2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG C 63

Think of a C-class compact sedan, slap a hand-built twin-turbo V-8 under the bonnet, and you’ve got a demonic weapon to nudge archrival BMW. The Alfa pizza with a Ferrari ingredient and American hotrod ATS-V are also in the rivalry.

The AMG C63 starts life with 4 liter V8 punching out 469 horsepower and a $65,200 sticker price. There is also an S variant that climbs up to more than 500 horsepower. The $5550 Premium 3 package contains Mercedes-Benz’s COMAND infotainment system bundled with a dozen or so driver-assist systems. The cheaper alternative is Premium 2, which provides COMAND without the extra gear for less than half the cost. Other options include the following:

1. Carbon Ceramic Brakes($5450)
2. Forged Wheels With Performance Tires($1600)
3. Performance Seats($2500)
4. Performance Exhaust System($1250)

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A base variant is a sensible option. You can opt for several different options which significantly adds up the price. Also recommended is spending $990 for the optional head-up display to help keep eyes on the road.

Affalterbach, Germany is home of AMG where for nearly 50 years championship racecars are created. Each AMG engine is assembled by a single technician – you’ll find their name proudly inscribed on it. Seamless performance comes from the 4.0 liter V8 Biturbo that produces 469 hp @5500 rpm and 479ft-lb of torque at 1750 rpm.

That’s for the standard car, 503bhp and 516lb ft for the S, somewhat incredibly making up the same bhp as the AMG GT S, but with an extra 37lb ft of torque. The C 63 Speedshift automatic transmission has nine speeds, paddle shifters, and a wet-starting clutch in lieu of a torque converter for lower rotating inertia and quicker response. Whether automatic or actuated by the driver, upshifts and downshifts are executed quickly.

The Mercedes also looks to one-up BMW, Cadillac, and Lexus with a bi-turbo V-8. “Hot inside V” describes the energy-efficient, space-saving layout that stuffs turbochargers between the engine’s V-shaped banks. Developed in-house by the AMG performance division, the V-8 makes fewer ponies than the M3. The CTS-V makes more power than the AMG which only helps at a higher speed. 

Acceleration

The stats of three-pointed stars are suitably impressive, V8 Biturbo thrusts this monster from 0 to 60 in 4.0 seconds and taking 11.9 seconds to accomplish the quarter-mile mark topping out at 155 miles per hour. It is really, quick. But it’s also not spiky, or scary, or any of the other things that make you back off.

The whole point of that AMG badge on the front grill and the tail end is to go fast and the C63 does. The emissions are also quite controlled, which helps keep the environment safe too.

Just like the AMG powered Merc, the BMW and the Cadillac are very fast cars, taking close to 4 seconds to make the 0 to 60 mph run. The quarter-mile is a little slower though, taking a little 12 seconds. Lexus is the slowest here, otherwise, 0 to 60 in just 4.5 seconds should not be considered slow.

Ride and Handling

Handling of the Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 Sedan strikes the perfect balance between hooligan and ballerina, which is to say it can be wild if you want it, and composed if you need it. The ride can a bit harsh though, but not too harsh, and even though the tires are grippy, the massive wave of torque from the engine can send the rear wheels into a power slide every time you put your foot down.

With the AMG Traction Control, it derives from the AMG GT-R, which is the state-of-the-art stability control system, which is the main highlight of the C63's drivetrain. For maximum grip within the corners and dial down intrusiveness of the traction control, you get nine levels of restriction. However, shifting the dial to the max is not for the fainthearted and has to experimented with the utmost care.

Braking 

The Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 Sedan uses an all disc brake setup, a pair of 15.4 inches in the front and 14.2 inches in the rear. Combined with a curb weight of 3829 pounds, the car manages to decelerate quite quickly. 

It only takes 106 feet to stop from 60 mph which is quite good for the segment.

Both BMW and Cadillac use disc brakes all around, just like the Mercedes. Handling is also great for both of them, with oodles of grip that would make a track day worth your time. The only problem is that the fun factor feels a little down, especially compared to the Merc.

Biturbo technology combines power with efficiency. It returns 21 MPG combined which is pretty decent for a performance-oriented car. Fuel efficiency usually is not a concern for people buying an AMG Mercedes, but it still helps when the fuel expenses don't burn a hole through your pocket.

The C63 AMG Sedan is fairly economical in that regard, managing to run 18 miles in the city on a single gallon of gas, and 24 miles on the highway on the same amount of fuel. 

AMG C 63 proves to be very fuel-efficient when contrasted with rivals like M5 and CTS-V. The Lexus GS F, instead of low power can't make up for it. 

The interior of the AMG C63 offers a wealth of fine details and precise workmanship. Inside you get the same C- class layout with a sprinkling of AMG-ness, three air vents placed below a freestanding infotainment screen on the center console, and loads of premium materials (leather, microfiber, aluminum) used all over.

The seats are sporty and highly bolstered, the steering wheel has three spokes and a flat bottom, and the gauge cluster is unique to the AMG line. Contrast stitching is used as well. The touchpad is flanked by the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT switch and several AMG-specific controls. The headroom and legroom are ample for an average size adult. 

The Mercedes’ haute couture interior is strictly two-plus-two. But it makes a Cadillac CTS-V and Lexus GS F look something from a decade ago. There is still a long way to go before they can catch up to its German rivals. The BMW, on the other hand, is driver-focused and well laid. 

Interior Features

Some of the standard features are as follows:

• 4G LTE connectivity
• Bluetooth Audio
• Mobile Wi-Fi
• USB Input
• Navigation with real-time traffic and weather updates (optional)

Infotainment System

The COMMAND infotainment system on the Mercedes uses a standard 10.2-inch infotainment screen, which boasts clear graphics that comes with modern features such as Apple CarPlay and  Android Auto.

The interface is high-res and intuitive to use, unlike most infotainments which leave you confused about which menu to open. The Burmester surround sound system is an audiophile's dream, which fills the cabin with a crisp clear sound.

Infotainment Features

• 13-speaker Burmester sound system
• Live Traffic Information 
• Android Auto & Apple Car Play
• Voice Navigation
• Bluetooth Audio

Cargo Capacity 

Practicality is another important aspect for the sedan buyers and the AMG C63 provides ample cargo spaces for your luggage. The boot has a wide opening, which can swallow maximum luggage for a daily driver and even a weekend’s getaway.

On the inside, you'd find plenty of cubby holes to put your Starbucks cappuccinos in. The rear seats can also be folded down to make up for more space.

The M5 offers better cargo space than the Merc, although not many people will use these cars for carrying luggage. The Cadillac offers a disappointing 13.7 cubic feet of space, despite of being huge in size.

The C63 exhibits characters which you expect from the top of the line AMG model. Upfront is the conventional three-pointed star, which is bisected by a “twin-blade” radiator grille. Underneath that is an "A-wing" guard, with huge side intakes and a front splitter that bulges off the button.

Around the flanks, there are aggressive side skirts. The doors are frameless, and there's matte chrome trim around the A-column. In back are signature AMG taillights and a rounded tail. The quad exhaust tips get incorporated with an all-around characterized diffuser.

The C63 casts a large shadow: 187.0 inches long and 72.9 inches wide, the latter attributable to beefy, engorged fenders necessitated by the car’s wider front track and 10.5-inch-wide rear wheels. Its aero honed body and bombshell of volatile curves, make an AMG, a reasonably handsome car in its own right. 

Mercedes-Benz is the smallest when it comes to size and the Cadillac CTS-V is the biggest among all. The second spot is taken by the M5 and the Lexus comes at third.

Exterior Features

The Mercedes C63 AMG has some distinct features on the outside of the vehicle too. These features are listed below:

• All LED exterior lights, including headlights, taillights, and DRLs
• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Quad-pipe tail exhaust
• Huge chrome-lined front grille
• Air-dam on the front bumpers
• Integrated boot spoiler

Mercedes-Benz has fitted the C63 AMG Sedan with plenty of safety features onboard. The most important features that need mentioning are listed below.

• Attention Assist
• Led headlamps and tail lamps
• Crosswind Assist
• Blind Spot Assist
• Rearview Camera
• Brake Assist
• Electronic Stability Program
• Collision Prevention Assist Plus
• Collision Prevention Assist Plus
• Attention Assist
• LED Daytime Running Lamps

NHTSA and IIHS ratings for the Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 Sedan are not available

Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 Vs BMW M4

Get in the driver's seat of the M5 and set for explosive acceleration and razor-sharp handling. Power originates from a 600-hp twin-turbo V8, with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed double-clutch automatic and rear-wheel drive.

BMW has made a decent attempt to camouflage that the M4 is turbocharged, with sharp throttle reactions conveying close moment help, and the DCT gearbox handles these sudden torque spikes superior to anything the manual does. Both the German rivals fight neck to neck in all the aspects while the BMW produces significantly low horsepower.

Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 Vs Cadillac CTS-V

Cadillac CTS-V is powered by a supercharged 640-hp 6.2-liter V-8, Brembo brakes, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and rear-wheel drive. A manual is not available, but you won’t mind when this brute hits 60 mph in 3.6 seconds and 100 mph just 3.9 seconds later

The steering is accurate yet heavy, while the ride is surprisingly smooth thanks to a magnetorheological suspension. Cadillac claims a top speed of 200 mph which is amazing.The ATS-V lags behind in terms of quality and driving experience if compared to the AMG demon.

Easier to drive fast than a BMW M5, more fun than any Alfa Romeo, eats a Cadillac for breakfast. But more than that, it’s more fun, because it works with you, rather than scaring you silly.

That is big news when you have a car that is unpretentious yet attractive, a flat out satisfaction to drive fast, equipped for carrying the family you know you have a winner.