Test Car Specifications
Model tested: Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Coupe Edition 1
Price: £76,910 (£81,835 as tested)
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 biturbo petrol
Transmission: seven-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive
Body style: two-door, 2+2 coupe
CO2 emissions: 200g/km (Band K, £295 per year)
Combined economy: 32.8mpg
Top speed: 180mph (If optioned with AMG Driver's pack)
0-62mph: 3.9 seconds
Power: 510hp at 5,500- to 6,250rpm
Torque: 700Nm at 1,750- to 4,500rpm
What's this?
The range-topping Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe, so there's a Mercedes-AMG badge on the rear, and a 4.0-litre biturbo V8 engine under that shapelier bonnet. And stripes, as this is the Edition 1, an AMG for the kind of people that queue outside Apple stores the day before a new iPhone is due; those stripes tell everyone you got in early with your AMG purchase. We'd leave stripes to toothpaste or pjs, but ignore them, as what's underneath is one hell of a compelling car.
It's more than merely a coupe version of its Mercedes-AMG C 63 S saloon and estate relations by virtue of the fact it rides on more sophisticated suspension, which gives it even greater ability to exploit that sensational, bombastic biturbo V8 that powers it. It's reasonably practical too, with four useable seats, and with a 3.9-second 0-62mph time and 180mph top speed (thanks to the option of the AMG Driver's Package here - it's limited to 155mph otherwise), there aren't many cars that'll keep up with it without some serious compromises - or bucket loads more cash.
How does it drive?
There's always been an edge to AMG's products, and while that remains the case here there's some real poise, too. The rear axle is multi-link in design and the track is wider, plus, for the S model, the limited slip differential is now electronically controlled rather than merely mechanical. The net result is a car that turns and controls its sizeable output with far greater finesse than you might anticipate, yet it remains infused with that tyre-testing spirit that'll ensure you're on first name terms with the fitters at your local high performance tyre outlet.
Dial up the Individual setting, have the drivetrain on Race or Sport+, steering on Comfort, set ESP to 'Sport Handling' and then press the button for manual transmission control. The engine's synapses go on high alert, the gearbox's seven ratios can be manually shifted via the paddles (and, crucially, don't second-guess you) and the ESP kicks its feet up and takes a break, with one eye on things - just in case. You could add firmness to the suspension, but Comfort's fine on weather and budget ravaged UK tarmac, bringing wheel control without the jarring ride of its tauter settings, which is to the benefit of traction, too.
The C 63's engine might now be 4.0-litre biturbo V8 (as opposed to the 6.2-litre V8 with natural aspiration of its predecessor), but it's not short of character. There's plenty; the rousing sound it makes, amplified beautifully by the sports exhaust, is a rich cacophony of crackling, popping and ripping V8 intensity, its forced induction meaning any-gear any-rev speed, yet no apparent lag. Wring it out and it'll chase the redline with fervour, apparently not losing any eagerness despite its turbocharging. AMG's positioning of the two turbos in the 'hot v' of the engine shortens flow routes to the benefit of response. It's quick, eye-widening quick. On top of that, the way the C 63 S can be driven teetering on the edge of its traction is a huge part of its appeal. It's possible to do so even at ordinary speeds, making sure every drive is an event. The steering isn't loaded with anything you could reasonably describe as communication, but it's quick and accurate - though don't bother with any other setting than Comfort unless you enjoy artificial-feeling weighting in the mix.
Verdict
We love the lunacy of AMG's products, but here in particular it's mated to real finesse, the C 63 S Coupe hugely talented, always enjoyable and, with our tongue slightly in cheek here, practical. Or at least it is against the supercars its performance can be compared to. Do that and it even begins to look cheap...
Exterior Design
Interior Ambience
Passenger Space
Luggage Space
Safety
Comfort
Driving Dynamics
Powertrain
