Mercedes-AMG C 63 has what it takes (video)

And boy does the C 63 have the weaponry to do so! Powerful V8 engines have long been a key area of expertise at AMG, and each AMG engine is hand-assembled in Affalterbach according to the “one man, one engine” principle. Apart from serving as a hallmark confirming superlative production quality, the AMG engine badge bearing the engine technician’s signature also attests to the peerless DNA of the sports car and high-performance brand within Mercedes-Benz.

The M177 4.0 litre V8 biturbo engine here in the C 63 that is closely related to the M178 engine found in the Mercedes-AMG GT produces a proper 350kW / 650Nm in the normal model and an even better 375kW / 700Nm from the S derivative.

This power makes its way down to the rear wheels via a thoroughly revised, specifically for the C 63, AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT seven-speed sports transmission that now responds to all gearshift commands even more directly along with a double-clutching function during downshifts, which varies in intensity depending on the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT transmission mode selected.

Mercedes C 63’s powerful V8 engine has what it takes. Picture: Supplied.

And the variability of the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT seven-speed sports transmission, which owners of these types of cars seem to appreciate, I know I do in my M4 Coupe, is demonstrated by the choices you have in the form of a “Comfort”, “Sport”, “Sport +”, “Individual” and “Race” mode exclusively for the C 63 S via the already mentioned AMG DYNAMIC SELECT switch.

To go with this you get a “RACE START” function that provides for the best launch type starts to further help with the straight line times. And as to be expected the claimed times are quick, the C 63 S is said to accelerate to 100km/h in just 4.0 seconds and the C 63 in 4.1 seconds with a top speed that is electronically limited to 250km/h. You can chose to fit the optional Driver’s Package that sees this number raised to an electronically limited 290km/h.

Mercedes C 63’s powerful V8 engine has what it takes. Picture: Supplied.

But I do have to say at this point, the way the C 63 and the M3 put their power down and feel when hitting the go pedal could not be more different. The C 63 feels so much more docile and builds power up the rev range and pulls really hard beyond 5000rpm, whereas the M3 is instantly wide awake and pulls hard from the word go. Very deceptive this, because at first your brain is tricked into thinking that the C 63 is not as fast as the BMW, but the reality is that it is every bit as fast.

And going fast in a straight line has always been the forte of the C 63 but now thanks to the likes of a mechanical rear axle locking differential on the C 63 and an electronic rear axle locking differential on the C 63 AMG, along with dynamic engine mounts on the S model that are instantly and variably able to adapt their rigidity to the conditions and style of driving, down to the AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension with three stage damping adjustment that can really be felt changing between everyday comfort and hard core firm for the track, this AMG can hustle around a track in a way that will have BMW M drivers paying big attention.

Not that I think too many C 63 buyers will be concerned with this, but car is said to set new standards for fuel consumption with a claimed figure of 8.2 litres per 100 kilometres and as such lays claim to being the world’s most economical eight-cylinder high-performance car.

Mercedes C 63’s powerful V8 engine has what it takes. Picture: Supplied.

Making sure the C 63 stops or slows down just as well as it goes corner after corner after is an AMG high-performance braking system that features internally ventilated and perforated 360mm brake discs all-round in the standard car and the S features front discs that are of compound construction with a diameter of 390mm. If you have some extra cash to blow and want to maybe do more than just the odd track day, high-performance ceramic composite brakes 402mm in size are available on the C 63 S for the first time and feature striking “AMG Carbon Ceramic” lettering on the specially painted brake callipers.

Taking the track theme one step further you can get the optional sports tyres in size 245/35 R 19 (front) and 265/35 R 19 (rear) that are standard on the C 63 S. These ensure a noticeable and measurable increase in grip, and shorter braking distances on dry surfaces over the standard 18 inch rubber on the C 63.

Wrapping up the sporty side of the C 63, an optional performance exhaust system with three selectable exhaust flaps is optionally available for both engine variants and this allows an even wider sound range, and there is no denying, a C 63 sounds the business.

I haven’t said much about the interior of the C 63 yet, and I am not going to go into too much detail either because I doubt many owners will be choosing this car over any other because of the interior alone. But you do get carefully full house luxury, selected high-grade materials with a pleasant touch and precise workmanship that produces a level of quality that needs to experienced to be understood.

Mercedes C 63’s powerful V8 engine has what it takes. Picture: Supplied.

I have spent years driving and evaluating all sorts of high performance cars as part of my daily job, I have also raced high performance cars and owned a host of BMW M cars as part of my passion, and my current daily drive is a BMW M4 Coupe as part of our publication’s long term test program.

So if I say that the C 63 brings the fight to the M3, then you know that this is the case. And I have some brief Racelogic VBOX track data that backs this up in no uncertain terms and puts the Merc on a fast 1:10.46 lap around Zwartkops with the BMW a mere six hundredths of a second quicker. I really can’t wait to test this car properly.

Warranty

As with all Mercedes-Benz passenger cars, the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S and C 63 comes standard with the class-leading six-years / 100 000km maintenance plan.