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Mercedes-Benz are bringing out the big guns against BMW’s iconic M3. We say that as if the M156 6.2-litre V8 in the previous C63 wasn’t a big enough cannon, but this time the folks at AMG have gone bigger, by going smaller. You read that right, bigger but smaller is the new formula for the C63 AMG, as they’ve equipped it with a 4.0-litre V8 – codename M177 – hooked up to not one, but two turbochargers to generate an entry-level power output of 350kW and 650Nm.
Mercedes-AMG also offer a hotter ‘AMG-S’ model, to the tune of 375kW and 700Nm. Yes, 375kW and 700Nm driving the rear wheels only. In sedan format, the standard C63 AMG should meet the obligatory 0-100km/h sprint in 4.1 seconds, while the additional 50Nm of the AMG-S will achieve it in 4.0 dead. The C63 Estate will do each sprint only 0.1s slower than the sedan, and all variants top out at 250km/h – electronically limited of course.
The C63 AMG drives the rear-wheels only, through a revised version of the AMG Speedshift MCT 7, which Mercedes-Benz claims now has significantly quicker shift times than ever before. Despite the high outputs of the new engine, the C63 needs all that power, as it weighs in a bit heftily at 1715Kg for the sedan and 1785Kg in Estate form – including driver and fuel.
Naturally, Mercedes-AMG have fiddled with the rest of the W205’s mechanicals, adding three-stage adjustable dampers and a bespoke steering setup to make it an agile handler. Dynamic engine mounts help manage the weight transfer of the V8 through the twisty bits, whilst a wider front track and four-link front suspension system increases stability further. At the rear, the C63 AMG features a mechanical locking differential, whilst the C63 AMG-S is equipped with an electronic version.
Part of the allure to owning any AMG model is knowing how much rubber is keeping you glued to the tarmac. In the case of the W205 C63, the front tyres are 265/40/ R18 and the rears measure in at R265/35 R19, whilst the ‘S’ model gets 35 profile tyres and 19-inch alloys. Both models feature 390mm brake discs fore and 360mm discs rear, with the option of ceramic discs.
As expected, the C63 AMG receives a sportier appearance than the standard C Class models. However many a petrolhead will be hard-pressed to tell the difference between the AMG model and AMG-line equipped base models, as the AMG’s visual upgrades seem rather sedate compared to the previous generations belligerent looks. Wider front wings, deeper front airdams, and ‘subtle power domes’ on the bonnet, as well as V8 biturbo badging are all part of the visual enhancements, while the rear still gets quad-exhausts (they’re false by the way), and a small rear spoiler.
Inside, the changes are of far greater substance visually, with contoured seats, an AMG steering wheel, and AMG dials. Optional sport seats are available, to be equipped in a multitude of different leathers. Trim finishes also range, from piano black to carbon and aluminium. Other additions to the interior include the AMG Ride Control, and exhaust control system, an optional extra, as well as the three-stage gearbox mode selector.
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Specifications |
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| Model: | Power: | Torque: | Weight: | 0-100km/h: | Top speed: |
| C63 AMGSedan | 350kW @ 5500-6250rpm | 650Nm @ 1750-4500rpm | 1715Kg | 4.1s | 250km/h |
| C63 AMG-SSedan | 375kW @ 5500-6250rpm | 700Nm @ 1750-4500rpm | 1715Kg | 4.0s | 250km/h |
| C63 AMG Estate | 350kW @ 5500-6250rpm | 650Nm @ 1750-4500rpm | 1785Kg | 4.2s | 250km/h |
| C63 AMG-S Estate | 375kW @ 5500-6250rpm | 700Nm @ 1750-4500rpm | 1785Kg | 4.1s | 250km/h |
