Friday 22nd March 2024

Manhart ramps C63 S E Performance up to 725hp

Power and torque weren't really an issue for the hybrid C63 - but that was never going to stop Manhart...

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Believe it or not, there are four-cylinder C63s out there in the world; even one or two for sale in the UK, actually, for those that want to look. We’re doing everything possible to get hold of one, to see just how lots of power, lots of tech and lots of weight works for the AMG C-Class beyond sunny Spain. Until then, our attention can turn to tuning. Because, yes, there are folk already extracting more from a 680hp, hybridised AMG. 

Manhart is now offering something called a CRE 700 package for the C63; as with Brabus’s work on electrified AMGs, it doesn’t touch batteries or motors. Instead, they've extracted even more performance from the hardest-working 2.0-litre turbo on the planet. (The fact that the CRE 700 doesn’t yet have TÜV approval and is only meant for export, when so many Manhart kits do have it, surely demonstrates the fact.) An additional MHtronik control unit means another 45hp and 74lb ft, somehow, so that means the M139l is rated at 514hp and 476lb ft. Accordingly, the total outputs are now 725hp and a wild 826lb ft. New cats and a sport downpipe promise a ‘significantly more powerful sound’. There aren’t performance claims yet - or any mention of a warranty - but it’ll surely improve on the standard C63’s numbers. 

The CRE 700 also looks a little meaner than standard thanks to a 20mm drop on H&R springs; Manhart couldn’t resist a red accent on the standard 20-inch AMG wheels and some decorative stripes. The interior is unchanged from a regular model as ‘the tuners from Wuppertal saw no need for further enhancements.’

Anyone intrigued by the prospect of more than 700hp in a C-Class will be pleased to know that the CRE 700 box of tricks is on sale now. Manhart reckons its plug and play, and can be ‘easily installed without the original engine control unit being affected’. The cost is €3,899, or £3,350. Nothing, really, on a £100k AMG - assuming there’s one to be found, that is… 

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• 2023 Mercedes C63 S E Performance | PH Revie
• Manhart shoehorns 405hp straight six into E30 M3

[Midshipracer]

Heheh, no comments... says a lot.

Would be acceptable to the punters if it was called something else.

An AMG 63s it is not

[theicemario]

Ah yes, another tuner special of which they’ll sell about 3, none of them coming to the UK. How very relevant

[Gecko1978]

Does lack of TUV approval indicate maybe this is not a good idea

[Mark-C]

I think this just indicates that tuners are going to have less and less they can realistically do as small engines get pushed to the limits straight from the factory.

The exhaust changes will probably be enough for most people who just want to try and get a decent sound out their cars

[Glenn63]

No. That is all.

[benjidog]

'.......from the hardest-working 2.0-litre turbo on the planet.'

Reminds me of James Brown - the hardest working man in show business.

[Simon Lee 100]

Just wanted to be 7th.

[Simon Lee 100]

Just wanted to be 7th.

[chirurgus]

Simon Lee 100 said:

Just wanted to be 7th.

and

Simon Lee 100 said:

Just wanted to be 7th.

Seventh and eighth, it would seem!

[chirurgus]

theicemario said:

Ah yes, another tuner special of which they’ll sell about 3, none of them coming to the UK. How very relevant

This is just a plug-and-play tuning box, cats and a down pipe. It’s available anywhere that FedEx deliver!

I suspect you’re right though - none will come to the UK because not many four cylinder C63s will be bought here and fewer still will be modified inside their warranty / lease period.

What this car lacks is character not power* - I wonder if Manhart can make a tuning package that replaces the missing cylinders?!


*based on reviews not personal experience of this car

Edited by chirurgus on Friday 22 March 22:33

[andy43]

Well there you go. Someone actually bought one.

[Carlotus]

Would love to see the M139I in the Lotus Emira

[900T-R]

Gecko1978 said:

Does lack of TUV approval indicate maybe this is not a good idea

Not necessarily. It means the tuner has yet to go through the certification procedure, or that they won´t bother given the lack of market appeal will probably mean the investment made in the process (you can have anything certificated if it´s designed and executed correctly, but at a cost...)
won´t amortize anytime soon...

[Terminator X]

Lol absolute ste.

TX.

[andy43]

How would you like your C63 sir?
I’d like it economical please. Four cylinders and an electric motor. Don’t worry about the exhaust, I’m fine with it sounding like a cross between an AMG line A class and a hairdryer. I’ll take mine gloss black with a set of Halfords rim protectors in red please.

[Hongkongfooi]

what is it with manhart and the red stripes

[Downward]

Hongkongfooi said:

what is it with manhart and the red stripes

Thought Manhart made Extractor fans for toilets.

[chirurgus]

Downward said:

Thought Manhart made Extractor fans for toilets.

In this case, just the conduit for the extractor fan.

[EV8]

You England people just don't get it. There is a whole world out there, and V8/Co2 cars are blindingly expensive due to tax. How about 200k for a V8 C63? Would you?
Mercedes would gladly stick old V8 in to this, if they could!

[pacdes]

There should be plenty of these for Manhart to work on. They would do better by replacing the powertrain with a V8.