Long live the Mercedes-AMG C63S

Unfortunately, we have heard reports of this glorious engine being replaced in the next few years so when the latest C63s AMG arrived at the office, I grabbed the keys. One last ride? Let’s make it count.

A wolf in a suit

From a design point of view, the latest model doesn’t differ much from the car that it replaces as the C class range was just given a mild facelift. The AMG model retains its aggressive front end with large cooling ducts on either side of the lower bumper. One of the biggest alterations to the front has to be the new Panamericana grille, a design feature that can be found on many new AMG models from the brand. The new face gives the car an even more intimidating character. At the rear the C63s benefits from revised rear taillights and a new, more aerodynamic lower diffuser splitting the newly designed trail pipes.

Interior refresh

Like the exterior, the interior has also been given a slight refresh. Although the overall design remains the same I did like the inclusion of a new, more S class like steering wheel which, on my test car was finished in Alcantara. Behind it, one will also find a digital instrument cluster which can be fully customised using various themes. It remains one of the best on the market, albeit much time must be spent getting used to it. My test car also featured a carbon fibre centre console with the infotainment screen mounted at the top. One of the biggest and indeed sportiest additions to the interior was the racing car-like bucket seats. The seat backrest is thin, upright, the lower section supportive and relatively comfortable. When you get into the car it feels as if you are getting into a serious driving machine, and that is exactly what it is.

Relentless Power

The new C63s AMG features a rotary dial on the steering wheel that lets you select your various driving modes. The dial also lets you adjust the traction control and not just whether it be on or off but how much of it you want. You can select between one (being fully on) and nine (let’s kill the tyres). As for the engine, well Mercedes-AMG has retained the 375 kW and 700 N.m producing 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged engine but has decided to ditch the older 7-speed transmission for a new, fast-shifting 9-speed automatic gearbox that features a wet start-off clutch. The benefits of this come in the form of shorter gearshift times which means a faster 0-100km – 3.9 seconds as claimed by Mercedes-AMG.

The drive

My test unit was also fitted with the optional carbon-ceramic brakes which can handle a lot more punishment than conventional disks and callipers, however, I’d only recommend them if you plan on doing laps at Kyalami every morning on the way to work, if not, the standard brakes will do just fine. The gold callipers do look amazing behind the newly developed rims.

On the road, the C63s doesn’t disappoint. It is fast and that iconic AMG engine note does not disappoint. Want more noise, there is a button inside that opens a few extra flaps in the exhaust pipe to accommodate your desires. The car also handles well; I found it to be a bit more precise than before, sharper, more focused. The new traction control system lets you have fun without the need for new undies. The sweet spot is between mode 5 and 7, anything over that and things start to get a bit busy in the cabin.

Verdict

As thrilling as what the car is, it remains a comfortable cruiser. Turn the drive select dial into comfort and the brute becomes a lazy fat cat. I’m going to miss cars like this in a few years. Mercedes-AMG is talking about downsizing the engine, adding a hybrid system, making it more fuel-efficient. I guess we have to face the inevitable, but until that time, let’s enjoy them while we still can, well if you have R1 560 136 that is.