2019 Mercedes-AMG C63 S: what’s changed?

The Mercedes-AMG C63 S has had a mid-life facelift. On the surface, the tweaked styling and identical engine outputs (375kW/700Nm) suggest little has changed, but dig deeper and it’s actually a very different beast. Here are the highlights you need to know.

1 - More cogs in a new box

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The gearbox now has nine speeds. It’s the latest version of AMG’s MCT automatic, which replaces the torque converter with a series of wet clutches. It promises quicker response and faster shift times.

2 - Now with Slippery Mode

There’s a new driving mode. In addition to the existing Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Race and Individual, there’s now Slippery mode, which reduces engine power and dulls throttle response to ensure safe passage in tricky conditions.

3 - Quicker on its feet

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Arguably the biggest change to the new C63 is its electronics; specifically, its stability program. AMG Dynamics is claimed to be able to predict vehicle behaviour by examining driver input and sensor data. It has four modes: Basic (Slippery, Comfort); Advanced (Sport), Pro (Sport+) and Master (Race).

4 - Having the GT R's nine lives

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The C63 now has AMG’s nine-stage traction control, lifted from the GT R. Once the ESP is switched off, drivers can select from nine stages of traction control, with level 1 being intended for wet weather driving and level 9 permitting maximum slip.

5 - A touch of (S-)Class

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A new steering wheel incorporates Touch Control from the S-Class, which allows the driver to control the infotainment and instrument cluster with a swipe of the finger or thumb. It also includes a controller similar to Ferrari’s Manettino which allows adjustment of the Drive Select functions.

6 - Digital style

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The instruments are now fully digital, replacing the traditional dials with a 12.3-inch configurable display screen.

7 - Spot the difference

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Spotting a new C63 should be easily thanks to the vertical chrome louvres in the grille. In addition, there are redesigned outer air inlets and new headlights, while at the rear there’s a giant diffuser and revised exhausts.

The new Mercedes-AMG C63 will land Down Under in Sedan, Estate, Coupe and Cabriolet guises in September 2018. Pricing has not yet been announced, but don’t expect it to budge too much from current levels.