You’re looking at the new Mercedes-AMG C63 for 2014. And it’s a bit of a line in the sand for Merc, in more ways than one.
There’s a new name, for starters. Note the newly hyphenated AMG suffix. We’ll carry on calling it the C63 AMG, thanks.
But note the headline figures. Numbers like a 4.0-litre V8 developing 503bhp. Sprint figures of 0-60mph in three-point-something seconds.
Make no mistake. The new C63 is something of a monster. Read on for all the news and photos of Mercedes’ new super-saloon.
Mercedes-AMG C63: the full spec
The regular W205 C-class family is a major leap forward for Merc: it’s lighter, tauter, has a fabulous cabin and provides a sound basis for the new AMG version.
First up comes the new engine, a 3982cc V8 borrowed from the new GT sports car. And if you haven’t entered yet, don’t forget you can win said 911 rival in CAR’s competition here.
Here the 4.0-litre bi-turbo comes in two states of tune, with corresponding levels of performance on tap:
C63 saloon 470bhp, 479lb ft, 4.1sec 0-62mph, 155mph, 35mpg, 192g/km CO2
C63 estate 470bhp, 479lb ft, 4.2sec 0-62mph, 155mph, 34mpg, 196g/km CO2
C63 S saloon 503bhp, 516lb ft, 4.0sec 0-62mph, 155mph, 35mpg, 192g/km CO2
C63 S estate 503bhp, 516lb ft, 4.1sec 0-62mph, 155mph, 34mpg, 196g/km
Yes, you can choose your C63 in stealth sensible saloon or wild performance wagon bodystyles.
When can I buy the new 2015 C63?
Order books open in October 2014 and first customer cars drop in spring 2015 for the saloon. Estates are due by summer 2015, carrying a £1000 premium.
No prices are fixed yet, but indications are that the regular C63 saloon will cost a whisker less than £60,000. That’s around a £2000 increase over the W204 AMG model.
Expect to pay £6000 more for the upgraded, higher performance S models.
Will the new Mercedes-AMG C63 be a great drive?
Too early to say, but judging by this first evidence we wouldn’t bet against it. The outgoing C63 is one of our favourite hot-rod saloons of recent years, after all.
The new model is lighter and stiffer than before. Merc quotes a kerbweight of 1640kg, compared with 1730kg for today’s model. Thank the use of aluminium in key areas.
There are numerous changes to the chassis to bring the zip required by those AMG initials, so there’s a new steering set up, springs and dampers, as well as giant brake discs, measuring a colossal 390mm at the front axle.
For those who may enjoy hooning powerful saloons around track days, you can even order ceramic brakes, firmer suspension packages and a ruder AMG exhaust. All the better to hear that V8 with.
The design story
This is the most differentiated Merc C63 yet. It gets wider new wings, a bespoke bumper with deeply scalloped air intakes, a redesigned grille and a bonnet with twin power domes.
Look closely, and you’ll see the S badge front and rear, giving a menacing hint of the extra power at the speed-obsessed driver’s right foot.
Inside, you’ll find purposeful sports seats, an AMG steering wheel in alcantara or nappa leather and a unique IWC clock. Options include niceties such as a head-up display and 360deg parking camera.
Want to know what all the fuss is about? Read our review of the outgoing Mercedes C63 AMG here.
