2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe: First Look

• Competes with: BMW M3, Audi S5  
• Looks like: The C-Class coupe, but with more edge  
• Drivetrain: 451-hp or 481-hp, 6.3-liter V-8 engine with a seven-speed automatic transmission 
• Hits dealerships: September 2011

After Mercedes-Benz announced a C-Class coupe at the 2011 Geneva International Motor Show, an AMG variant seems only logical, especially when most of the equipment is borrowed from the C63 AMG sedan.

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG coupe is distinguished from its average C-Class brethren by its high-powered engines, high-performance brakes and suspension, and appearance upgrades.

The C63 is powered by a standard 451-horsepower, 6.3-liter V-8 engine mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control. Unlike a regular automatic transmission, this one employs a wet start-up clutch that produces more efficient shifting, according to Mercedes. When equipped with the optional AMG Development Package, the coupe makes 481 hp. Mercedes says that with either powertrain, the C63 AMG coupe will be the fastest coupe in the class, with a zero-to-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds, (4.3 seconds with the Development Package). Top speed is 155 mph (174 mph with the Development Package).

Unlike the regular coupe, the AMG coupe has a separate three-link front suspension and a reinforced multilink independent rear suspension. There’s also a wider track for better handling. High-performance brakes and steering are par for the course; it’s the same setup found in the 2011 C63 AMG sedan.

In terms of appearance, the AMG gets an aluminum hood with a bulge, or “powerdome,” as Mercedes calls it, signifying the beefy engine underneath. There are AMG-specific LED daytime running lights, side air inlets, a pronounced rear diffuser, dual exhaust (quad with AMG package) and 18-inch light-alloy wheels finished in Titanium Grey color.

Inside, you’ll find an AMG-specific steering wheel with a flat bottom (and a flat top for models equipped with the AMG Development Package). The model gets a panoramic sunroof, Bluetooth audio streaming, a 5.8-inch center display, leather seats and a 12-speaker stereo standard. Like other C-Class models, there are nine airbags, including a front pelvic and driver’s knee airbag.

This is the first time that a C-Class-based coupe has been offered since the coupe body style was discontinued after the 2005 model year. Even when there was a coupe, there wasn’t a high-end AMG model.

Mercedes doesn’t mention pricing, but if the German automaker follows in the footsteps of the BMW M and Audi S series, the AMG coupe will cost slightly more than its sedan counterpart, which starts at $58,200.

The C63 AMG and regular C-Class coupe go on sale in September.