2015 Mercedes-Benz AMG C63: First Look

Competes with: BMW M3, Audi RS 7

Looks like: A 2015 C-Class with a touch more attitude

Drivetrain: 469- or 503-hp, twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8; rear-wheel drive; seven-speed automatic transmission

Hits dealerships: March 2015

Mercedes isn’t keeping high-performance buyers waiting very long for the next AMG-a-fied C-Class. The all-new version of the standard C-Class sedan is just hitting the road with four- and six-cylinder engines. Coming in March 2015, the 2015 Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 builds on the new C-Class by stuffing a 469-or 503-horsepower, twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 between widened front fenders of this high-performance C-Class.

Related: 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Expert Review

The 6.2-liter naturally aspirated V-8 is gone, replaced by a more efficient twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter. So efficient, in fact, that Mercedes says the 32 percent improvement in fuel economy over its predecessor makes the C63 the “most fuel-efficient eight-cylinder, high-performance vehicle in the world.”

Exterior

Underneath the C63’s front end is a wider track for increased cornering ability, covered by aluminum fenders widened 0.55 inches. The fenders are filled with 18-inch wheels on the base C63 with narrower tires up front and wider tires out back — 245/40 R 18 fronts and 265/40 R 18 rear tires — while C63 S models gain 19-inch wheels wrapped in 245/35 R 19 and 265/35 R 19 tires. Available for the first time are ceramic-composite brakes behind those wheels, plus the wheels can be wrapped in optional sport cup tires for more grip.

There’s a lot going on under the hood, and the hood itself features two “power domes” instead of the non-AMG’s flat hood. Additional subtle yet muscular touches include a downforce-increasing front splitter and three cooling intakes up front. Out back, a rear diffuser with three fins helps the C63 slip through the air with less resistance.

C63 S models are available in Edition 1 garb, which on the outside blackens the exterior trim, paints a set of forged 19-inch wheels matte black and includes red accents on the wheels, grille and side mirrors.

Interior

The C63 starts with a good base in the high-quality 2015 C-Class. Mercedes didn’t need to do much work here and you’ll find the standard C-Class’ genuine aluminum trim plus AMG-specific hardware such as AMG buttons for the various adjustable drive systems and a button for the available performance exhaust system. Available performance seats, which are covered in imitation leather and microfiber materials, lower the seating position and increase lateral grip. Edition 1 models are equipped with those performance seats and have black Nappa leather highlighted with a diamond pattern plus red contrast stitching on the performance steering wheel, which is marked with “Edition 1.”

Under the Hood

Here’s where the magic happens. The new 469- or 503-hp, twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 has many similarities with the engine under the hood of Mercedes’ latest Porsche 911 fighter, the AMG-GT. The C63’s direct-injected V-8 lays the twin-turbochargers within the engine’s “V” shape — as opposed to the traditional spot hanging off the engine’s side — for a more compact design, optimum responsiveness and lowered emissions. Zero to 60 mph comes in a quick 4.0 seconds for the base C63 and 3.9 seconds for the more powerful C63 S.

The V-8 exhales through a standard sport exhaust with electronically controlled flaps changing the engine’s noise levels based on which mode of AMG Dynamic Select the driver chooses: Controlled Efficiency, Sport, Sport+ and exclusive to the C63 S, Race mode for track driving. An optional performance exhaust system on both AMGs includes a button for even more control of the exhaust sound.

AMG Dynamic Select is the fine-tuning control for the C63’s electronically controlled adaptive sports suspension, electronically assisted power steering and shifting behavior of the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, among other adjustable behaviors. Out back, a standard mechanical locking differential improves standstill acceleration and cornering assist, while the C63 S gains an electronic locking rear differential for quicker and more precise activation.

The 2015 AMG C63’s 469 hp represents an increase of 18 hp. Power is up, but so is fuel efficiency, according to Mercedes. The 32 percent increase in fuel economy applied to EPA ratings should be impressive over the 2014’s 6.2-liter V-8’s combined 15 mpg.

Safety

Standard safety equipment includes an enhanced Attention Assist drowsiness warning system and Collision Prevention Assist Plus collision warning system.

Manufacturer images

Manufacturer images