Reviews
Gallery 1
The new C63 engine is 2.2 litres smaller than the last. The missing displacement alone would be enough to power a small car. That’s a disconcerting reduction, but before you grab your pitchfork and march on the AMG offices in Affalterbach, consider that the new engine is better in almost every way.
The old naturally-aspirated 6.2 AMG V8 will always have a place in our hearts here at MOTOR, and we could only wish we had a place for one in our salaries. However, this new 4.0-litre engine is a thing of beauty. This generation C63 is also a marked improvement over its predecessor and uses a lot less fuel, too.
Advancement is not limited to the engine bay, though. The recently introduced W205 C Class that the 63 is based on has won praise for its handling, ride and equipment, and the hot version builds on this. Indeed, the C63 is more refined, has a more elegant interior, and is easier to use as a daily driver. More importantly, it goes much harder when you decide to drop the hammer.
Some of these forest roads appear permanently wet and slippery, but the Mercedes was able to maintain high corner speeds. It displayed a high level of front grip and although the rear wanted to break away early and often, it was easy to control with the throttle.
While the previous C63 seemed to be more of a sledgehammer that preferred slamming down straights instead of dancing through bends, the new one has no such preference. A new electrically-controlled locking differential, which replaces a mechanical one, is effective and consistent.
Other tools that vary the drive experience include suspension damper valves, steering, throttle, gearbox and driver-aid thresholds, as well as a separate loud exhaust button. The breadth of character in the C63 is impressive and it can lie low as a high-end executive saloon with everything set to the comfort settings, although the suspension is always a touch firm.
It sounds wicked. The noise is different to the old 6.2 V8 – a thundering devil that monstered your ears at any rpm – but is still very aggressive. With the cop-baiting exhaust mode engaged, it gives a delightful low boom at idle and the anger builds with the revs. To change gears or back off is to bring on an artillery barrage of cracking and popping that sounds so good it’s tempting to drive like a tool just to hear it.
The claimed 0-100km/h figure of 4.0 seconds seems legit out here as it fires out of the tight corners and urges you to surge towards the cut out at 7000rpm.
With all that torque, you don’t have to change gears often, but there is fun to be had swapping cogs with the improved seven-speed wet clutch automatic that appears the perfect solution for this car. It is fast enough for furious driving, but also changes smoothly and surely when left in full automatic mode.
Yes, the engine is smaller, but size isn’t everything. Thank goodness.
4.5 out of 5
Specs Engine: 3982cc V8, DOHC, 32v, twin-turbo Power: 375kW @ 5500-6250rpm Torque: 700Nm @ 1750-4500rpm Weight: 1655kg 0-100km/h: 4.0sec (claimed) Price: $154,900
