Mercedes-AMG C 63 and C 63 S – full details released

It looks like the Mercedes-AMG moniker won’t be limited to the recently-unveiled GT, but will filter down to the rest of the cars fettled by Affalterbach. The new naming scheme will start with this – the Mercedes-AMG C 63, based on the W205 C-Class.

The hardcore makeover starts from the exterior. At the front, the C 63 gets a deeper front apron derived from that of the E 63, joined by a unique AMG grille and twin bonnet power domes. The wheel arches have also been pumped up and the side sills made wider, while the rear is graced with a more aggressive rear bumper housing quad exhaust exits, as well as a small spoiler on the bootlid (tailgate on the Estate).

The interior is dominated by the twin heavily-bolstered front bucket seats, while the driver also gets a small contoured steering wheel ahead of AMG-badged dials. Controls for the AMG Ride Control, optional active performance exhaust system and three-stage gearbox modes flank the standard touchpad controller for the COMAND infotainment system, while the central clock is now made by IWC.

Powering the C 63 is AMG’s new 4.0 litre biturbo V8 that made its debut in the GT. The engine is actually more powerful here than in the firm’s new sports car, making 476 PS from 5,500 to 6,250 rpm and 650 Nm from 1,750 to 4,500 rpm. Mated to a revised AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT seven-speed automatic transmission, it goes from 0-100 km/h in 4.1 seconds (4.2 for the Estate) before reaching its limited 250 km/h top speed.

There is also a more hardcore C 63 S variant that boosts power up to 510 PS and torque to a heady 700 Nm. This cuts the 0-100 km/h sprint time to just 4.0 seconds (4.1 for the Estate).

Under the skin, the four-link front and multi-link rear suspension has also been tweaked with a wider front track and higher rear negative camber, while AMG Ride Control allows the driver to adjust the electronically-controlled three-stage dampers. The regular C 63 gets 18-inch wheels, while the C 63 S receives 19-inch rollers. Sports tyres are available as an option.

A mechanical limited-slip rear differential comes as standard for the C 63, while the C 63 S gets an electronic unit. The S is also the only one that comes as standard with dynamic engine mounts that stiffen to improve steering response when needed, as well as a “Race” setting on the AMG Dynamic Select system. Ceramic composite brake discs are an option also reserved for the more powerful version.

Like many recent Mercedes-Benz models before them, the C 63 and C 63 S are also available in Edition 1 trim with 19-inch cross-spoke forged alloys, a night package with high-gloss black exterior trim, black tailpipes, red grille and wing mirror accents, matte grey stripes, black quilted Nappa leather upholstery, red interior trim, red seat belts and “Edition 1” lettering on the steering wheel.

The Mercedes-Benz C 63 and C 63 S sedans will go on sale beginning next February, with Estate models following suit in April.

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