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Luxury Performance:
Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Sedan

April 1, 2020 by admin 1 Comment

AMG puts its stamp on the Mercedes-Benz C-Class line.

Fast coupes and sedans once held sway on American roads, but crossovers have largely eclipsed them, at least in terms of availability. But not every manufacturer is neglecting cars, with Mercedes-Benz a fitting example of a luxury marque that’s staying the course.

Mercedes-Benz models with performance credentials are marketed as Mercedes-AMG, with Benz dropped in favor of Daimler’s high-performance AMG brand. Daimler owns Mercedes-Benz, AMG, as well as Maybach and Smart. As for AMG, the brand hires its own engineers, who develop handcrafted engines and other performance systems for this special line of vehicles.

2020 Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Sedan Review

Recently, Auto Trends had the opportunity to drive a 2020 Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Sedan. Based on the famous C-Class line of small midsize models, you’ll also find coupe and cabriolet variants. This series is noteworthy for its 4.0-liter bi-turbo V8 engine. AMG also offers a C 43 version that has a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine. For this review, our focus is on the C63 Series.

Exterior

Take a Mercedes-Benz sedan and swap it out with a sporty grille marked by a large tristar emblem and you have the beginnings of what an AMG-inspired model offers. Dramatic LED lighting, a wide lower air intake, custom wheels, and “gold” brake caliper covers are among the distinguishing features.

The current C-Class does an excellent job of borrowing styling attributes from the larger E-Class and S-Class lines. A long hood and a short rear deck are brand trademarks and look great on this model. Body sculpting and distinct character lines suggest a vehicle in motion.

Among the upgrades are an Exterior Lighting Package ($900), which includes adaptive high beam assist and LED lighting.

Interior

“Attention to detail” has long been a Mercedes trait. Happily, the C 63 series reflects this and then some.

On paper, the C 63 seats five, but the middle position on the back seat isn’t nearly as comfortable as the outboard seats. Instead, use that seat for the wonderful arm-rest and cup-holder that drops down with ease.

Big vent dials, chrome trim, and copious amounts of double-stitched leather dominate the cabin. The circular theme is at once sporty and elegant. Try as I might, I kept forgetting that the transmission lever wasn’t the wiper stalk. The lever is on the right side of the steering column and just as thin as a wiper stalk.

Generously bolstered and padded front seats are AMG staples. The thrones offer excellent support from the back of your neck and down to your thighs. I’ve sat in other seats that wear me out after a while (here’s looking at you, Recaro), but the AMG performance chairs didn’t do that to me.

If you are relegated to the back row, you had better hope that the front-seat passengers don’t require extra legroom. Otherwise, expect your knees to press firmly against the seatback. When not in use, the 40/20/40 split fold-down bench seat supplies access to the trunk, which measures a modest 12.6 cubic feet.

Tech

Paying northward of $70,000 for a new vehicle means enjoying fine features befitting its price point. The AMG doesn’t disappoint as it has a 10.25-inch display, an exquisite Burmeister audio system with satellite radio and HD Radio, Bluetooth, USB connectivity, and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone compatibility.

There are, however, a few things that come at an extra cost. Under a $1,250 Multimedia Package, Mercedes offers navigation, a touchpad controller, navigation maps, and live traffic updates supplied by TomTom for three years. Separately, customers may opt for a panorama roof ($1,000), inductive wireless charging ($200), a 12.3-inch digital dashboard ($750), and a head-up display ($1,100).

Safety

Beyond eight airbags and a rearview camera, this AMG comes with a suite of driver-assist features. These include blind-spot assist, active brake assist, adapting braking technology, and crosswind assist. For the remaining features, you’ll need to examine one or both packages.

A Parking Assistance Package ($1,100) combines active parking assist, a surround-view system, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Driver Assistance Package ($1,700) includes steering assist, braking assist, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot assist, and related features.

Performance

A turbocharged V8 engine suggests tremendous power and that’s exactly what Mercedes-AMG delivers here. In standard C 63 form, this engine makes 469 and 479 horsepower. When offered in C 63 S guise, AMG ups the power quotient to a whopping 503 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque.

Sadly, there isn’t a manual transmission to be had. Instead, AMG marries this engine to a quick- and smooth-shifting 9-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Power routes to all four wheels, with a rear-wheel-drive bias. An adaptive damping suspension and an electronic locking rear differential are standard.

The C 63 S is extraordinarily powerful and fast. Its step-off acceleration zooms it to 60 mph in under four seconds. While at highway speeds, a slight tap of the gas pedal will have you passing with ease. There is so much power at the ready that you must take care to control your speed. Even the slightest downward push of the pedal will have this sedan rocketing well above 80 mph. There aren’t too many jurisdictions in the U.S. where that misstep won’t result in a heavy fine.

The joy of back road driving quickly becomes evident as this performance sedan tackles twisty roads and pulls out of corners. The wheels are locked down as you perform your maneuvers with the front and back ends remaining stable as you slalom your way forward. Some of my most challenges courses include 90-degree turns – here, you barely need to take your foot off the pedal — and as long as the roads are dry, no braking is necessary.

Without the benefit of switchbacks, you might not fully appreciate what this sedan can do. Direct steering, spot-on and nicely weighted handling are just two of its chief attributes. Find a parking lot at your local dead mall to give it a go – that’s exactly what I did and the results were fantastic. Big brakes bring this sedan to a quick and firm stop – AMG left nothing out. A roaring engine and a percolating exhaust system simply add to the AMG mystique.

Competitive Set

The C 63’s archrival is the BMW M4. The two manufacturers are bitter opponents. Well, maybe not bitter, but strong competitors with a claim to sports sedan supremacy on the line. But you cannot leave out a third German model, the Audi RS5, when considering this segment. The trio are worth exploring although there are also models from other manufacturers that can make a case too.

Our Recommendation

If you’re already looking at this AMG sedan, then your pockets are deep enough to spring for the upgraded C 63 S, our test model. But that’s a $7,400 difference and you’ll still have to pay extra for the three packages mentioned earlier. Also, you gain only a 0.1-second edge on your 0-60 mph time, which is ultimately inconsequential when comparing these two choices.

2020 Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Sedan Specifications

Mercedes-AMG	2020 C 63 S Sedan
Segment	Compact/Midsize luxury sedan
Price Range	$68,100 (C 63); $75,700 (C 63 S)
Destination Charge	$875
Standard Engine	4.0 liter, bi-turbo V8
Horsepower	469/503 @ 5,500 to 6,250 rpm
Torque (lb.-ft.)	479/516 @ 1,750 to 4,500 rpm
Transmission	9-speed automatic
Seating	5
Curb Weight (pounds)	From 3,874
Wheelbase (inches)	111.8
Length (inches)	187.2
Width (inches)	79.5 (w/mirrors)
Height (inches)	56.1
Head room (f,r…inches)	37.1, 37.1
Legroom (f,r…inches)	41.7, 35.2
Shoulder room (f,r…inches)	55.3, 55.0
Hip room (f,r…inches)	NR
Storage (cubic feet)	12.6
Gross vehicle weight rating (pounds)	NR
Towing (pounds)	NR
Payload (pounds)	NR
Fuel	premium
Fuel Tank (gallons)	17.4
EPA Fuel MPG (city/highway/combined)	18,19/27/21,22
Manufacturing Plant	Affalterbach, Germany

Data compiled by Tom Keegan. Specifications supplied by the manufacturer.

See Also — Mercedes-AMG GLE C 63 S SUV

Looking Ahead: 2017 Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupe

August 21, 2015 by admin 5 Comments

At the Frankfurt International Motor Show next month, count on a number of eye-catching new models making global debuts. One of the most anticipated and visually appealing vehicles will come from the host country, Germany, as Daimler unveils the sinewy 2017 Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupe.

Dubbed by the manufacturer as “the sportiest C-Class ever,” the new coupe does what every product from Mercedes-AMG does best: advance the latest technical features while lifting design and performance benchmarks.

C63 and C63 S Coupes

Available in standard and S Coupe models, the snazzy coupe is powered by a 4.0-liter, V-8 bi-turbo engine with 469 standard horsepower and 503 horsepower in the S Coupe. The engine is the workmanship of the AMG engine plant in Affalterbach. AMG also contributes the rear-axle limited-slip differentials, the engine mounts, the ride control system with electronically controlled shock absorbers, and the dynamic select transmission modes.

Mercedes-AMG will premier the C63 Coupe on September 15, 2015, in Frankfurt. US dealers will begin receiving the new model by early summer 2016.

AMG C63 Coupe

An Exceptional C63 Coupe

Much about the Mercedes-AMG model is different from the standard Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe. Indeed, only the doors, roof and trunk are the same, while the rest of the body is unique to the C63 Coupe. Notably, an increased track width required changes to the front and rear axles, affecting everything from the front end to the rear assembly. Moreover, new front and rear fenders, and wider, flared wheels are also evident.

The aluminum hood measures 2.36 inches longer and is marked by a pair of power domes, what advances this model’s muscular countenance. Large air inlets, a twin blade grille with AMG lettering, and a three-dimensional front spoiler that does double duty as an air deflector for the three cooling air inlets are also present. The front splitter, set at the bottom of the front apron, is tasked with reducing front-axle lift.

Large wheels enhance the coupe’s profile, which finish flush with the body on the far outside and standout side skirts. Distinctive character lines run from the headlamps to the tail lights; a second set of profile lines sweep up from the rocker panel. The roofline suggests a coupe always in motion with the narrowest of B pillars present.

To the rear, a pair of chrome-plated twin tailpipes are mingled with the diffuser. Rear airflow is managed by means of laterally optimized optical air outlet openings. Even the trunk lid has been specially designed to incorporate a spoiler lip that is both stylish and functional. Specifically, it is tasked with reducing rear-axle lift.

AMG C63 Coupe

AMG Motoring Heritage

The 2017 C63 Coupe features an interior that Mercedes says is composed of only the finest high-grade materials. To advance the coupe’s motoring heritage, numerous AMG-specific controls are present. Available performance seats provide a lower seating position and come with more generously formed bolsters in a bid to enhance lateral support.

The C63 Coupe accelerates from 0-to-60 mph in 3.9 seconds and in 3.8 seconds with the S Coupe. Wider tires and shorter-legged rear-axle ratios give this model a slight performance edge over the sedan.

Mercedes-AMG pairs the biturbo engine with a 7-speed sport automatic transmission with steering wheel-mounted shift paddles. The AMG Speedshift MCT transmission is designed to execute upshifts and downshifts faster than the previous model. Four different transmission modes are present; the S Coupe gains an additional “Race” mode.

AMG C63 Coupe

Suspension Changes and New Differentials

Changes to the suspension system equipment and geometry include a four-link front suspension with radial, racing-style brake connections with proprietary steering knuckles and a wider track, to provide greater lateral acceleration.

A newly redesigned rear axle advances a multi-link concept with the wheel bearing contact surfaces shifted slightly to the outside when compared with the sedan. Camber and tuning changes were also accomplished.

The C63 Coupe is outfitted with a mechanical rear-axle limited-slip differential; the S Coupe has the electronic rear-axle limited-slip differential. Both differentials act to reduce slippage on the inside wheel when cornering without activating the control interventions from the braking system.

Better handling, increased stability and a more satisfying driving experience are among the positive results evident.

AMG C63 Coupe

Photos copyright Mercedes-AMG.

Maybach Returns in the Guise of a Mercedes S-Class

January 21, 2015 by admin Leave a Comment

This April, Maybach makes its return…as a Mercedes.

Maybach is the quintessential Mercedes-Benz brand, a Daimler marque founded in 1909. The brand disappeared for five decades following the cessation of World War II, then enjoyed a 15-year revival as a collection of luxuriant models were presented. In 2012, Daimler canceled the brand, citing declining sales.

Well, Maybach’s demise has now led to its resurrection. Indeed, come the 2016 model year, the pinnacle of Daimler brands will reappear, even if that restoration comes in the guise of a sub-brand to Mercedes-Benz.

2016 Mercedes-Maybach S600

Last week, Daimler announced pricing for what will officially be known as the Mercedes-Maybach S600, with the Benz name nowhere to be found. The new model will occupy the top of the S600 range, carry a sticker price of $189,350, and go on sale in April.

The 2016 Mercedes-Maybach S600 made its world premiere at auto shows in Guangzhou and Los Angeles, a fitting joint introduction as the sedan should find a sufficient source of customers in China as well as in the United States.

Spacious, Sumptuous and Chic

Exclusivity is the operative word for the Mercedes-Maybach, what will blend the excellence of the S-Class with the singularity of the Maybach. The differences between models may seem subtle at first, but is best evidenced by looking at its profile. There, the rear doors have been shortened by 2.6 inches, to give it the appearance of a seamless fusion into the sedan’s overall architecture.

Those doors are absent the triangular window found in other models. Instead, it has been relocated to the rear pillar. Mercedes says that the modification was accomplished with an eye toward increasing privacy as well as exclusivity. Further, the stylized Maybach Manufaktur logo – representing a double M inside of an arched triangle – bedecks the rear pillars on both sides.

In the cabin, the Maybach edition provides passengers with what is described as “lounge-style, modern luxury.” The designers outfitted this sedan with a purpose, bringing in a host of refined materials and stylish controls, advancing an atmosphere that is at once sensual as it is opulent.

To bolster the sedan’s exclusivity, the front center armrests are covered with choice Nappa leather or an available semi-aniline upholstery feature embossed with Maybach crests. On the dashboard sits an analog clock with an IWC design.

Additional embellishments include hand-stitched door trim, wood/chrome and leather trim, ambient lighting on the side of the armrest, and additional rear space — gained by extending the sedan’s wheelbase by 7.9 inches. For the customer’s maximum acoustic pleasure, a Burmester® High-End 3D surround sound system is included.

Biturbo Power Extraordinaire

Under the hood, the Maybach is powered by a 6-liter, V-12 Biturbo gasoline engine making 523 horsepower at 4,900 to 5,300 rpm and 612 foot-pounds of torque at 1,900 to 4,000 rpm. That beefy engine is paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission. The sedan has an estimated 0 to 60 mph time of exactly five seconds with a top speed of 155 mph.

The Maybach edition will have all the features of the S-Class and then some. A standard air-balance package provides fragrancing, ionization and improved filtration. This model also comes equipped with a pair of prime, silver-plated champagne flutes made for the onboard bar by Robbe & Berking, silversmiths in Flensburg, Germany.

Other standard equipment will include: a panoramic sliding sunroof, small roller sun blinds for the triangular windows, electric roller sun blinds in the rear door, a business console and leather options. A range of proprietary finishes will also be offered.

S-Class, Halo Edition

Few of us can afford the Mercedes-Benz S-Class or the top-of-the-range Maybach, what will raise the model line’s exclusivity further. Therefore, annual sales will probably number in the low hundreds, effectively maintaining this halo model’s scarcity.

See Also —

Photo courtesy of Mercedes-Benz.