Mercedes-AMG C63 Saloon (UK-Spec)
Using the 205 series aluminium and steel chassis structure as its basis, the new C 63 adds an all-new 4.0-litre biturbo engine to endow it with phenomenal performance while unique, three-stage adjustable dampers and a bespoke steering setup allow it to retain the agility that made the model it replaces the most popular AMG ever created.
The technology applied to the new Mercedes-AMG C 63 is focussed on enhancing the performance of the car – to make it as exhilarating as possible yet viable to be used every day. The dynamic engine mounts fitted to the C 63 are a good example. They reduce unwanted vibration from the engine and gearbox by softening during normal driving conditions – when greater agility is required, they stiffen to improve responses through the speed-sensitive, electromechanical steering system and limit unwanted movement in the drivetrain.
Likewise, the C 63 uses a unique suspension setup. At the front it uses four-link suspension, independent steering knuckles and a wider track to improve stability, while at the rear the multilink system uses independent mounts and an increase in negative camber. Both are linked to AMG RIDE CONTROL system, operating through electronically-controlled three-stage dampers – ranging from comfort through to track settings. Useful for when the latter is engaged, a mechanical locking rear differential is fitted to the C 63, with an electronic version for the C 63 S.
Every C 63 is fitted with 245/40 R18 (front) and 265/40 R18 (rear) tyres while the ‘S’ model gains 245/35 R19 (front) and 265/35 R19 (rear) tyres. A new braking system uses 390 mm discs at the front and 360 mm at the rear with the option of enhanced ceramic discs available for track-orientated driving.
At the heart of any AMG is its hand built engine. The Mercedes-AMG C 63 uses the M177 engine – a sister unit to the M178 found in the new Mercedes-AMG GT – displacing 3,982 cc and equipped with twin turbochargers neatly packaged in the ‘V’ of the cylinder banks and cooled via a special duct built in the bonnet of the car. The C 63 produces 476 hp and, in C 63 S guise, 510 hp. It’s nearly a third more efficient than the engine it replaces yet, in ‘S’ form, produces more power and emits less CO2 – now from 192 g/km. The combination makes it the most efficient performance engine of its kind.
A heavily revised version of the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed transmission features on the C 63 - now with significantly quicker shift times to improve responses.
In Saloon form, the C 63 AMG weighs from 1,715 kg while the Estate weighs from 1,785 kg (including fuel and the driver).
Matching the changes under the skin are extensive changes to the appearance of the car – both outside and in. New front bumpers with deep airdams to feed the intercoolers are joined by the unique AMG grille and a new bonnet with subtle power domes. Unique, wider front wings (to clear the wider front track) feature subtle ‘V8 biturbo’ badges above a set of similarly discreet sill extensions. The rear bumper is also new, designed to house the new quad exhaust pipes below a small wing mounted on the bootlid and above the tailgate glass on the Estate.
Inside, the changes are immediately apparent, with deep, contoured seats set behind a small, unique AMG wheel and recalibrated AMG dials. The option of AMG sports seats can be specified along with a range of different leather treatments and trim finishes – from piano black to carbon and aluminium. The buttons for the AMG RIDE CONTROL, the optional active AMG performance exhaust system and the three-stage gearbox modes are grouped around the standard Touchpad controller, above which is an AMG badge and an IWC timepiece.
The Mercedes-AMG C 63 Saloon and Estate are both available to order in the UK from next month, with prices and specifications set to be announced when ordering opens. First deliveries are expected to take place in Spring 2015.
Pricing
Prices for the all-new Mercedes-AMG C 63 will start at £59,795 as the super Saloon and Estate open for ordering ahead of their arrival in the UK in Spring 2015.
| Model | Power | Torque | 0-62mph (secs) | Top speed (mph) | Economy (mpg) | CO2 (g/km) | Prices (OTR) |
| C 63 Saloon | 476 hp at 5,500-6,250 rpm | 650 Nm at 1,750-4,500 rpm | 4.1 | 155 | 34.5 | 192 | £59,795 |
| C 63 Estate | 476 hp at 5,500–6,250 rpm | 650 Nm at 1,750-4,500 rpm | 4.2 | 155 | 33.6 | 196 | £60,995 |
| C 63 S Saloon | 510 hp at 5,500-6,250 rpm | 700 Nm at 1,750-4,500 rpm | 4.0 | 155 | 34.5 | 192 | £66,545 |
| C 63 S Estate | 510 hp at 5,500-6,250 rpm | 700 Nm at 1,750-4,500 rpm | 4.1 | 155 | 33.6 | 196 | £67,745 |
As befits an AMG, the specification of the C 63 – in either Saloon or Estate form – is comprehensive, aiding both the dynamics of the car and the comfort of its occupants. Nappa leather for the AMG sports seats and the AMG three-spoke steering wheel, COMAND and a memory package for the seats are all standard equipment, along with a mechanical locking rear differential, dynamic engine mounts, unique front and rear tracks, an upgraded AMG braking system, quad tailpipes and unique front and rear styling incorporating new front wings to accommodate the wider track and a subtle, body-colour rear spoiler. The car is fitted with 18-inch multi spoke wheels with 245/40 tyres at the front and 265/40 items at the rear.
The C 63 S not only features enhanced performance, but it’s also equipped with enhanced levels of equipment. The wheels fitted to the car grow to 19-inches and are of a five-spoke design and 245/35 R19 (front) and 265/35 R19 (rear) tyres. A new braking system uses 390 mm discs at the front and 360 mm at the rear. The new brakes are denoted by a red finish to the callipers.
Also aiding dynamics is an advanced electronically-controlled rear differential linked to a ‘Race’ function in the COMAND system to allow the driver to alter the gearbox, engine and damping modes according to their preference.
Holding the driver firmly in place are a set of AMG Performance Seats finished in Nappa leather and twinned with Crystal Grey seat belts.
Further upgrades can be specified on both the C 63 and C 63 S – these include the option of a powerful Burmester® surround sound system or, for those wanting a soundtrack straight from Affalterbach, the option of a variable AMG exhaust system. Further technology includes a head-up display system, the track-orientated AMG high-performance ceramic composite braking system and the incredible LED Intelligent Light System.
For the first time in the UK, an Edition 1 model will be offered – based on the C 63 S. The Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Edition 1 costs £73,500 in Saloon form, and £74,700 as an Estate. Created to mark the launch of the C 63, the Edition 1 features bespoke finishes and equipment.
On the outside, the C 63 S Edition 1 features unique 19-inch AMG forged alloy wheels complete with a discreet red band around their circumference. And AMG graphic runs up the side of the car and it’s fitted with the Night Package, meaning the aluminium brightwork is painted black. Red highlights pick out the grille and mirror housings while at the back of the Saloon there’s a contrasting black spoiler.
Inside, the changes to the C 63 S include quilted black Nappa leather with red stitching that’s repeated on the steering wheel and door panels and dashboard. AMG red carbon fibre trim runs down the centre console and is accompanied by a 590 W Burmester® surround sound system and 13 speakers, the LED Intelligent Light System and a panoramic electric glass sunroof, Keyless Start and Keyless Entry. Its performance is identical to that of the C 63 S on which it’s based.
Powered by an all-new 4.0-litre biturbo engine, the new C 63 is nearly a third more efficient than the model it replaces, as well as, in S guise, being more powerful and lighter. The Mercedes-AMG C 63 replaces the most successful AMG ever – the 204 series C 63 AMG – and looks to build on its levels of performance, character, agility and all-year round usability which made it so popular.
