Mercedes-AMG has revealed its answer to the BMW M3/M4 in the guise of an all-new C 63. In fact, it's a new range of models, as there are two power outputs available in two body styles. The C 63 tantalisingly shares a lot with the equally new Mercedes-AMG GT sports car. The fresh-faced AMG family makes its public debut at the Paris Motor Show next week.
Exterior
Though based on the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class, the C 63 is wider in track and the styling reflects that. Up front are 14mm wider wings, made from aluminium and featuring 'V8 BITURBO' badging. The front end is longer too, by a considerable 54mm, and Mercedes-AMG mentions stiffening of the structure. The aluminium bonnet features 'power domes' and the bumpers and air intakes are completely new. Aerodynamic tweaks are apparent in the form of flics to assist cooling and a splitter to reduce lift. At the back this is balanced by an under-bumper diffuser, through which the four stylised exhaust outlets poke. The C 63 saloon has a modest lip spoiler on the trailing edge of the boot lid, while the estate version has a subtle roof spoiler. A smattering of design details differentiates the C 63 S from the regular model.
Interior
Inside, the dashboard is covered in man-made leather Mercedes calls Artico, with stitching in 'crystal grey'. An AMG-specific instrument binnacle is included (with a speedo reading to 320km/h) as is a three-spoke 'Performance' steering wheel with a mark at 12 o' clock. Buyers can specify Performance seats too, trimmed in Artico and Dinamica microfibre, which sit lower and hold the occupants in place.
Mechanicals
This is where things get truly interesting. Under the bonnet is a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine, closely related to that in the Mercedes-AMG GT. In the normal C 63 it produces 476hp between 5,500- and 6,250rpm and 650Nm of torque between 1,750- and 4,500rpm. Astounding figures by any measure, though we suspect that the 0-100km/h time of 4.1 seconds (or 4.2 seconds for the estate) only tells half the story. For those of questionable sanity there's the C 63 S. Its V8 is turned up to 510hp and 700Nm of torque (over the same rev ranges), which shaves another 0.1 seconds off the benchmark acceleration time. It's also fitted with dynamic engine mounts. All versions are electronically limited to 250km/h.
Distributing all this ferocity to the road is a redeveloped SpeedShift MCT seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, which can be set in Controlled Efficiency, Sport or Sport + modes - as well as Race in the C 63 S variant. The S model also benefits from an electronic rear locking differential, whereas the regular model makes do with mechanical locking. Both versions are fitted with three-stage adaptive damping, called AMG Ride Control. An AMG Dynamic Select interface in the cabin allows the driver to set up all the sub-systems under various modes varying from Controlled Efficiency to Sport, Sport + and, as with the transmission, Race in the C 63 S. There's also a fully customisable Individual mode. If the optional Performance exhaust system has been specified, its three-stage operation is also tied into this system.
Anything else?
Following its Paris debut, the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Saloon will hit the market first, in February 2015. The other versions arrive in April 2015. Highly stylised C 63 'Edition 1' versions will be released at the same time to be sold in limited numbers.