2015 Mercedes-AMG C63 pricing revealed

THE Mercedes-AMG C63 will start at $154,900 when it goes on sale here in spring 2015 to match the outgoing model's ask. That’s also $2000 less than arch-rival BMW M3 with Australia being treated to the more powerful C63 S model.

Mercedes Australia already has already received 200 signed orders for its new V8 AMG hero ahead of announcing pricing, which was communicated to dealerships yesterday. The C63 is by far the AMG division’s most popular model, making up 3500 of the 10,000 AMGs sold here in the last decade. A staggering 40,000 have been sold globally.

Based on the new-generation Mercedes-Benz C-Class (codenamed W205), the new C63 is stiffer, 75kg lighter and – with 375kW/700Nm – more potent than before. It also shades the M3's 317kW output and the Lexus RC F coupe's 351kW outputs.

That power comes courtesy of the new 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 in place of the 6208cc naturally-aspirated V8 that gave the previous 336kW/600Nm C63 its name (for 6.3-litre, as it was badged).

Combined with the new hand-built engine, the rear-wheel drive 7-speed automatic sedan has a 0-100km/h claim of 4.0sec – a huge 0.8ec better than Wheels' fastest test time for the outgoing version. While packing more punch, the new C63 also has a claimed combined fuel economy figure of 8.6L/100km compared to the 12.1L/100km of its predecessor.

The Mercedes-AMG C63 Estate will also arrive at the same time as the sedan, starting at $157,400.

The original C63 AMG was introduced here in March 2008 at a starting price of $144K, but prices gradually climbed to $155K for the sedan. Mercedes Australia says that the content of the new model would easily add $10K to that price, and that’s before considering the benefits of the new generation engine, and lighter, more rigid chassis.

The Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupe is the final body style to join they line-up, but that won’t arrive here until 2016. Pricing has yet to be announced, but it’s expected to be around $165K to match the BMW M4 and Audi RS5.

The lone wolf in this segment is the Lexus RC F that was launched earlier this month. Powered by a naturally-aspirated 5.0-litre V8, the rear-drive coupe starts of at $133,500 to be the clear price leader.