First Drive Review: Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG 2016

There was one big concern about the new Mercedes-AMG C63, or rather a small one; the engine has shrunk from the predecessor’s big-lunged 6.2-litres to a mere 4.0-litres. Further adding to our worries is the addition of twin turbochargers.

So would the C63 still be the snarling beast we’d come to love or has Mercedes tamed it for the nanny state?

One twist of the ignition key was all that was needed to spell out the new C63 has point-blank refused to go all soft. Far from it, the engine makes a wonderful bass woofle on start-up that lets you know its intent from the get-go.

The engine is still hand-built by a single technician from start to finish at AMG’s dedicated factory. Now, however, the C63’s engine is a 4.0-litre V8 with a pair of turbochargers nestled into the valley of the V to make it as compact as possible.

In standard tune, the new V8 blurts out 469bhp spread between 5500- and 6250rpm, so it is never wanting for urge. If, on the off chance you reckon this won’t be sufficient, there is the S model that hurtles along with 503bhp to knock 0.1 second of the standard saloon and estate models’ 0-62mph times of 4.1- and 4.2 second respectively.

Just as importantly as the acceleration itself, these figures put the BMW M3 in the shade, so job done in the power race.

It is a joyous experience to let this engine have its head and work it through the seven-gear Speedshift automatic gearbox. This is a traditional automatic ’box rather than giving in to the trend towards dual-clutch transmissions. The shifts might not be as rapier fast as in the BMW M3 but they are smooth and never unsettle the C63, even on streaming wet roads.

There are steering wheel paddle shifters for the driver to take charge of choosing which gear to use and they further add to the involvement the C63 offers. You can also select from various driving modes, ranging from supple Comfort to full-on Sport+ that eases back on the amount of traction control. Select the more sporting modes and the suspension does pick up on cats-eyes with a jolt, but the pay-off is cornering with next to no body lean and superb grip.

In any mode, the C63 is intensely fast when you push hard on the throttle pedal. Overtaking is super quick and safe, while traction at the rear wheels is only broken when the driver fancies it and is easily regained with a gentle easing. For a car of this power and pace, the C63 is remarkably benign and works with the driver all of the time, which is not something you can always say of the BMW M3.

As for the other dynamic abilities, the C63’s brakes are more than up to the job and track day fiends can order carbon ceramic discs for extra stopping power. The steering gives the right amount of feel and assistance for on-road driving at any speed.

Surrounding the steering wheel is a dash similar to the standard C-Class’, which is no bad thing, while sports seats offer superb support and comfort. You can order various gizmos for the cabin, including Air Balance Control and a head-up dash display, but the only one worth bothering with are the AMG Performance Seats. These pews are standard on the S models and offer even great comfort.

There is the choice of Mercedes-AMG C63 in saloon and estate forms, as well as standard and S models. It means the C63, with its wider wings, deeper bumpers and twin power domes on the bonnet, is surprisingly practical while emitting a subtle menace.

Verdict

You can pick up a C63 saloon on business contract hire for £635 a month, averaging at £802, on a 10k 6+35 agreement. The estate, which would be our personal pick of the range, starts as little as £618 (£859 average).

For personal users, we found a deal on the saloon for £735 a month after a £4k deposit (£1,019 average), and £741 for the estate (£1,038 average).

That’s a bit more than BMW asks for the M3 saloon, but the Mercedes-AMG C63 is the better car and more than worth the extra and Merc is set to offer some keen lease deals to make its lates wild child just as appealing as it’s always been.