In time with celebrating the team’s third Formula One constructors’ title, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia proudly presents the all-new C 63 S Coupé, the most powerful V8 model in its segment.
“As the latest addition to the Mercedes-Benz Dream Car Collection, the C 63 S Coupé clearly marks the next performance level of AMG. It offers our customers the experience of first-hand excellence in its muscular design that distinctly holds the AMG DNA with the undisputed power delivery of a 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbo engine from Affalterbach,” says Mark Raine, Vice President, Sales & Marketing Passenger Cars, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia.
Design
The Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Coupe look very different compared to a standard C Coupe with them sharing only the doors, roof and boot lid. To better transfer and control the power from the engines, wider tires are fitted to the C 63. To accommodate said tires requires flared wheel arches that make the AMG Coupé 64 millimetres wider at the front and 66 millimetres wider at the rear.
Seen from the front, the 60-millimetre-longer aluminium bonnet is adorned by two distinctive power domes, which are among the typical distinguishing features and underscore the muscular appearance while the extremely wide front section is characterised by large air inlets and precisely positioned flics. Sitting prominently in the center is the low, arrow-shaped “twin blade” radiator grille with AMG lettering and below it is the typical AMG “A-wing” serves as an air deflector for the three cooling air intakes with additional flics ensure an optimal flow of air to the cooling modules. Finally a front splitter at the bottom of the front apron helps to reduce front-axle lift.
The new Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Coupé is also available as “Edition 1”. The extraordinary combination of exclusive design and equipment features is inspired by the appearance of the Mercedes-AMG C 63 DTM racing coupés.
Two exterior designs address different customer wishes. The sport stripes are rendered in graphite grey matt and the rim flanges of the matt black forged wheels have a high-sheen cross-spoke design. Sport tyres and the ceramic high-performance compound braking system are available as an option for this variant. In addition, all exterior paint finishes are available for this model.
The other variant is particularly striking: The colour scheme in designo magno selenite grey matt paint with yellow film coating borrows the look of the International Motor Show launch version of the 2016 C 63 DTM and thus highlights its proximity to motor sport. Yellow sport stripes adorn the engine bonnet, roof, boot lid as well as the side lines above the rocker panels.
With yellow painted rim flanges, the extremely light and matte black Performance 5-twin-spoke forged wheels also set distinctive accents. Size 9.0 J x 19 with 255/35 R 19 tyres are used at the front, 10.5 J x 20 with 285/30 R 20 tyres at the rear. The custom sports tyres offer a tangibly enhanced level of traction on dry roads.
In both variants, the AMG Aerodynamics package in high-gloss black enhances the racing-inspired appearance. The additional large front spoiler, specific side sills, lateral stall strips integrated into the rear bumper, the specific rear diffuser and the specific stall strip on the boot lid not only reduce lift, but also sharpen the visual impression.
From the side, every joint and light-catching contour blends in harmoniously with the overall design. Strong shoulder lines link the headlamps to the rear while the diagonal view from behind shows a muscular line from roof to shoulder via side wall. The wheel cut-out looks especially impressive, adding to the impression of an intricately modelled sculpture with alternating light reflections. The exterior mirrors are mounted on the door rather than in the mirror triangle.
The C 63 S runs on tyres of sizes 255/35 R 19 (front) and 285/30 R 19 (rear) mounted on 19-inch AMG cross-spoke forged wheels, painted matte black with high-sheen rim flange. The C 63 S Edition 1 includes staggered tyres, also with forged cross-spoke wheels, painted matte black with high-sheen rim flange. The front axle features tyres of size 255/35 R 19 while the rear axle is fitted with tyres of size 285/30 R 20.
The rear end features a diffuser insert that invokes a typical feature from motor sport. The special design of the laterally positioned, optical air outlet openings improves the rear air flow, allowing it to break away with aerodynamically advantageous precision. The boot lid includes a narrow spoiler lip in the form of a sharp blade that not only looks elegant, but also produces more downforce on the rear axle.
Performance
The C 63 S Coupé uses the same 4.0-litre eight-cylinder biturbo engine 510HP/700Nm as the Mercedes-AMG GT that makes it a stellar performer.
How good? The C 63 S Coupé accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds. The top speed is 290 km/h (with AMG Driver’s Package). Like the GT sports car, the engine features dry sump lubrication; A characteristic feature is that the two turbochargers are positioned not on the outside of the cylinder banks, but between them in the ‘V’ – experts call this a ‘hot inside V’. The main advantages of this design are the compact engine construction with optimal response and low exhaust gas emissions.
For all it’s power, Mercedes-Benz has also paid heed to enhancing fuel consumption figures of the C 63 S Coupé . Spray-guided direct petrol injection system ensures clean and efficient combustion with high thermodynamic efficiency while fast-acting piezo injectors enable multiple injections of fuel are delivered to the engine on demand and with the utmost precision.
There’s quite a bit of Formula 1 wizardy on this engine. The patented NANOSLIDE cylinder coating reduces the friction of the cylinder liners and increases durability. Closed deck design of the crankcase is used to increase its stability and lightweight forged pistons lower the engine weight while offering supreme strength.
The large cooling system ensures the engine’s performance even under extreme stress ‑ for example during track days on the racetrack. The same is true for the flow-optimised cylinder heads, which are made of a special heat-resistant alloy.
Continuous adjustment of the intake and exhaust camshafts improves power delivery and efficiency while an oil pump with variable control also contributes to low fuel consumption.
And god, the sound this baby makes!
AMG DYNAMIC SELECT allows the driver to select driving mode and the engine sound varies accordingly between discreet/suitable for long-distance driving and throaty/emotionally appealing.
A performance exhaust system with three selectable exhaust flaps is available in both variants. This gives the driver an even wider sound range: In driving mode “Comfort”, the engine is even more comfortable and quiet, while in “Sport +” and “Race” mode the typical sound of an AMG V8 is even more dominant. Simply put; it sounds absolutely glorious when floored.
Ride and Handling
I had a chance to hop into the C 63 S Coupé driven by Peter Hackett, Chief Driving Instructor for Mercedes Benz Driving Experience around Sepang and under his adept hands, the ’63 S’ moniker shines brightest.
The AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission shifts quickly and seamlessly, regardless in automatic or initiated by the driver using the steering wheel shift paddles. The list of tech that makes the C 63 S Coupé perfect for high speed runs is long. Among them are:-
- specially designed suspension with a high percentage of aluminium, performance-oriented kinematics, electronically controlled shock absorbers and AMG-specific elastokinematics
- A four-link front suspension with radial, racing-style brake connections is used. Model-specific steering knuckles and a wider track allow greater lateral acceleration.
- AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension where the driver is able to choose between maximum sportiness and pronounced long-distance comfort in three stages at the push of a button.
- The damping stages can be selected via the DYNAMIC SELECT driving modes or with a separate button.
- an electronic rear-axle limited-slip differential, reducing the slip on the inside wheel when cornering, without control interventions in the braking system.
- A 3-stage ESP® with the settings “ESP On”, “Sport Handling Mode” and “ESP Off” works in perfect unison with the rear-axle limited-slip differential and is optimally tuned to the outstanding dynamics.
- An electromechanical, speed-sensitive sports steering
- AMG high-performance composite braking system to account for the increased performance.
AMG DYNAMIC SELECT driving modes
The four different driving modes “Comfort”, “Sport”, “Sport+” and “Individual” allow drivers to influence the characteristics of their Coupé. The C 63 S Coupé has an additional “RACE” driving mode allowing for a completely personalised driving style. The driver selects the driving experience using a controller to the left of the touchpad. You can see where they’re positioned in the video HERE.
“Comfort” is the well-balanced driving mode with a comfort-oriented suspension and steering set-up as well as a fuel-efficient powertrain configuration – including smooth gearshifts and a discreet exhaust note. The “sailing function” for a further reduction in fuel consumption is completely new: when the driver releases the accelerator in a speed range between 60 and 160 km/h, the clutch of the MCT transmission is disengaged and the engine is decoupled from the powertrain. The electronics reduce the engine speed to idle level, and the driving resistance is reduced by the compression and frictional forces of the engine in overrun mode.
The driving modes “Sport” and “Sport+” enhance the sporty intensity. “RACE” is exclusive to the C 63 S Coupé and the optimal setting for ambitious laps on a racetrack.
Unique in its segment, the C 63 S Coupé is equipped with dynamic engine mounts that instantly and variably able to adapt their rigidity to the driving conditions and style of driving. Soft engine mounts improve comfort, as they provide more effective decoupling of noise and vibration. However, handling and agility benefit from a generally stiffer mount set-up. The driver feels more connected to the vehicle when driving dynamically, as there is more feedback and the steering response is more direct. All in all, the driver benefits from a more precise driving sensation.
Cabin Convenience
The careful selection of high-class materials, their high-quality touch and feel as well as the meticulous workmanship lend the interior a high-class appeal. The instrument panel is trimmed with black ARTICO man-made leather. Numerous AMG-specific controls underscore the motor sport heritage. AMG Performance seats are available as standard, allowing the occupants a lower seating position and are more strongly contoured for increased lateral support.
Depending on which variant, the C 63 S Coupé interior differs significantly. Edition 1 features the AMG Performance seats upholstered in Nappa leather, including the colour yellow in the contrasting topstitching of the specific diamond pattern (as opposed to red stitching in the standard C 63 S). In addition, the more sharply-contoured seat shape enhances lateral support, particularly in curves taken at high speed. Yellow contrasting topstitching is also found on the door centre panels, the armrests, the steering wheel rim and the beltlines.
Additional yellow accents adorn the instrument cluster, the AMG-specific analogue clock in IWC design and the floor mats. With the DINAMICA microfibre Performance steering wheel with flat bottom, the driver always has the C 63 S Coupé safely under control. The matte carbon trim in the centre console rounds out the impressive appearance of the Edition 1 model.
Safety
All assistance systems available for the C-Class Coupé can also be ordered for the C 63 S Coupé. It comes as standard with the further advanced ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection system and Driver Assistance Package Plus, a combination of complementary safety and assistance systems helps to relieve driver strain, reduces the risk of accidents and improves protection for the occupants as well as other road users.
Ownership
The AMG Performance Studio offers technical and design highlights that make the Mercedes-AMG C 63 Coupé even sportier, more exclusive and more customized to individual taste. You can specify your C-Class Coupé to have the following;-
AMG Night package includes:
· Silver chrome louvre in the radiator grille
· A-wing trim strip in high-gloss black
· Shoulderline trim strip and window surrounds in high-gloss black
· Rear bumper trim strip in high-gloss black
· Exterior mirror housings in high-gloss black
· Sports exhaust system with two chrome-plated twin tailpipe tips
AMG Exterior Carbon-Fibre package:
· A-wing of the front bumper in carbon
· Side sill panel inserts in carbon
· Upper trim panel of rear bumper in carbon
AMG Performance Studio interior:
· Performance seats for driver and passenger with more heavily contoured seat for enhanced lateral support, integral head restraints and “AMG” badge in the backrests
· Two-tone nappa leather red pepper/black or platinum white/black, perforated
· Carbon-fibre/light aluminium trim with longitudinal grain
· Matte silver glass fibre/aluminium with bright longitudinal grain trim
The C 63 S Coupé retails for RM773,88 whereas the Edition 1 with Matt black AMG stripes asks for RM795,888. The Edition 1 with Yellow AMG stripes’s price is upon request by the customer. Prices are OTR excluding insurance inclusive of GST.
For all its performance, style and considering how our currency is faring, the price is a steal for those who could afford it. The C 63 S Coupé befits its position in Mercedes Benz Malaysia’s Dream Cars range and if you want something that’s more powerful and something to move up from the A45, this would be the best option. Not as fancy as the AMG GT nor as huge as the S 63 Coupé, the C 63 S Coupé offers both power and day-to-day usability when travelling on our roads. I’d take one any time.
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