2008 Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG preview
January 28, 2008 by Alborz Fallah
When you think of Mercedes-Benz, cheap isn’t exactly a word that comes to mind, but when you look at the sticker price for the all-new 2008 Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG, the words cheap, bargain and steal are hard to forget.
The car that tops the C-class range will land in Mercedes dealerships all over the country in March, and the best bit? It will start from only $139,500. That’s $17,500 less than the new BMW M3 and a massive $25,000 cheaper than the aging Audi RS4.
The C63 will be the fifth generation of the AMG C-Class, with the first official AMG C class, the C 36 AMG starting life in 1993. However Mercedes says the inspiration for the new car comes from the 190 E 3.2 AMG, released in 1987.
So how can a car which, on paper at least, outdoes its German rivals be cheaper? Because Mercedes-Benz has something to prove. You see, the M3 and RS4 have long been regarded as the best cars in their class, with the AMG sidelined and in some cases almost forgotten – but that is all about the change.
The C63 AMG is powered by a monster 6.2-litre V8 engine that pumps out an enormous 336 kW and 600 Nm of torque. That’s 27 kW and 200 Nm more than the M3 and 27 kW and 170 Nm more than the RS4.
In case you’re thinking this is, yet another, big brain-less engine, think again. This German monster is not lacking much in modern engine technology.
Some of its noteworthy features include variable camshaft adjustment, four-valve technology with bucket-type tappets and twin wire arc spraying (TWAS) of the cylinder walls for extremely low friction and wear which results in excellent long-term durability
The C63 sedan will go from 0-100km/h in 4.5 seconds (4.6 for the estate) while using 13.4 litres of fuel per 100km (13.7 for the estate). That makes it faster than the M3 (4.8 seconds) and the RS4 (4.8).
The awesome power and torque is put through a seven-speed AMG designed SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC transmission.
Gear changes occur either automatically or via the AMG steering-wheel shift paddles. Drivers can chose between three drive programs offering extreme sport mode to comfort mode and one in between. The transmission will now also bleep the throttle on down-shifts, giving the car a superb noise when changing down.
Suspension upgrades are taken care of by an increase track width (35mm) at the front and rear (12mm). The front makes use of a three-link suspension system while the rear gets a multi-link independent rear suspension and more camber.
Mercedes has also further reinforced drive shafts and drive joints to handle the awesome power of the new C 63 AMG.
The car rides on newly designed 18-inch AMG light-alloy wheels in a five-spoke design. The front receives 235/40 R 18 while the rear gets 255/35 R 18.
Brakes are one of AMG’s best known strengths and the C 63 is no different. Using 360 x 36 mm discs with six-piston fixed callipers at the front and 330 x 26 mm discs with four-piston fixed callipers at the rear, the C 63 is likely to outdo its German brothers when it comes to stopping power.
Exterior items unique to the C63 include a unique bonnet with power domes, AMG sports exhaust system with two chromed twin tailpipes, AMG rear apron with a black diffuser insert, distinctive AMG radiator grille, flared front wings and the AMG spoiler lip.
From the inside the car gets the AMG makeover with specially designed seats (with integrated head restraints) covered in soft nappa leather upholstery. Three difference interior colours are available, black, reef (light) grey and combined black/sahara beige.
There is also a unique AMG performance steering wheel in a three-spoke design with a 365-mm rim diameter and a flattened lower section (similar to the RS4).
The C 63 comes standard with a 3-stage ESP system, enabling the driver to pick between on, sport or off. Selecting ON will make the system control both brakes and power while sports will allow a little more fun before cutting in.
Other unique features include a glass electric sunroof, active bi-xenon headlamps, Harman/Kardon LOGIC7® surround sound system.
Given the low starting price, the options list is worth a look. Mercedes is offering a KEYLESS-GO automatic lock/unlock and drive authorisation system, an AMG Carbon fibre interior trim and an undershield for the engine.
It’s now a waiting game to see if Australia will warm up the new C 63 over its German competitors – but as far as facts and figures go, the C 63 is supreme.
Print it: 
Better looking than both the RS-4 and new M3 – more grunt too and a bargain at that price!
Where do I sign?
This is the beauty Top Gear have just thrashed. Clarkson raved about it. Replays probably already on Utube. It simply awsome. I’d happily give up the diesel burners for this.
Why though does it have a 6.3 badges on the side when its a 6.2 litre?
But Bavarian Missile the M3 still has it on looks.
Dear me, has Mercedes gone mad? They won’t be able to keep up with demand, this car better handle or all these figures will be meaningless.
Adam J – you order it I’ll deliver it…please please please
as Jeremy highlighted , insane engine – pity merc has all the brains and funds yet their cars are still squishy and not as sharp as they look around the corners.
Where’s ‘Bavarian Missile’? If it were an M3 post, that’s all you’d see, ‘Bavarian Missile’! :mrgreen:
And the ‘C 63 AMG’ looks friggin’ fantastic!!
I’ve downloaded the last episode of Topgear and they test this against the M3 and RS4, Jeremy describes it “you dont drive this car, you hold on for dear life” and “this is just a axe murderer with headlights!”
They all concluded that the M3 is a brilliant car, its poised, balanced and precise and better than the AMG and RS4 but jeremy still would buy the merc, because it has more POWER.
But yeah when i win lotto, thats sooo gonna be mine.
I’d pick the M3 anyday. The C63 is an absolute weapon…….In a straight line, but what else. The M3 hammered it and the RS4 around the track. Must commend Merc though; brilliant looking car for a relatively cheap price.
I mentioned this on here a few days ago. How good is that price! Not that I’ll be buying one any time soon, but I hope its handling is as good as its engine and looks.
hahaha…..No Name,I would have the M3 on looks and performance. Seems that you can have too much grunt sometimes.
Seems M3s chassis is still supreme…..the car is a better package.
The Merc is insane……but I think owners may have to be also to drive it!hahaha
Was a good episode of Top Gear though,loved the apple shot at the end when Clarkson was trying to run over it on the track around a corner,must of had 5 gos at it,Stig in the M3……..First go!hehehe
Yeap, told you all MONTHS agao that the AMG was going to take no prisoners and give the BMW and Audi a hard time, job done!
Still like a 7L Senator, but if its $100k+ you would be mad not to buy a pure breed AMG, its not that much more really [ok, its 40%!] but u know what i mean….Thats just me though.
Cheers
F-0
At this extreme, a 6.2-litre V8 engine in a C-Class. At the other extreme, a 1.8 litre in the C-200. Bizarre.
I will be at the Bathurst launch the week after the GP, cant wait. Sure the M3 is a better track car but everyday driving the C63 is way ahead. You dont drive at M3 limits on the road.
I want one
I love it!
The wagon would be the fastest production wagon ever made!
But i would go for the sedan.
TP said: “I want one”
What? Now you saying there are cars better than Toyota! :mrgreen: LOL!
This car is a 1000 times better than any T(u)RD Aurion!
Even TP agrees!
Dont ya!
My anti-spam word was [for once] relevant to the topic – faster. lol
If I had a spare $140k around, I know where it’l be going to! Mercedes! /starts drooling…
Yeah Duck, most of that 1000 points comes from it not being FWD. LOL!
The car looks fantastic! Recently I’ve thought BMW’s cars looked better, but when I saw these CGIs…. Mercedes-Benz is coming back.
I would go Merc over BMW in this case…
She has a look!!!!
One of the most power, practical, impressive AMG ever..
One of the most powerful, practical, impressive AMG ever..
is it real?
Excellent car, I am dreaming already, looks better than M3.
A bit more thirsty though, but who cares, if i had 140k, the petrol wouldn’t matter.
Hopefully my lotto wins 2moro