Mercedes-Benz has announced UK prices and specs for the latest-generation of its steroidal C63 AMG supersaloon.
The base-model C63 saloon will cost £59,795 and the estate version an extra £1200. That prices it a little way above its natural BMW M3 and Audi RS4 rivals.
As we revealed in our original spy photo story, the C63 ditches the charismatic 6.2-litre V8 of the old 204-series C63 in favour of the twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 found in the new AMG GT sports car. In true downsizing style, it’s more powerful and yet more fuel-efficient than the larger unit it replaces.
As expected, there’s both a standard model and a more powerful S variant on offer. The C63 S saloon is priced from £66,545 and the estate version from £67,745.
Mercedes C63 AMG (2015) performance figures
The regular C63 churns out 470bhp and 479 lb ft of torque while the C63 S musters a supercar-baiting 503bhp and 516 lb ft.
Both drive the rear wheels through a seven-speed automatic gearbox, the C63 getting from 0-62mph in 4.1 seconds and the C63 S in 4.0. The estate versions of both are only a tenth slower and all cars’ top speeds are electronically limited to 155mph.
Combined cycle fuel economy varies from 33.6 to 34.5mpg while CO2 emissions vary from 192 to 196g/km – impressive given the performance on offer.
Mercedes C63 AMG (2015): UK specs
Despite losing that famously driveable, naturally aspirated V8, the new-school C63 promises to be just as much of a hooligan as before. All cars get a mechanical locking differential, dynamic engine mounts and far broader wheelarches to accommodate wider front and rear tracks than the regular C-Class, topped off by a relatively subtle spoiler lip on the boot lid.
While the base C63 is fitted with 18-inch wheels (wrapped in 245/40 tyres at the front and 265/40s at the rear), the C63 S gets 19-inch rims with the same width but lower-profile tyres.
As you’d expect, a range of no-doubt reassuringly expensive options are available, including an AMG sports exhaust system, ceramic composite brakes, Burmester surround sound system, a head-up display system and all-LED adaptive headlights.
Early-bird buyers in the UK can also go for a limited-run C63 S ‘Edition 1’ model, with a different set of 19-inch wheels, ’80s-style stickers along the car’s flanks, extra bits of leather and carbon inside and an uprated Burmester stereo. Cosmetic trinketry and extra kit aside, it’s identical to the regular C63 S and will cost £73,500 as a saloon and £74,700 as an estate.
The Mercedes C63 AMG is available to order now and first deliveries are expected in spring 2015.