Mercedes-AMG C63 facelift debuts with new 9G auto

Mercedes-Benz is continuing its slow trickle of the refreshed C-Class range with the most powerful of the lot, the new Mercedes-AMG C 63, which comes in sedan, coupe, cabriolet and estate body styles.

First things first, the M177 4.0 litre biturbo V8 continues to be of service here, churning out 503 hp (510 PS) and 700 Nm in S guise, while it is 469 hp (476 PS) and 650 Nm for non-S models. However, a new AMG Speedshift MCT 9G nine-speed automatic transmission replaces the previous seven-speed unit, with drive going to the rear wheels.

In terms of 0-100 km/h times, the more powerful models are obviously superior to the non-S cars, with the coupe being quickest of the bunch, taking just 3.9 seconds complete the feat. For the truly analytical, note that no more than three tenths of a second (0.3 seconds) separates the century sprint times between all C 63 models.

All non-S models will hit an electronically-limited top speed of 250 km/h, while the sedan and coupe S models are capable of doing 290 km/h – the estate and cabriolet models top out at 280 km/h.

Both cars now benefit from an electronically controlled rear-axle limited-slip differential, which was previously exclusive to just the S cars – dynamic engine mounts are exclusive to the C 63 S. Also standard is the AMG Ride Control steel suspension with an adjustable, electronically controlled damping system.

An AMG exhaust system with a variable flap is also fitted as standard, but customers can opt for the Performance exhaust system. With that option box ticked, drivers will have three selectable exhaust flaps for an “even wider sound range,” as the carmaker puts.it.

Away from the oily bits, the new C 63 range is identified by the AMG Panamericana grille at the front, the single slat on the side air inlets in place of the diamond mesh, and a more expressive rear diffuser. For an even more dynamic look, an optional AMG Aerodynamics package is available.

Moving inside, there’s new options for the interior trim, including anthracite open-pore oak wood, open-pore walnut, longitudinal-grain aluminium for the doors and black open-pore ash wood for the centre console. If that isn’t sporty enough, AMG trim in carbon-fibre/light longitudinal-grain aluminium and in matte silver fibreglass are also available.

Similarly, the options for the upholstery has been expanded to include magma grey/black with yellow contrasting topstitching, while the sedan and estate can be equipped with diamond quilting in saddle brown/black and platinum white pearl/black.

Much like the rest of the facelifted C-Class range, there’s now an optional 10.25-inch (1920×720 pixels) display screen for the COMAND Online infotainment system – 7-inch (960×540 pixels) screen is standard.

The other screen is located in the instrument cluster, which is an optional fully digital 12.3-inch unit that comes with three AMG-specific display styles – Classic, Sport and Supersport. The screen can also display a range of additional information, from current g-forces to engine data and if the AMG Track Pace option is selected, that too.

For the curious, the AMG Track Pace is standard on the C 63 S, and offers over 80 vehicle-specific sets of data that are recorded ten times per second. In essence, the system allows you to examine every specific element (speed, acceleration, etc.) during your time out on track, so you can better improve your driving skills. You’ll also have the option to record your own circuits on top of the ones already programmed in.

Other items available to the driver are new AMG steering wheel design with Touch Control, wrapped with Nappa leather as standard. On C 63 S cars, they are wrapped with Nappa leather/Dinamica microfiber (optional for the C 63). Also available are Nappa leather with trim in black piano lacquer, Dinamica all-round as well as Dinamica with trim in high-gloss carbon-fibre.

The AMG Performance seats have also been improved with the option for adjustable seat side bolsters. Finally, Energizing comfort control is also available, which networks together the various comfort systems in the vehicle and uses specific functions of the air conditioning and seats (heating, ventilation) plus lighting and music moods to get you in the right mood.

C205 Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Coupe facelift

W205 Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Sedan facelift

A205 Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Cabriolet facelift

S205 Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Estate facelift

W205-generation Mercedes-AMG C 63 facelift components

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