The partnership between Mercedes-Benz and its AMG tuning division is one of the most successful ventures in the auto industry. This impressive cooperation started with various racing products and later into high-performance street vehicles like the C63. In 2014, the rebranded Mercedes-AMG introduced the Mercedes-AMG C63 to succeed the W204 C63 AMG, the bestselling AMG model at the time.
Since the launch of the new nomenclature, Mercedes-AMG sought to set new benchmarks and deliver an exceptionally dynamic driving experience. Despite the increasing population of high-performance SUVs, the compact Mercedes-AMG C63 has held its own, blowing away almost everything else on the road. Mercedes-AMG knocked it out of the park with the well-rounded Mercedes-AMG C63, so here are ten reasons why it's one of our favorite German cars.
10 The Dominant Exterior Design
The Mercedes-AMG C63 is at the forefront of the highly competitive compact performance segment, flaunting a dominant yet elegant exterior design influenced by motorsport. Notable design cues from the front include a long aluminum hood with two distinctive power domes, a twin-blade arrow-shaped radiator grille, and a three-dimensional A-wing.
The rear-end features a diffuser with three fins, visual air outlets on either side and two chrome-plated twin-end pipes. Unlike segment rivals like the Alfa Romeo Giulia, Audi RS 5, and the BMW M4, the Mercedes-AMG C63 is available in four body styles; coupe, sedan, wagon, and convertible. Buyers can have each of the Mercedes-AMG C63 body styles in either standard C63 or higher-spec C63 S trim levels.
9 The Sporty Interior Ambience
Every detail in the Mercedes-AMG C63's interior is carefully selected and contributes to the stunning overall sporty ambience. The AMG Performance seats in the front encapsulate sportiness in the seating position, with noticeable lateral support during spirited driving maneuvers. Like the exterior, the precise Mercedes-Benz craftsmanship delivers a sense of detailing and quality that remains unmatched even in some higher vehicle classes.
At the same time, the choice of first-class materials such as wood and aluminum accents, Nappa leather, and Dinamica microfiber all around the cabin exudes luxury and great tactile qualities. The Mercedes-AMG C63 benefits from the impressive C-Class interior space, offering an engaging environment with features like dual-zone climate control, power panorama roof, remote start, a garage door opener, and a 64-color LED lighting system.
8 The Class-Leading In-Car Tech
The Mercedes-AMG C63 comes standard with a configurable 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with pin-sharp graphics, arguably one of the best systems on the market. In addition, an intuitive 10.25-inch central infotainment system complements the driver's display, equipped with an optional AMG Track Pace, which offers selected live telemetric data for track attacks.
The infotainment includes the latest features, from Apple CarPlay to Android Auto, Bluetooth audio streaming, SiriusXM satellite radio, HD radio, and dual USB audio ports. A Burmester surround-sound audio system is also standard, while optional features include a head-up display, factory navigation, Wi-Fi hotspot, and TuneIn Radio.
7 An Extensive Range Of Safety Features
Mercedes-AMG ensured that the highest level of safety was available through extensively enhanced assistance systems. Standard equipment includes a drowsiness warning system with Attention Assist and Collision Prevention Assist Plus, a rearview camera, automatic adaptive high beams, and rain-sensing windshield wipers.
The Mercedes-AMG C63 also features a Driver Assistance Package, a suite of driver assistance aids with several Level 2 semi-autonomous features. These include Active Distance Assist, Active Steering Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Stop-and-Go Assist, Active Parking Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Lane-Changing Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control.
6 The High-Tech Motorsport Components
Mercedes-AMG optimized the C63's performance with high-tech components derived from motorsport. The C63 features an enhanced electronically controlled AMG rear-axle locking differential adjusted to match the rear axle for an extremely sporty level of driving stability and traction.
With the Mercedes-AMG C63 housing a powerful drive system, the enduring AMG ceramic high-performance compound braking system is the perfect counterpart. Compared with standard brakes, the ceramic composite braking system boasts low weight to enhance agility, not forgetting its ability to maintain precise control and maximum durability even under extreme load.
5 The Superior Performance In Everyday Driving
Although the sensual clarity blends well with the stylish sporting character, Mercedes-AMG ensured that the form follows performance, reflecting the innovative technology underneath. The Mercedes-AMG C63 shines with fascinating agility, optimum neutrality, and high cornering speeds thanks to the AMG Ride Control sports suspension.
Drivers can adjust the four-link front and multilink rear suspension in three stages, varying between good long-distance comfort and maximum sporting performance. In conjunction with the electromechanical speed-sensitive AMG sports steering, the standard 3-stage functions — ESP On, Sport Handling Mode, and ESP Off - ensure agile and precise handling for superior performance in everyday driving.
4 The Available AMG Drive Programs
The Mercedes-AMG C63 comes with different AMG Dynamic Select drive programs that allow the driver to define the driving experience. 'Controlled Efficiency' is the most balanced drive program, characterized by fuel-optimized drivetrain settings and a comfortable steering set-up and suspension. On the other hand, the 'Gliding Function' facilitates further reduction in fuel consumption by decoupling the engine from the drivetrain when the driver eases off the accelerator between 37 and 100 mph.
The 'Sport' and 'Sport+' drive programs increase the C63's sporting intensity, while 'Individual' allows the driver to carry out an extensive self-configuration. 'Race' is reserved exclusively for the C63 S variants, the optimum setting for ambitious laps on closed racetracks.
3 The Sweet-Sounding Biturbo V-8
The Mercedes-AMG C63 houses the M177 4.0-liter V-8 Biturbo engine, a BlueDIRECT engine hand-built according to the legendary 'one man, one engine' principle. The M177 engine delivers 469hp in the C63 and 503hp in the C63 S, with each powertrain paired to an AMG Speedshift MCT nine-speed sports transmission.
With the targeted lightweight design, motorsport-adopted alloys, and cylinder barrels boasting Nanoslide technology, the M177 engine is notable for high efficiency, outstanding power delivery, and environmental compatibility. The most significant C63 characteristic is the memorable acoustic experience from the sports exhaust or optional AMG Performance exhaust system, changing from raw emotive appeal to inconspicuous comfort depending on the drive program.
2 The Most Fuel-Efficient V-8 In Class
Despite rocking a V-8, the Mercedes-AMG C63 maintains a leading role in the core challenge of efficiency. In addition to outstanding engine performance and data, the C63 sets benchmarks in its class for fuel consumption.
Shifting from the 6.3-liter V-8 naturally aspirated engine to the 4.0-liter Biturbo V-8 resulted in approximately 32% less fuel consumption. According to EPA estimates, the Mercedes-AMG returns 21 MPG combined, relatively better than the Audi RS 5 and BMW M4, considering these segment rivals come with a V-6.
1 Earmarked For Hybridization
Unfortunately, Mercedes-AMG plans to make the landmark switch from the signature V-8 engine to four-cylinder hybrid power with the next generation C63. As disappointing as that sounds, Mercedes-AMG must conform to stricter emission regulations. The first performance hybrid has already set benchmarks to become the most powerful production model from Affalterbach.
On the bright side, Mercedes tuned the electrified version of the turbocharged 2.0-liter M139 gasoline engine to kick out 470hp, making it the most powerful four-cylinder engine in production. Through the P3 Drivetrain, the next-generation C63 is expected to feature a 201hp EV motor on the rear axle, giving a combined 670hp.