Mercedes-AMG has created much controversy with the introduction of the latest C 63. Not because it's ugly or bad to drive, but due to its powertrain. You see, while its predecessor featured a nice V8 with twin turbocharging, the new generation has gone down the down-sizing and electrification route. And it's not even a six-banger, but a four-cylinder unit that it uses.
It is a handcrafted 2.0-liter unit with electrically assisted exhaust gas turbocharging. The world of Formula 1 inspired this technology. The premium compact sports model features a 6.1 kWh battery pack, a 4Matic+ all-wheel drive system with variable torque distribution, a nine-speed automatic transmission, adaptive dapming part of the AMG Ride Control suspension, and rear-axle steering.
As for the total output, you are looking at 671 horsepower (670 ps/500 kW) and 752 pound-foot (1,020 Nm) of torque. The firepower is superior to the rivaling BMW M3 Competition, whose six-pot churns out 503 hp (510 ps/375 kW). The rear-wheel drive Bimmer needs 3.8 seconds to reach 60 mph (97 kph), and the xDrive AWD model is four-tenths quicker.
Despite the superior firepower, the modern-day Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E Performance is a heavy machine, so it is just as fast as the BMW M3 Competition xDrive. Top speed stands at 174 mph or 280 kph, whereas the M3 tops out at 180 mph (290 kph) with the optional M Driver's Pack installed.
It's been one and a half years since the Affalterbach brand pulled the cover off the new C 63 S E Performance in sedan and station wagon body styles, and during this time, multiple tuners have launched all sorts of aftermarket goodies for it. One of the latest to join this party is Manhart, with the so-called CRE 700.
Photo: Instagram | manhartperformance
The numerical suffix might trick some into thinking it's got 700 metric horses, which would come out to 690 brake horsepower and 515 kilowatts. However, it is punchier than that, with the tuner stating that the total system output is 715 horsepower (725 ps/533 kW). The thrust stands at 826 pound-foot (1,120 Nm), a 74 lb-ft (100 Nm) boost.
Are you curious how fast Manhart's new CRE 700 is from 0 to 60 mph? Well, so are we, but unfortunately, the company chose to keep this number close to its chest for now. Nevertheless, we reckon it has shaved at least one-tenth from the standard car’s sprint time. To squeeze out more power from the AMG's four-banger, the tuner gave it an MHtronik control unit and a new exhaust system with sport downpipes, said to make it more sonorous – well, as sonorous as a four-pot is.
The mechanical upgrades also include a set of sports springs. Made by H&R, they have brought the body 0.8 inches (20 mm) closer to the asphalt while leaving enough room under the arches for the new wheels. These measure 9.5x20 inches at the front and rear, wrapped in 265/35 and 275/35, respectively, sticky tires from Michelin.
Manhart also gave the black sports sedan its decal set and a few red accents here and there. The lively trim is visible on the wheels, lower parts of the doors, side skirts, chin spoiler, grille, rear diffuser, and other components, and for what it's worth, we think the design suits the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E Performance. The blacked-out front and rear emblems and the added logos on the trunk lid round off the makeover on the outside.
Photo: Instagram | manhartperformance
Although no interior images were released at the time of writing, the tuner claims that the sports sedan features red accents here and there, adding that they did not feel the need to further boost its interior appeal with all sorts of aftermarket touches. And if you must know, you are looking at the rare F1 Edition instead of the regular C 63 S E Performance, which already came with a few exclusive visual touches straight from the factory.
Another thing we do not know is whether this tuned Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E Performance was a commission or if Manhart tuned it to use it as a marketing tool. We also have no idea if it is for sale or not. Still, a short message to them will answer this question, and if it turns out to be looking for a new home, then feel free to let us know how much they are asking for it by dropping a line in the comments area below.
Now, could this model, tuned or not, sway you from getting the rivaling BMW M3 instead? The Bimmer is a more appealing proposal from a powertrain standpoint, considering that it still packs a twin-turbo straight-six. Let's not forget about the upcoming Audi RS 5 (the current RS 4's successor), which is in the making as we speak, or Cadillac's CT4-V Blackwing, which is also part of this class.
After a series of unfortunate events put an end to Cristian's dream of entering a custom built & tuned old-school Dacia into a rally competition, he moved on to drive press cars and write for a living. He's worked for several automotive online journals and now he's back at autoevolution after his first tour in the mid-2000s. Full profile
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