Reviews
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As far as we’re concerned, there can never be enough variants of the Mercedes-AMG C63 S.
And they can never get here quick enough. Benz Oz clearly feels the same way about its new C63 S Coupe.
The ink had barely had a chance to dry on local reviews of the regular C-Class Coupe before we were being invited to Sydney Motorsport Park for an early taster of the AMG version a full two months before its official Aussie launch. No complaints here.
The plump wheel-arches are 64mm wider at the front and 67mm at the rear compared with the sedan and the regular Coupe. New rear suspension offers 40mm more track, is further stiffened and takes the multi-links to 12.
Factor in fatter contact patches front and rear and this might be a C63 that wants to mimic the AMG GT S that’s not far off being double its price ($162,400 vs $295,000).
At 1800kg, it’s as heavy as the C63 S wagon, bursting the Coupe’s dream bubble of being a truly lithe, nimble sports car.
That impressively planted rear can still be easily uprooted, of course, if there’s much lead in your right foot – even when exiting medium-speed sweepers in fourth.
‘Sports Plus’ is the minimum setting for the track to ensure suitable damping and drivetrain responses.
It certainly helps you appreciate the rapid shifts from the seven-speed multi-clutch auto that are more responsive than those delivered by the dual-clutch unit in the smallest AMGs.
We already prefer it to the M4’s artificially enhanced beat, but BMW’s new Competition version is perfectly timed: a comparison can’t come quick enough.
4.5 OUT OF 5 STARS
LIKE: Awesome engine; great steering; fat looks DISLIKE: Very heavy; tight rear accommodation
SPECS Engine: 3982cc V8, DOHC, 32v, twin-turbo Power: 375kW @ 5500-6250rpm Torque: 700Nm @ 1750rpm Weight: 1800kg 0-100km/h: 3.9sec (claimed) Price: $162,400
