PURE fascination and breathtaking dynamics – the new Mercedes-AMG C 63 sets benchmarks. The high-tech drive, the signature AMG handling and the high level of individuality in equipment choices guarantee an utterly unique driving experience. The top model in the C-Class line-up is driven by a 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine closely related to the power unit that provides breathtaking propulsion in the Mercedes-AMG GT. The power spectrum ranges from 350 kW (476 hp) in the C 63 to 375 kW (510 hp) in the C 63 S. The extensive range of standard equipment includes the AMG Ride Control sports suspension with electronically controlled shock absorbers and the AMG Dynamic Select drive programmes. As a sports saloon and high-performance estate car the new Mercedes-AMG C 63 offers compelling engine data with exceptionally low consumption figures, outstanding longitudinal and lateral dynamics and a high level of everyday usability. The V8 top model in the C-Class is available in a choice of four variants – the saloon and the estate are both offered as the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S and C 63, with the C 63 S set up for even more dynamic handling and performance. “We are also marking the beginning of a new era with the new nomenclature. The successor to the Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG, which has been incredibly successful worldwide, will now be called the Mercedes-AMG C 63,” says Tobias Moers, CEO of Mercedes-AMG. “At 40,000 units, the 204 C 63 AMG was the bestselling AMG model. We will now add to this success with the new Mercedes-AMG C 63. Be it in drive, handling or equipment, the Mercedes-AMG C 63 sets new benchmarks and will further strengthen our brand promise ‘Driving Performance'. AMG customers can look forward to an exceptionally dynamic driving experience.” The C 63 is at the forefront of the competitive field. The new high-performance vehicles are the only ones in the segment to be equipped with an eight-cylinder biturbo engine. The result is sporty power delivery and a highly emotional engine sound – a signature of the AMG brand. The C 63 S accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 4.0 seconds and the C 63 in 4.1 seconds (Estate: 4.1 and 4.2 seconds respectively), with the top speed electronically limited at 250 km/h. Impressive efficiency improvement is rooted in the new drive package. The M177 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine, the newest member of the BlueDIRECT engine family. The innovative eight-cylinder is notable for its outstanding power delivery, targeted lightweight design, high efficiency and environmental compatibility. It also fulfils the highest standards in terms of noise and vibration comfort. A large part of the direct and sporty character of the new Mercedes-AMG C 63 is attributable to the transmission. The AMG Speedshift MCT 7-speed sport transmission offers a compelling mix of tailor-made dynamics and exceptional variability. The MCT transmission was extensively redeveloped for application in the C 63 and is now even faster in its reaction times. Be it automatic or triggered at the steering wheel paddle by the driver, a manual up or down-shift is noticeably faster. The transmission is now significantly more spontaneous in the “Sport +” and manual modes in particular. One look at the drive programmes shows the high variability of the AMG Speedshift MCT 7-speed sport transmission. The available choices are “Controlled Efficiency”, “Sport” and “Sport +” and “Race”. The driver chooses from the various drive programmes with the aid of the AMG Dynamic Select switch. The “temporary M” function, activated by using the paddles, delivers a further increase in dynamics. The AMG Dynamic Select drive programmes influence the characteristics of the C 63. The C 63 S exclucively features the “Race” programme, which enables a maximum level of individualization, the “Individual” drive programme also allows extensive self-configuration. Every detail in the interior of the C 63 contributes to a stunning overall effect. The careful choice of select, first-class materials, their sumptuous tactile qualities and their precision craftsmanship deliver a sense of quality that is seldom seen even in higher vehicle classes. Like the exterior, the more powerful C 63 S is distinguished from the C 63 on the inside by a number of design details. The dashboard is finished in black Artico man-made leather, with the premium look-and-feel further enhanced by stitching in crystal grey, the wing-like trim element in aluminum and the AMG-exclusive, IWC-design analogue clock (depending on equipment choice). Next to the touchpad is the AMG Dynamic Select switch as well as a number of AMG-specific controls, such as the button for the 3-stage Ride Control sport suspension, the 3-stage ESP and the optional button for the performance exhaust system with flap control. Highest safety levels The C-Class features many of the new and extensively enhanced assistance systems that celebrated their world premieres just a few months ago in the S and E-Class. Standard equipment on-board the C 63 includes enhanced drowsiness warning system Attention Assist and Collision Prevention Assist Plus, which helps to avoid rear-end collisions. The assistance systems increase both comfort and safety. Mercedes-Benz calls this “Intelligent Drive”. The predecessor to the new C-Class already demonstrated impressive results in terms of passive safety. The new model exceeds these and sets new benchmarks. The Mercedes-AMG C63 and C63 S will be available in February 2015. Pricing starts from $88,000 for the C63 and $97,000 for the C63 S. — SG
