Ladies and gentleman, the German star is proud to display, at the 2014 Paris Motorshow, the top model of the C-Class range: this is the successor of the powerful Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG. Better in every aspects and, kind of strange, has a slightly new name: Mercedes-AMG C63. And the power-upgraded Mercedes-AMG C63 S.
Why? Tobias Moers, CEO of Mercedes-AMG GmbH, explains that previous Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG was the bestselling AMG model, thanks to a volume of 40.000 units. “We are also marking the beginning of a new era with the new nomenclature. The successor of the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG, which has been incredibly successful worldwide, will now be called the Mercedes-AMG C63″.
DESIGN
The design of the new Mercedes-AMG C63 is going to appeal most to those who value the stylish sporting character combined with the sensual clarity. The front end of the C63 has a high-performance stance thanks to the powerful “twin blade” radiator grille and the “A-wing” air intake, while the two distinctive power domes on the aluminium bonnet and the widened aluminium front fenders (by 0.55″/14 mm on each side) make the connection to the new AMG GT supercar. The back of the C63 continues the idea of stylish sporting stance thanks to the diffuser and the air outlets positioned outside, while the two chrome-plated twin end pipes of the AMG sport exhaust system complete the little aerodynamical spoiler on the rear deck lid.
The overall length is 2.12″/54 mm greater than of a normal C-Class, because of the reinforced structure of the body-in-white in order to compensate for the extreme longitudinal and transverse forces. In the meantime, the ground-clearence is lowered, while the standard titanium grey wheels vary between 18 inch for C63 or the 19 inch for C63 S. For the first time one could opt on C63 S for a high-performance ceramic-composite brake system, while optional sport cup tires are available for those who want more grip. Those who desire more space and practicality may choose the Estate variant.
The stunning interior design of the new Mercedes-AMG C63 is a remarcable evolution in terms of sportiness from the normal C-Class. The AMG touch is everywhere, from the dashboard finished in black ARTICO man-made leather (with stitching in crystal-grey) and the 3-spoke Performance steering wheel (with 12-o’clock mark) to the carbon weave-pattern dials and finish of the dashboard or the optional Performance seats. It’s all about luxurious sportiness, while a range of further optional equipment means the Mercedes-AMG C63 can be extensively tailored to individual preferences.
TECHNOLOGY
While the previous Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG had a big-block 6.2 V8, with a maximum output of 457 PS (or even 507 PS on the “Edition 507”), the new Mercedes-AMG C63 is closely related to the new Mercedes-AMG GT and to the downsizing trend. That means that, under the hood, there is now a twin-turbocharged 4.0 V8, which delivers 476 PS and 650 Nm for the “normal” C63, while the C63 S is upgraded to 510 PS and 700 Nm.
Both variants are coupled to an AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sport transmission, with big improvements over the previous one, especially in terms of faster reaction times – the new transmission is now significantly more spontaneous in the “Sport+” and manual modes, because of the hardware and software optimization. The switch AMG DYNAMIC SELECT allows the driver to select from for choices: “Controlled Efficiency”, “Sport”, “Sport+” and, specificaly for the C63 S, the new “Race”. Further more, in any mode, by usind the paddles, the driver can activate the “Temporary M” function, for a supplementary increase in dynamics.
The agility of the new C63 and C63 S is granted by the AMG Adaptive Sport Suspension, with 3-stage adjustable damping, electronically controlled shock absorbers and AMG-specific elastokinematics. The independent suspension features a high proportion of aluminium, with independent steering knuckles in the front and independent wheel mounts in the rear. Combined with the elecromechanical speed-sensitive sport steering, with variable power assistance, the C63 delivers fascinating agility and optimum neutrality. The rear locking differential (mechanical on C63 and electronic on C63 S) allows driver to accelerate sooner out of corners, maintains the car stability when braking at high speed and improves traction when accelerating from a standstill. The 2-stage ESP (“ESP ON”, “SPORT Handling Mode” and “ESP OFF”) is perfectly networked with the locking rear differential.
PERFORMANCE AND FUEL EFFICIENCY
Downsizing of the engine means, of course, a consumption and CO2 emissions decrease – in fact, the new Mercedes-AMG C63 is marketed as the most fuel-efficient eight-cylinder car in the high-performance segment, thanks to its combined consumption of 28.6 MPG (8,2 l/100 km). A value that gives the new C63 an improvement of 32% over the previous 6.2 aspirated V8.
But we’re talking about an AMG product, so the focus should be on high performance. The new C63 is stunningly fast: although the top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph (250 km/h), the car accelerates from zero to 62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 4.1 seconds. The C63 S is 0.1 seconds faster, which means, despite the weight of 3.814 pounds (1.730 kg), the Mercedes-AMG C63 S cand do 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in just 4.0 seconds – the same as the new GT supercar!
Those who want more racing sound can opt for a Performance Exhaust System with three electronically controlled exhaust flaps, for both engine variants. The V8 sound is even more dominant and evocative of a race touring car – complete with the acoustic up-shift and distinctive double de-clutching feedback.
The Mercedes-AMG C63 S is also available starting with the market launch as an “Edition 1” – with a stunning and irresistible combination of exclusive design and equipment features.. The “Edition 1” can be identified from the outside by a number of design highlights:
- Forged wheels in 8.5 x 19 and 9.5 x 19 cross-spoke design, painted matte black with the rim painted in red; tires are 245/35 R 19 (front) and 265/35 R 19 (rear)
- Night package (A-wing and trim in high-gloss black, wing mirror housings in high-gloss black, sill cladding inlays in high-gloss black, waistline trim and window frames in high-gloss black, radiator grille with double fin in silver chrome, Black-chromed twin end pipe fairings
- Red accents on radiator grille and wing mirrors
- Sport stripes in matte graphite grey above sill cladding
- Performance seats, door center panels and armrest in black nappa leather with diamond pattern and red contrasting stitching
- Designo seatbelts in red
- Performance steering wheel in DINAMICA microfibre, flattened bottom, with red 12-o’clock marking, red contrasting stitching, steering wheel fairing in silver chrome with “Edition 1” lettering and silver- colored aluminium shift paddles
- Trim element in carbon red pepper / light aluminium with longitudinal grain and red filaments
- Floor mats in black with “AMG” lettering and piping in red
You can find here the prices in Germany for the new pair Mercedes-Benz C63 & C63 S (both saloon and estate body variants), while the list of orders in Europe is opening on February 2015, followed the USA market a month later . The new C63 celebrates its world premiere on October 2, 2014, together with the show premiere of the Mercedes-AMG GT at the Salon de l’Automobile in Paris.
Model | C63 | C63 S |
---|---|---|
Engine type | V8, turbo | V8, turbo |
Displacement (cmc) | 3.982 cmc | 3.982 cmc |
Max.power/revs (HP/rpm) | 476/5500-6250 | 510/5500-6250 |
Max. torque/revs (Nm/rpm) | 650/1750-4500 | 700/1750-4500 |
Transmission | aut. 7 speed | aut. 7 speed |
Kerb weight (kg) | 1640 | 1655 |
Top speed (km/h) | 250 | 250 |
Acceleration 0-100 km/h (s) | 4.1 (4.2) | 4.0 (4.1) |
Combined fuel consumption (l/100 km) | 8.2 (8.4) | 8.4 (8.6) |
Emission CO2 (g/km) | 192 (196) | 195 (200) |
Price in Germany (€) | 76,100 (77,765) | 84.371 (86,037) |
(Figures in brackets for Estate) |