To be fair to the Americans, where the AMG C63 S Coupe can't come anywhere near their counterparts, is on pricing. This is not only a muscle car, but a premium luxury brand. We're hearing around a $160K AUD for the right of ownership which attests to its exclusivity. Mercedes Benz stylistically speaking seemed to be in a bit of a 'no man's land' of late. With uninspired design and overly safe styling which appealed to their conservative market but left enthusiasts yawning. But the boys from Stuttgart have got their mojo back and no one could argue that the C63 Coupe isn't a head turner. We are talking purpose, aggression and menace. There is no mistaking the coupes intent.
So what do you get for your hard earned? How does 375Kw/700Nm of mind bending 4.0 litre twin turbo V8 sound? Sweet, is what it comes to mind. 0 to 100Kmh in just 3.9 seconds, which is line ball with the SRT Hellcat; so its muscle car cred is without question.
When I think German automotive design, I generally think about precision, function, balance and purpose. No excess, no unnecessary frills. "Why would you need that?...", says the German engineer, "...it does not benefit the vehicle". But the AMG brings to mind a 'hairy edged beast' and there is nothing conservative about it. I love that! Rolling acceleration in higher gears at speed is simply astonishing and as almost intense, standing start runs. Turbo lag is virtually non-existent, which is a testimony to the fine engineering that's gone into the vehicle.
The coupe is not fitted with a dual clutch transmission and instead uses a 7 speed auto, but this by no means de-tracts from the driving experience. If the unit is left to its own devices in Sport or Sport + modes, it will select the right gear at the right time under most driving situations. This leaves more time to concentrate on pointing the tiller in the right direction, which can only be a good thing. If you really want to be hands on you can manually select gears with wheel mounted paddle shifters.
While we're on the subject of tillers, not only does the Merc go hard in a straight line but it points and stops just as well. The car possesses balance and grip which defies it size. Whilst not being a sports car, this is one muscle car that handles. Want to be silly? It can do that too. If drifting's your thing, you can empty your wallet and blow your tyres in a pall of tyre shredding abandon. The ride is firm but liveable for the performance on offer. Overall this is one potent machine. I wish I could afford one.
Long live AMG.
2016 AMG C63 S Coupe Specifications
Suspension: Multi-link system, Coil Spring, Gas damper, Anti roll bar front & rear
Tires: Front 245/35 R19, Rear 285/35 R19
Brakes: Discs, internally ventilated and perforated
Engine: 3982cc (4.0l) V8, DOHC, 32v twin turbo
Max Power: 375Kw@6250 RPM
Max Torque: 700Nm@1750 RPM
Drivetrain: Rear wheel drive 7 speed MCT automatic transmission
PERFORMANCE
Top speed: Speed limited to 250Kmh
Acceleration: 0-100km/h (0-62mph): 3.9 seconds (claimed)
Picture source: caradvice
