Summarize

AMG C 63 S trio dealt a handy upgrade

Two weeks ago, we spent a day with Mercedes-AMG getting to know a few more new models. There were a few brand new aspects we have already dealt with, but there was another dark horse lurking that day and we opted to deal with the rest of it before shining the light on the new and improved C 63 S trio now.

Set apart by a new Mille Miglia SL like AMG-specific grille backed up by a raft of subtle styling tweaks and new wheel designs, the C 63 S three also benefit somewhat modernised cabins, but it's what’s under the skin that really counts... 

These cars are now only available in S get-up, which means they now pack the full fat (well for the C-class anyway) 375kW 700Nm AMG 4-litre biturbo V8 to see the Sedan and Coupé to 100km/h in 3.9 seconds with the ragtop a couple of tenths slower. The Sedan and Coupé likewise have their top speed electronically limited to 290km/h, while Cabriolet must make do with just 280km/h. C 63 S can average 9.9 l/100km fuel consumption and 227g/km CO2 when caressed.

The big changes however come in the drivetrain, where AMG's latest fast-changing AMG Speedshift MCT 9G packing clutch start replaces the old 7-speed automatic, while a now-standard equipment AMG electronically controlled limited slip differential and new nine-stage AMG Traction Control take longitudinal and lateral dynamics to a new level with programs from wet all the way to hooligan maximum slip on the rear axle. Which we like best, of course!

Add AMG Dynamic Select with Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ Race and Individual modes, enhanced ESP and Torque Vectoring to precisely control torque distribution across the rear axle according and C 63 S is totally satisfying the driver’s every wan, while overall Basic, Advanced, Pro and Master AMG Dynamics modes also selectable by a new steering boss bezel and the selected mode indicated on the multimedia display — and on that knob too.

All of that flies in the face of AMG’s recent murmurings of all its cars becoming all-wheel driven soon, which could well make this wild thing and among the last real driver’s AMGs extinct and most collectable too. An interesting prospect indeed.

C 63 S retains its 4-link front axle and multi-link independent rear suspension featuring AMG-specific kinematics and elastokinematics for extreme camber stability when cornering at speed, while adaptive damping adjusts the damping at each corner to Comfort, Sport and Sport+ modes.

I was allowed to play the hoon with it before being released for a few hot laps around Kyalami as my minder gradually reduced the amount of nanny interference as we progressed. Look, C 63 S has always been a hell of a motorcar and the time we had with it was not enough to form a proper opinion, but dynamically I am more than satisfied with it and look forward to a little quality time with this device to get to know it a little better.

The new grille, wheels and subtle styling tweaks also confirm that this is the new and improved version — not that there was ever anything wrong with the look, while unleashing this car just after we drove the brand new CLS suggested how much better the next one’s cabin will look (C is a little long in the tooth, you know?)

For now however, our VBox awaits C 63 S to see if it can beat M4 and Giulia QV down our test strip to claim our rear-wheel drive test crown. Until then let it be known that its various improvements already conspire to push AMG’s entry exec powerhouse to the top of that powerhouse pile. Bring on that road test!

Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Pricing
Sedan R1.54M
Coupé R1.60M
Cabriolet R1.72M