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Icon in the Making
Mercedes C63 AMG
We take the 451hp Mercedes C63 to North America’s largest BMW event, where it fits in rather well in a sea of modified BMWs
There is something about the new Mercedes C63 - something special.
During our test drive of this 451hp sedan we decided it would be an interesting experiment to drive it right into the proverbial lions den - Bimmerfest, the largest gathering of BMW owners in North America.
The reactions were surprising, very surprising. Overwhelmingly, BMW owners stared, drooled, dreamed and complimented the Mars Red Merc.
Which leads us back to that "special thing" that this car has. We don't want to be overly presumptuous, but judging from reactions to the C63, as well as our own tire shredding impressions, this might just be an icon in the making.
DESIGN: BOY RACER INVESTMENT BANKER
Undoubtedly, the C63 looks the part of a classic in the making. While Mercedes has slowly and very subtlely been face-lifting models like the SL and SLK, the C-Class has received a complete overhaul. Starting with a base that is easily the best-looking (and most revolutionary) Mercedes design since the CLS, AMG has created a performance variant that certainly looks like a German sedan with a ferocious 6.2-liter engine.
For starters, there’s the hood. The massive “power domes” would look bizarre on any other vehicle, but on the C63 they mesh perfectly. The car also gets a bold new front end that looks like it has all the aerodynamic efficiency of a brick wall (even though it has a relatively decent .30 drag coefficient). On top of that, the front fenders are larger to accommodate the 1.4-inch wider front track.
What makes this design truly special, however, is how it caters to the perceived audience. It would seem that Mercedes isn’t looking to attract Mercedes owners with this new body, (or with the cars suspension for that matter), but rather to woo younger buyers away from the competition.
The C63 has just a touch of boy-racer appeal to it – and not in a bad way either. It’s a perfect middle-ground between Audi’s RS4, which is dripping with tuner-car machismo, and BMW’s M3, which is entirely too civilized looking.
And to drive-home just how different this AMG is from the rest of the Mercedes line, take a look at those wheels. Brilliant! The 18-inchers are muscular and sporty and deliver the sort of look people normally go to the aftermarket for. And remember, while an AMG, the C63 is still a Mercedes-Benz – a company that is certainly not known for their wheel designs.
NO FRILLS INTERIOR – RELATIVELY SPEAKING
Inside the C63, there is also a feeling that Mercedes is looking to attract less-traditional buyers. For a Benz, the accoutrements are relatively Spartan, which could be for several reasons. For starters, it could be that this is really still just a C-Class. It is also likely that Mercedes kept the luxury in check in order to keep the price point competitive – which it certainly is at $54,625. Another strong possibility, and one that we favor, is that Mercedes believes potential C63 owners would rather have power and performance but at the right price. If you stepped out of a CLS and into the C63 you’d be sorely disappointed. However, if you just traded in your 2003 M3, you’d think it was an upgrade. Which, we believe, is exactly the message Mercedes wants to send.
This isn’t to say the C63 doesn’t have some fantastic interior appointments. In fact, it has all the power gizmos you might expect. What is truly impressive is the power pneumatic side bolsters, which you can pump up or down to make the seat as form fitting as possible. Fans of track days will have no complaints, as we’d wager these side bolsters can be sufficiently pumped-up to hold even the most petite individual in place.
DOMINATING PERFORMANCE
These two successes on the path to iconic status, would, however, be nothing without serious performance to back them up. And back them up Mercedes did.
The 6.2-liter V8 produces 451 hp at 6800 rpm and 443 ft-lbs of torque at 5200 rpm. With more power than any other car in its class, including almost 150 more ft-lbs of torque than the M3, Mercedes brought a hand-cannon to a knife-fight. Officially MB claims the sedan will hit 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds, a feat we achieved (on our first try) with a driver, a passenger and at least 200 lbs of luggage.
When Mercedes announced this new 6.2-liter engine, we were skeptical and, to be honest, we’re still not sure it’s the right choice for cars like the E, S or SL-Class. In this small sedan, however, it’s perfect. There is just enough rpm to make winding it up fun and enough torque to turn the rear tires from a solid into a gas quicker than you can say, well… anything.
Luckily there is a three-stage ESP system, which really should be left on most of the time, or else you’ll be buying new tires every other month. Thankfully, however, there is also the option to turn all the aides off, making the car both a handful, and an awful lot of fun.
AMG TUNING
AMG seems to have built an icon here… and they aren’t finished yet. Those willing to wait another year can order their C63 with a P30 AMG package that will up the top speed from 155 mph to 186 mph. The P30 package also includes composite brakes, a locking rear differential and an Alcantara steering wheel.
Not that you need it, but additional power might also be a possibility as AMG actually detuned the 6.2-liter engine for the C63. In the E63 it produces 56 more horsepower and in the S63 it churns out 67 more ponies.
ON THE ROAD
Behind the wheel of the C63 there isn’t much to have issue with, but there are a few things. Considering the massive amount of power, some wider rear tires certainly wouldn’t hurt.
The suspension is harsh for Mercedes standards although, again, we can’t help but think this was done on purpose to attract a more performance-oriented crowd. And besides, when the car is pushed, the handling dynamics are superb with a firm chassis, excellent turn-in and less understeer than some of the competition.
The throttle-blip on the downshifts helps to keep the car stable under deceleration – which is a huge benefit on a car with this much gusto. It also sounds impressive, as does the glorious bark and growl when you get on the loud pedal.
The only thing that might hold this Benz back from celebrity status is the lack of a manual transmission. The new Speedshift Plus tranny is great on the downshifts and in the sport mode the C63 always finds itself in a power-optimized gear. It may be the fastest shifting autobox in the world, but that, as they say, is sort of like winning an argument on the internet. Even a double clutch system would be nice.
THE VERDICT
From the suspension to the Spartan interior, to the exterior design, to the all-important price, the C63 AMG has what younger, affluent, performance-oriented buyers are after. With the exception of there being no manual tranny (something we gripe about on all auto cars, but which is sorely missed, in particular, in this specific segment), the C63’s other drawbacks aren’t likely to faze potential buyers.
Mercedes, it seems, did their homework and designed a performance sedan that perfectly meets the wants of a large segment of buyers who traditionally would have opted for a BMW.
Back at Bimmerfest there are literally hundreds of young men who are currently driving an existing icon, the BMW E46 M3, and who aren’t convinced the next M3 is what they are looking for. Judging from their comments, they might be willing to give Mercedes a try.
Is the C63 an iconic car?
AMG has done its part to ensure all the right qualifications are in place, now it is up to consumers to decide.
PLUS
Dominating power
Balance of youthful and elegant design
Ability to turn traction control off
MINUS
Stiff ride
No manual offered
Not enough rubber
