RE: All-new Mercedes-AMG C63 - official!

RE: All-new Mercedes-AMG C63 - official!

Wednesday 24th September 2014

All-new Mercedes-AMG C63 - official!

New twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 C63 AMG blasts in with 476hp as standard and 510hp for S version



The all-new Mercedes C63 AMG is here! Only it isn't, because it's now called the Mercedes-AMG C63, in keeping with the new naming convention introduced with the Mercedes-AMG GT with which it shares its 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine.

Dan's putting in his long-termer request now...
Dan's putting in his long-termer request now...
BMW's M3 had best have enjoyed its brief moment in the sun too because with the arrival of the new C63 we've got an all new instalment of the long-running power war between M GmbH and AMG. We'll get to that shortly though; first up some highlights of the new C63.

Good news includes two power outputs - standard 476hp/479lb ft and 510hp/516lb ft S - and fuel consumption improved by almost a third. Downsizing (it's all relative) from 6.2 litres to 4.0 litres and a weight saving of 90kg over the outgoing W204 C63 play their part here, a coasting function in the updated MCT seven-speed auto also helping. It all means most un-AMG like efficiency numbers of 34.5mpg and 192g/km, figures even the most ardent fan of the outgoing M156 normally aspirated V8 can't ignore. There's a lot more tech than before too, from standard Porsche-style active engine mounts to optional ceramic brake discs. Joy of joys a mechanical limited-slip diff is now standard on the C63 too, the S getting a fancier electronically controlled locking diff.

63 is just a badge; turbos make up the numbers
63 is just a badge; turbos make up the numbers
Bad news? Well, even AMG hasn't been able to escape the trend for 'have it your way' configurability, abandoning the endearing simplicity of the outgoing C63 and getting a multi-mode AMG Dynamic Select system with an influence on everything from steering weighting to damper settings and even how much noise you get from the exhaust system. You get three standard modes, plus an individual one with the S getting its own 'Race' mode too. Predictably the steering is electrically assisted too but at least AMG boss Tobias Moers has been able to assert his taste for linear steering racks and ditched the variable ratio one of the standard C-Class. Looks are subjective too but some may miss the hard-edged brutalism of the outgoing car, the current swoopy Mercedes design language bulked out with 14mm extra metal in the front wings, a reprofiled front bumper that juts out 54mm further than the standard car's and the expected quartet of square-cut exhausts at the back. Oh, and you can get it as a wagon but it weighs an additional 70kg.

Estate has an easier task; saloon faces M3
Estate has an easier task; saloon faces M3
Ready for some more numbers? Brace yourself... Given that all the C63 owners quizzed in our recent meet put the engine at the top of their 'loves' list we'd best kick off with the new V8. A wet-sumped version of the M178 engine in the GT it gets its own designation of M177 but shares the direct piezo injection, 'hot-V' configuration and basic architecture. Like for like in the GT and SLS the new engine actually weighs 5kg more than the normally aspirated 6.2, the new car's weight saving coming from structural use of aluminium. Its power delivery promises to be very different from the old engine though, peak torque coming in at 1,750rpm rather than 5,000rpm like the normally aspirated V8. So no more traffic light embarrassments at the hands of diesel drivers then. The sole transmission choice remains AMG's quirky automatic gearbox/wet clutch 'hybrid' with, it's promised, crisper shifting than before.

Traditional AMG power advantage? Maintained
Traditional AMG power advantage? Maintained
Off the line the 0-62 times are pretty close across all versions, the S saloon managing the best at 4.0 seconds, a four tenths improvement over the old car's best. All versions are limited to 155mph but these numbers tell only half the story - mid-range thump should be night and day different from the old engine, which could take some time to reach its admittedly epic stride. Indeed, AMG has actually tuned the new V8 to be significantly more torquey in the C63 than the GT.

Suspension gets widened front track and more camber at the rear and the promise of specific AMG components therein; whether the changes are as extensive as those achieved by M over the standard 3 and 4 Series will be a question to be asked along the way but the under-bonnet shot shows some significant bracing from the suspension turrets to the firewall.

Interior is dramatic compared with staid predecessor
Interior is dramatic compared with staid predecessor
That M3/C63 twin test is some way off yet of course but it's impossible to resist a few on-paper comparisons. M fans can assume the moral high ground of less weight - 95kg less like for like if you compare an M DCT saloon with a C63 saloon and more if you go for a manual - and that extensive additional bracing plus fancy suspension components. Whether you opt for the manual or twin-clutch auto both BMW gearbox options would seem to be more in keeping with purist tastes too.

As is traditional the AMG absolutely thumps the M3 on outright grunt though, the fact both horsepower and torque figures start with a '5' on the S version an astonishing escalation in small saloon bragging rights. Given the mixed reception to the M's blown six cylinder engine AMG's V8, turbocharged or not, retains its magnetic attraction and charismatic soundtrack. Whether there are brains to match the brawn will be revealed when we drive it but for all the philosophical differences M and AMG are as close as they've ever been on paper.

Is 510hp enough to appease purists? Soon see...
Is 510hp enough to appease purists? Soon see...
We're hoping to chat with Moers at the Paris show next week so expect more on the car then. Orders open shortly and the first UK cars - standard and S saloons - are expected in late February to early March with the estate coming in April. And, yes, we're already lobbying for a long-termer...

 

 



MERCEDES-AMG C63/C63 S SALOON
Engine:
3,982cc twin-turbo V8
Transmission: 7-speed auto with lock-up clutch (MCT), rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 476@5,500rpm/510@5,500rpm
Torque (lb ft): 479@1,750-4,500rpm/516@1,750-4,500rpm
0-62mph: 4.1sec/4.0sec
Top speed: 155mph (limited)
Weight: 1,715kg/1,730kg (EU, with 75 kg driver/luggage)
MPG: 34.5mpg (NEDC combined)
CO2: 192g/km
Price: TBC

MERCEDES-AMG C63/C63 S ESTATE
Engine:
3,982cc twin-turbo V8
Transmission: 7-speed auto with lock-up clutch (MCT), rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 476@5,500rpm/510@5,500rpm
Torque (lb ft): 479@1,750-4,500rpm/516@1,750-4,500rpm
0-62mph: 4.2sec/4.1sec
Top speed: 155mph (limited)
Weight: 1,785kg/1,800kg (EU, with 75 kg driver/luggage)
MPG: 33.6mpg (NEDC combined)
CO2: 196g/km
Price: TBC

 













   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

 

Author
Discussion

MrBarry123

Original Poster:

6,025 posts

120 months

Tuesday 23rd September 2014
quotequote all
Shame they couldn't take the new engine however keep the old car's styling.

Deerfoot

4,897 posts

183 months

Tuesday 23rd September 2014
quotequote all
An estate please. In black.

mikebradford

2,483 posts

144 months

Tuesday 23rd September 2014
quotequote all
Front looks brilliant
Engine will no doubt turn out to be a star, when compared to other downsized units.
The saloon rear and sides just dont do it for me

They should start selling this with their 4 wheel drive system, as BMW have demonstrated theirs a big market that Audi previously dominated.

Ferosferio

285 posts

149 months

Tuesday 23rd September 2014
quotequote all
MrBarry123 said:
Shame they couldn't take the new engine however keep the old car's styling.
Yeah, the current/old gen model is certainly the better looking design; I like the front of the new one but can't get on with the rear.

Rear looks aside, it'll be pretty special I'm sure. Still far more appealing than the current equivalent offerings from BMW.

EricE

1,945 posts

128 months

Tuesday 23rd September 2014
quotequote all
Very impressive except for the transmission, the M3 has its work cut out for it if you ask me.

mikebradford said:
They should start selling this with their 4 wheel drive system, as BMW have demonstrated theirs a big market that Audi previously dominated.
4-matic version will follow next year according to an interview with the AMG boss.


vescaegg

25,489 posts

166 months

Tuesday 23rd September 2014
quotequote all
'S' estate please!

0llie

3,006 posts

195 months

Tuesday 23rd September 2014
quotequote all
vescaegg said:
'S' estate please!
Make that two!

Wills2

22,669 posts

174 months

Tuesday 23rd September 2014
quotequote all
Not keen on the looks (estate looks best), but the performance on offer and decent economy is convincing, hopefully the coupe will be better looking.


okie592

2,711 posts

166 months

Tuesday 23rd September 2014
quotequote all
The estate rest screams slighty melted Audi a4

Hope it sounds good!

gregf40

1,114 posts

115 months

Tuesday 23rd September 2014
quotequote all
Errrrrr...why have they glued an iPad to the top of the dash?


graeme4130

3,823 posts

180 months

Tuesday 23rd September 2014
quotequote all
According to mbuk, 4wd won't be coming to RHD markets frown

Froomee

1,418 posts

168 months

Tuesday 23rd September 2014
quotequote all
Wheels on the blue one look awesome smile

I agree the previous models more boxy shape was nicer.

RudeDog

1,652 posts

173 months

Tuesday 23rd September 2014
quotequote all
C36 AMG - 3.6 NA engine
C43 AMG - 4.3 NA engine
C32 AMG - 3.2 Supercharged engine
C55 AMG - 5.5 NA engine (almost)
C63 AMG - 6.3 NA engine (again almost)
then...
C63 AMG - 4.0 Turbocharged engine

Why the break from the naming convention?


Eski1991

1,113 posts

132 months

Tuesday 23rd September 2014
quotequote all
RudeDog said:
C36 AMG - 3.6 NA engine
C43 AMG - 4.3 NA engine
C32 AMG - 3.2 Supercharged engine
C55 AMG - 5.5 NA engine (almost)
C63 AMG - 6.3 NA engine (again almost)
then...
C63 AMG - 4.0 Turbocharged engine

Why the break from the naming convention?
That threw me as well, don't really understand why that's been done.

toasty

7,441 posts

219 months

Tuesday 23rd September 2014
quotequote all
Wow that looks amazing and makes all current C63s look redundant!

So if anyone's got a 507 edition coupe they want to get rid of then please drop me a line. biggrin


chungasarnies

155 posts

124 months

Tuesday 23rd September 2014
quotequote all
Mine's an estate, that colour will do, thank you very glad.

476 BHP and costs the same to tax as my Golf. And if it actually does anything like 34 MPG, it will use less fuel too! In a sense, I would be economising.

0a

23,879 posts

193 months

Tuesday 23rd September 2014
quotequote all
Eski1991 said:
RudeDog said:
C36 AMG - 3.6 NA engine
C43 AMG - 4.3 NA engine
C32 AMG - 3.2 Supercharged engine
C55 AMG - 5.5 NA engine (almost)
C63 AMG - 6.3 NA engine (again almost)
then...
C63 AMG - 4.0 Turbocharged engine

Why the break from the naming convention?
That threw me as well, don't really understand why that's been done.
Marketing - the badge can't go 'down' can it, otherwise you would buy one and your neighbour's old c63 would be 'better'.

I like the look of these - hopefully there won't be a noise issue as with the new M3!

Crafty_

13,248 posts

199 months

Tuesday 23rd September 2014
quotequote all
I don't have much good to say about new cars and I don't really like the front of the new C Class with its weird angles and swoops, but I think this looks good, the bumper is a definite improvement.

What do we think price wise then ? Merc are not shy of putting higher price tags on their cars ( see A45 vs M135), £60k ? £65k ?

Blayney

2,948 posts

185 months

Tuesday 23rd September 2014
quotequote all
Eski1991 said:
That threw me as well, don't really understand why that's been done.
C40 doesn't sound as "good" as C63. It doesn't feel like progress.

Much prefer the old car.

Grandfondo

12,241 posts

205 months

Tuesday 23rd September 2014
quotequote all
gregf40 said:
Errrrrr...why have they glued an iPad to the top of the dash?

Just looks like a cheap and nasty afterthought!