Bilster Berg is an absolute monster of a observe. Nestled in a hilly pocket of Center of Nowhere, Germany, the two.6-mile race course is sort of a rollercoaster for vehicles. Its 19 turns are largely blind, with tremendous fast elevation adjustments that problem even essentially the most expert drivers. And in a sports activities automotive as ferocious as Mercedes‘ notoriously unhinged AMG C63, the expertise is as pleasant as it’s terrifying.
Proper from the beginning, the AMG C63 roars to life with a demeanor extra Mustang GT350 than prim-and-proper
Mercedes-Benz
. The four.Zero-liter biturbo V8 engine carries over unchanged for 2019, with 469 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque in its customary spec, or 503 horsepower and 516 pound-feet in S guise. It is nonetheless as grumbly and burbly as ever, with two ranges of exhaust quantity that actually ought to simply be branded “loud” and “louder.”
The C63 eschews its seven-speed automated transmission for 2019; as a replacement, there is a new nine-speed AMG Speedshift gearbox. This dual-clutch transmission makes use of a moist clutch design that permits for smoother begins with out the necessity for a torque converter. Plus, with two further ratios in its gear set, you may doubtless take pleasure in a bit bit higher gas economic system, although official EPA information remains to be forthcoming.
You may discover the tiniest little bit of lag off the road, however when the C63 S’ full 516 pound-feet smacks you at 2,000 rpm, there is no turning again. You’ll purchase each variations of the C63 as a sedan, coupe or cabriolet within the US, and in S spec, all three will rocket to 60 miles per hour in beneath 4 seconds.
Bombing Bilster Berg
On observe, the C63 S sedan and coupe are principally indistinguishable from behind the wheel. The C63 S sedan has a roughly 200-pound weight benefit over the coupe, however the two-door has a barely decrease middle of gravity. You may discover small quantities of roll in each whereas cornering exhausting, however neither automotive actually feels far and away superior to the opposite, even pushed again to again. Each wag their tail a bit when you mash the throttle from a standstill — a great reminder that, whereas the vast majority of Mercedes’ AMG fashions have moved to 4Matic all-wheel drive, the C63 retains a rear-drive setup.
In Sport mode with the traction management on, there’s nonetheless sufficient playfulness that the C63 will slide its rump ‘spherical a nook, the limited-slip differential ensuring issues do not get too out of hand. Go for the S mannequin and it will include the AMG Traction Management first used within the GT R coupe, with 9 completely different ranges of slip prevention.
The C63’s thick-rimmed steering wheel feels nice in my hand, with massive, steel shift paddles that provide satisfying motion whereas swapping cogs. The steering has a contact of on-center deadness that you just actually solely discover on lengthy straights (or, off observe, on the freeway), however there is no scarcity of suggestions or weight whereas hanging on throughout Bilster Berg’s lengthy, again sweeper, or realizing precisely the place your wheels are on the deceptively tight, lowering radius left-hander main into the beginning/end line.
C63 S fashions may be fitted with ceramic composite entrance brakes that provide unbelievable efficiency and no indicators of fade after a day of observe time. Stopping energy is powerful and strong, with surefooted preliminary chunk and progressive pedal response. The C63 will dive a bit beneath heavy braking, and given the tail-happy nature, there is not plenty of room for error must you brake too late going right into a flip. However set the automotive up correctly earlier than delivering and you may take pleasure in unbelievable grip from the Michelin Pilot Tremendous Sport tires, with a bit controllable slide as a devilish reward.
Avenue cred
You might definitely observe the C63 Cabriolet, because it comes with all the identical efficiency prowess as its hardtop siblings. However on a heat summer time day, I might be remiss to not expertise the droptop AMG alongside tree-lined winding roads, the roar of its V8 engine and crackling exhaust filling the cabin at full quantity. There is no tangible efficiency loss by selecting the Cabriolet, and with its customary rear wind deflector and implausible Airscarf neck-warming tech, it is a convertible you can dwell with 12 months spherical.
Mercedes additionally provides the up to date AMG C63 as a wagon, and it is a total hoot. Do not maintain your breath for that one to return stateside. Crossover-hungry Individuals would sooner have a GLC63, anyway.
Rambunctious as it’s, the C63 is a automotive you can actually daily-drive with out criticism. Go away it in Consolation mode and the beast settles down, the metal suspension providing a cushty trip high quality with sufficient compliance to barter damaged pavement on rural German roads. But even in its most sedate setting, a easy kick of the throttle unleashes thrilling sensations whereas passing slowpokes or rapidly pulling away from stoplights.
Consolation, to me, looks like a terrific baseline for the C63: Aggressive sufficient to by no means allow you to neglect to procure the AMG, however not so overpowering that you just really feel just like the automotive is continually making an attempt to get away from you. Transfer as much as Sport and Sport+ modes for sharper throttle response and transmission programming that’ll maintain you in decrease gears for longer durations of time. I am unable to actually really feel a discernible distinction between these two modes alongside the hilly roads of northern Germany, however each really feel splendidly tuned for the type of spirited again highway blasting that the C63 does finest. In its sporty drive modes with that unbelievable V8 main the cost, the AMG C-Class is a extra pleasing steer than its Audi RS5 and
BMW M4
rivals.
Toggle the Drive Choose swap to Particular person mode and you may select your personal journey with separate changes for the powertrain, suspension and exhaust, in addition to a brand new AMG Dynamics menu with Fundamental, Superior, Professional and Grasp profiles that alter driving parameters like engine response and stability management. Lastly, a brand new Slippery setting is finest reserved for inclement climate, and Race mode, properly, that one wants no clarification.
If I am to register any actual criticism in regards to the AMG C63, it is that this myriad adjustability frankly looks like overkill. “We tried to unfold the applications a bit wider,” a Mercedes-Benz product planner tells me, saying Consolation is supposedly extra comfy than earlier than, and Sport a bit sportier. Nonetheless, the automaker is aware of its clients “will not use every part,” however it will somewhat supply an excessive amount of adjustability than not sufficient. “That,” they are saying, “is at all times welcome.”
A 10.25-inch infotainment display and redesigned steering wheel with redundant controls spotlight the up to date C63’s cabin.
Mercedes-Benz
Spot the variations
Regardless of serving because the mid-cycle refresh for the W205-generation C-Class, visible enhancements for 2019 are decidedly minor. Certain, you would possibly have the ability to spot the marginally reshaped lighting components or subtly tweaked entrance and rear valences, however I am going to wager to donuts the very first thing you discover is the fitment of Mercedes’ Panamericana grille. The vertical slat design is rapidly spreading throughout AMG’s complete lineup, and it seems to be completely killer on the C63.
Inside, the C63 will get the identical updates as the rest of the 2019 C-Class range. Which means you may discover a redesigned, flat-bottom steering wheel with thumbpad controllers for the instrument cluster and central infotainment show. The C63-specific wheel provides a dial within the decrease proper opening to regulate drive modes and the AMG Traction Management, in addition to a pair of buttons on the left aspect for separate exhaust quantity and suspension stiffness (sure, much more adjustability).
Like its AMG C43 counterpart, the C63 comes with a bigger 10.25-inch infotainment display atop the middle stack. It nonetheless runs the outdated model of Mercedes’ COMAND software program, although Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are customary, and the C63 will get the AMG Observe Tempo efficiency information app, too. Non-obligatory extras embrace navigation, a Wi-Fi hotspot and wi-fi telephone charging, in addition to a 12.Three-inch digital instrument cluster with reconfigurable shows.
You actually cannot go unsuitable with any model of the Mercedes-AMG C63.
Mercedes-Benz
If it ain’t broke, do not repair it
Given how minor these updates actually are, do not count on an enormous worth hike when the 2019 C63 fashions hit US showrooms early subsequent 12 months. Search for base C63 sedan and coupe MSRPs to start out just under $70,000, with S fashions including a couple of thousand extra to that. The C63 Cabriolet, in the meantime, will begin within the mid-$70,000 vary, with the S cresting $80,000.
Actually, Mercedes-Benz did not have to maneuver the needle too far to maintain the AMG C63 on the prime of its sport. Whether or not on full observe assault or blissfully cruising down via the countryside, the C63 offers an enticing, visceral expertise — similar to it at all times has.
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