Mercedes-Benz revealed the US pricing for the Mercedes-AMG C 63. Mercedes’ response to the mighty BMW M3 will debut on the US market in April, with a starting price of $63,900 plus a $925 destination and delivery fee.
As you all probably know by now, the seductive C 63 packs the same twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 direct-injection petrol engine already put to work by the even sexier Mercedes-AMG GT. It delivers 476 HP at 5500rpm and 650 Nm/470lb ft of torque at 1750rpm, all channeled to the rear wheels via AMG’s seven-speed Speedshift MCT automatic gearbox with five different driving modes – C (controlled efficiency), M (manual), S (sport), S+ (sport plus) and, exclusively on the C63 S, R (race).
The standard C63 gets a mechanical locking differential, while the C63 S receives an electronically controlled locking differential. The more sporting C63 S gets even more power. Good for 510 HP at 5500rpm and 700 Nm/516lb ft at 1750rpm, its ‘heart’ features added turbocharger boost pressure. By comparison, the latest BMW M3 saloon develops 431 HP/425bhp and 550 Nm/405lb ft.
Mercedes offers an impressive array of tweaks: five for engine, gearbox, steering named AMG Dynamic Select (Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Race – available only for the C 63 S – and Individual), three for the AMG Ride Control adaptive suspension and three for the ESP system (ESP On, ESP Handling Mode, an electronic trainer that allows drifts, and ESP Off for the race-track).
The list of standard features is quite extensive, including Nappa Leather, Keyless-Go, Burmester Surround Sound system, COMAND infotainment system, AMG Adaptive Suspension, AMG 3-Stage ESP, Rear Limited Slip Differential (C63 is mechanical while C63 S is electronic), Power/heated/memory seats, AMG Dynamic Exhaust, LED headlamps, 18″ staggered alloy wheels (C63) and 19″ staggered alloy wheels (C63 S). In terms of security and assistance functions, we remind the Collision Prevention Assist PLUS (with autonomous braking in emergency situations), ATTENTION ASSIST driver drowsiness monitor and Parktronic systems plus a rearview camera and a plethora of airbags.
Optional equipment includes PARKTRONIC w/ Active Parking Assist, Blind Spot Assist, Panorama Sunroof, Carbon Fiber Trim, 19″ Forged Alloy Wheels (available in silver and black), AMG Performance Steering Wheel for C63 (standard on C63 S), seat belts in red or silver, AMG exterior night styling, red brake calipers for C63 (standard on C63 S), AMG Carbon Ceramic Braking System (C63 S only), AMG performance exhaust with customer selectable modes, Head Up Display, AMG Performance Seats, AMG Carbon Fiber rear decklid spoiler and exterior mirror covers.
Family men and long-trips aficionados shouldn’t rejoice, though. Mercedes-Benz has taken the controversial, but somewhat expected decision not to give the U.S. market a flavor of its hot C 63 AMG in Estate guise. Sorry, no load-lugger for you!
