

Engine and drivetrain facts

• Mercedes markets the W204's engine as a "6.3" in the AMG naming tradition, but its displacement is 6,208 cc.
• The W205 C 63 sedan was electronically limited to 155 mph; the C 63 S to 180 mph (2017 specifications).
• The W206's 201 hp rear electric motor is integrated with a two-speed gearbox and an electronically controlled limited-slip differential; its 400-volt, 6.1 kWh battery can supply 94 hp continuously and 201 hp for ten seconds.
• The W206's turbocharger has an electric motor on its shaft (an "electric exhaust gas turbocharger"), a technology Mercedes derives from Formula 1.

Sources:[1],[3],[4]

What changed, year by year

1. W204First C 63 AMG, naturally aspirated V8; Black Series in 2013 with widened track, coil-overs and composite brakes.
2. W2054.0-liter V8 biturbo; C 63 and C 63 S output levels in sedan, coupe and cabriolet.
3. W206C 63 S E PERFORMANCE performance hybrid; US arrival spring 2024.

Sources:[2],[3],[4]

What to check before you buy one

• Know which engine you are buying — naturally aspirated V8 (W204), biturbo V8 (W205) or four-cylinder hybrid (W206). Maintenance, sound and running costs differ a lot.
• Confirm C 63 versus C 63 S on a W205: the S has more power and a higher speed limiter, and option content differs; the build record shows which.
• On a W206, ask for the high-voltage battery and hybrid-system service history.
• Check open recalls and service records for the exact VIN, and compare against the C-Class known-issues list for that generation.

Model-specific problems by generation are tracked on our Mercedes-Benz C-Class known issues page.

How to verify the factory options of any Mercedes-AMG C 63

C 63s were heavily optioned — AMG Performance seats, Driver's Package speed limiters, carbon-ceramic brakes, Night Package. The factory data card confirms which of those a specific car actually has.