Two-door C-class gets brawny motor to rival the Audi RS5 and BMW M3
It has got that new downsized 4.7-litre V8 twin-turbo, right?
Wrong mate. Despite that motor being employed in the latest CLS63 AMG, the C63 AMG Coupe{aac} gets the older 6.2-litre normally aspirated V8. In fact, the saloon and estate bodies of the C63 also get the free-revving 6.2, so it's only logical that the two-door C gets it too.
More importantly, the C63's intended rivals like the Audi RS5 and BMW M3 both use non-turbo engines. That said, it's a three-way race among the best of German rivals as to who can scream the loudest without forced induction.
The interior is packed with the latest in telematics.
- I bet the Merc is fastest, right?
You're right this time, which isn't really surprising because it's the newest of the lot. The C63 comes with 457hp, higher than in its rivals. Since the Merc has the biggest displacement of 6.2-litre, it has a torque advantage of 600Nm.
Having said all that, the Merc clocks the 0-100kph time in 4.5 seconds _ 0.1 second faster than both of its competitors.
Whether this is going to matter to you is another thing, but the Merc is the thirstiest of the trio on fuel despite using a seven-speed automatic like the other two. The C63 sips 8.3kpl on average against the Audi's 9.3kpl and BMW's 8.9kpl dietary values.
The C63 AMG goes from 0-100kph in 4.5 seconds.
- Is there a beefier performance package?
Yes. As part of a new norm at AMG, the so-called Performance Package comes with modified lightweight giblets of the engine to cut weight by 3kg and boost performance by 30hp, thus cutting the 0-100kph time by 0.1 second ... as if the C63 really needs it.
The other medical treatments of the C63 include AMG suspension setup, ventilated and cross-drilled brakes, three-stage ESP system, chunkier bumpers, clear-lens headlamps and wheels ranging from 18 to 19 inches.
Inside, there's a new three-spoke steering wheel that first featured in the CLS63, bucket seats and the latest in telematics from Mercedes-Benz.
- Will Mercedes sell the car in Thailand?
The C63 saloon and estates never went on sale officially in Thailand, despite the small numbers roaming Thai roads (coming from the grey market, of course). Because of that, the coupe{aac} could only come as a wild card _ if Mercedes ever considers it.
Pricing in Europe has revealed that the C63 costs as much as its rivals, that is, 9-10 million baht in Thailand including tax.
THE RIVALS
AUDI RS5
Power: 450hp/430Nm 4.2-litre V8.
0-100kph: 4.6sec.
We think: Quattro all-wheel-drive setup and easy handling makes this RS an all-rounder for most people.
BMW M3
Power: 420hp/400Nm 4.0-litre V8.
0-100kph: 4.6sec.
We think: Classic rear-drive layout makes it the choice of enthusiasts, but the high limits of the engine and chassis hold it back.
Credit: Bangkok Post (www.bangkokpost.com)
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