2016 Mercedes-AMG C63 S Coupe review

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.

Only the roof, frameless doors and boot lid survive the transformation from C200/C250/C300 to C63, the AMG badge bringing bulkier bodywork which retains the elegantly swoopy design and contrasts with angular predecessors like the memorable CLK and forgettable CLC. It’s more about extra steel than ‘Blue Steel’.

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).

Laps of the track suggest we’d need to back-to-back the brilliant sedan to appreciate notable handling differences. But it’s highly predictable and hugely grippy, keeping a tight rein on pitch, dive and roll.

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.

That either cues an armful of lock if you’re in ‘Race’ mode, or an intervention order from the electronics in ‘Sports Plus’ which quickly neutralises oversteer with minimal disruption of progress.

‘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.

The C-Class AMG’s V8 also continues to be one of the least-affected modern turbos when it comes to noise – overcoming any potential muffling with its barking mad soundtrack.

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