Mercedes has come out with a credible rival for the Audi RS5 and BMW M3 Coupe.
The storied history of famous AMG coupes began in the '80s with the 450SLC AMG, 280CE 5.0 AMG, 500SEC 32V AMG and the 300CE 6.0 The Hammer.
Fast forward to the new millennium and you have the likes of the CL65 AMG and CLK63 AMG Black Series. My favourite is the CL65 because the 1,000Nm of torque should feel like it can peel the skin off your face when you floor the accelerator.
Recently, the C-Class _ which already has the C63 saloon and estate AMG variants _ got a new attractive bodyshell style: C63 AMG Coupe. Competing against the Audi RS5 and BMW M3 Coupe, Mercedes' newest Coupe by AMG is mean.
Under the hood is a hand-built 32-valve 6.2-litre V8 engine that delivers 457hp and 600Nm of torque; output can be increased to 487hp with an AMG Performance Package which, according to AMG, uses the crankshafts, rods and a retuned ECU system from the SLS "Gullwing" supercar.
The C63 sprints to 100kph from a standstill in 4.5sec and tops out at an electronically-controlled 250kph (4.4sec and 280kph with AMG's Performance Package).
To counter all this testosterone are two-piece front brake rotors and harder brake pads; other cosmetic changes include a carbon fibre spoiler and red brake calipers. The brakes are very responsive at short braking and also display excellent fade resistance.
The steering wheel wrapped in Alcantara and leather is very precise, although a tad light, taking a bit of feedback from the wheel because a slight twitch results in directional change. Yet, the C63 is always composed on the road and the racetrack around the outskirts of Seville, Spain.
Interior is business for AMG.
The front seats are comfortable and supportive; even the rear seats allowed Mercedes-Benz Thailand's PR manager to sit cross-legged at the rear.
The suspension is firm and the widened front track makes sure the C63 is able to negotiate in and out of corners with effortless ease. The dynamic handling of the C63 is flawless. At least, I thought I could keep up with the SLS lead car at the Circuito Monteblanc race track.
But the sound engineering produced by the C63's V8 is absolutely intoxicating. Stress the engine and you get that deep baritone thunderstorm-like rumble as if Thor (Norse god of lightning) went on an all-you-can-eat buffet binge; lift the throttle and a siren-like heightened roar develops.
Seats are shapely and comfy.
Mated to all this power is the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT seven-speed sports transmission with standard-fit Controlled Efficiency C mode that provides early comfortable upshifts while maintaining lowest possible engine speed for improved fuel economy.
Also featured are the S, S+ and M modes for more agility via a new rotary control just like in the SLS. AMG says gear changes in S+ and M modes require only 100 milliseconds.
A wet start-up clutch replaces the torque convertor which helps in the dynamics and faster shifts, but the paddle shifters made me wait when I wanted multiple gear-changes.
V8 bellows a mean note.
The design is typical AMG with a bespoke front skirt, LED daytime running lights and side air vents. Power-domes on a newly-designed aluminium hood give it a robust presence. Its profile is accentuated by wide front wheel arches and special side skirts and new alloys.
At the rear is a new rear skirt with black diffuser insert and then there is the two-chromed twin tailpipes that make it distinctly AMG.
The C63 is fast and very easy to control. I can't say enough about its awesome exhaust sound (no disrespect to Thor).
It is truly an everyday high-performance coupe{aac} offered at an entry-level AMG price range (at some 10 million baht in Thailand) which delivers an amazing driving experience.
‘The C63 is able to negotiate in and out of corners with effortless ease’
Credit: Bangkok Post (www.bangkokpost.com)
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