Although AMG->ke8 started selling its own versions of the C-Class->ke1593 as early as 1995, it wasn't until 1998 when the first beefed-up wagon->ke143 arrived. Affalterbach's first grocery-getter was based on the C43 AMG and borrowed the sedan's->ke142 302-horsepower, 4.3-liter V-8. The following generation, the C55 AMG, gained an estate version as well, this time motivated by the 362 horses coming from a 5.5-liter V-8. In 2008, the AMG-prepped C-Class received an even bigger V-8 engine displacing 6.2 liters and churning 451 ponies. As we approach the 2014 Paris Motor Show->ke227, AMG is rolling out a brand-new generation of the C63 AMG, this time around based on the recently unveiled 2015 C-Class and dubbed the Mercedes-AMG C63..

The high-performance wagon joins its sedan sibling in receiving AMG's all-new biturbo, 4.0-liter V-8. Shared with the AMG GT sports car, the mill is the first to send the C63 into 500-horsepower territory through its range-topping S version. Of course, the AMG C63 Estate is not just about enhanced output, but to find out more about that you'll have to read on after the jump.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2015 Mercedes-AMG C63 Estate.

2015 Mercedes-AMG C63 Estate

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 Mercedes-AMG C63 Estate
  • Engine/Motor: V8
  • Horsepower: 476 @ 5500
  • Torque: 479 @ 1750
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Spy Shots

June 24, 2014 - Mercedes-AMG C63 Estate Dropping Cammo

March 3, 2014 - First Sighting

Our spy photographers caught the C63 Estate out and about in early 2014, and there was little to see, as the model was pretty heavily covered up. Despite the covering, we already know what to expect, as the Sedan version has already started to drop its camo. Around back, we'll see a set of angular quad-exit exhaust tips with a diffuser splitting the two sets of outlets. Up front, we'll see a revised apron with large air inlets and all0-new headlights.

2015 Mercedes-AMG C63

Exterior

Essentially an AMG C63 sedan with a hatch, the C63 Estate blends the utility of the C-Class wagon with the muscular looks provided by AMG's latest aerodynamic kit for the compact car. The souped-up wagon comes with reshaped front and rear bumpers, with the latter incorporating a motorsport-inspired diffuser with three fins. A sportier front grille replaces the C-Class' standard piece, while the "V8 Biturbo" and "AMG" badges placed on the front fenders and the tailgate suggest this is more than just a regular wagon.

AMG also altered the vehicle's dimensions. The front end is 2.1 inches longer, while the track is also wider The new side skirts, the lowered ride height, and the light alloy wheels also contribute to the wagon's menacing appearance.

Interior

You don't see too many wagons fitted with bolstered sports seats, but the AMG C63 Estate is one of them. The seats come wrapped in handmade, ARTICO leather and Dinamica microfiber, and provide a lower seating position.

The sportier character of the cabin continues with the three-spoke Performance steering wheel, the carbon-look dials, and the aluminum trim. For a touch of class, AMG covered the dashboard in black leather with Crystal Grey stitching and added an analogue clock to the center console.

As with most AMG models, there's a heap of pricy options waiting for customers to check. Forget about the Mini Cooper, the AMG C63 is one of the most customizable vehicles out there. If your pockets are deep enough, that is.

Drivetrain

Naturally, the AMG C63 Estate benefits from the same biturbo, 4.0-liter, V-8 engine as its sedan sibling. Two trim levels are available, meaning the grocery-getter can be had either as the C63 or the more powerful C63 S. The former comes with 476 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque on tap, while the latter is motivated by 510 ponies and 516 pound-feet of twist.

Performance and fuel economy differs only slightly between the C63 and the C63 S. The 476-horsepower estate needs 4.2 second to reach 100 km/h (62 mph) from a standing start, while the 510-pony vehicle gets there in 4.1 seconds. Top speed sits at 155 mph for both versions. As far as fuel consumption goes, the base model uses 8.4 liters of gasoline for 100 km (28 U.S. mpg combined), while the C63 S needs around 8.6 liters (27.3 U.S. mpg combined) to cover the same distance.

No matter the engine selection, customers will get their wagons with AMG’s multi-clutch, Speedshift MCT, seven-speed automatic transmission. A performance exhaust system with three switchable exhaust flaps is available as an option.

Drvetrain Specifications

Mercedes-AMG C 63 S

Mercedes-AMG C 63

Displacement

3982 cm3

3982 cm3

Power

510 HP @ 5500-6250 RPM

476 HP @ 5500-6250 RPM

Max. torque

516 LB-FT @ 1750-4500 RPM

479 LB-FT @ 1750-4500 RPM

Fuel consumption NEDC combined

8.4-8.2 l/100 km(8.6-8.4 l/100 km)

8.2 l/100 km(8.4 l/100 km)

CO2 emissions

195-192 g/km (200-196 g/km)

192 g/km (196 g/km)

Efficiency class

E (E)

E(E)

Acceleration 0-100 km/h

4.1 s

4.2 s

Top speed

155 mph

155 mph


Suspension

A high-performance wagon can't go without a proper suspension, and the AMG C63 Estate is no exception. Just like the C63 sedan, the wagon benefits from AMG's state-of-the-art Ride Control sport suspension with three-stage adjustable damping. The driver can set the system in three different setups to deliver either a comfortable ride or maximum sporting performance for sportier driving or even a track day.

The suspension system is backed by a locking rear differential, a three-stage ESP, and speed-sensitive sport steering. Race-bred, radially mounted brakes come standard, with a ceramic-composite configuration available as an option for the range-topping C63 S model.

Prices

Pricing figures aren't available yet as of 09/24/2014, but we expect to have them when the C63 Estate makes its official debut at the 2014 Paris Motor Show. Unfortunately, Mercedes->ke187 isn't too keen on bringing the wagon Stateside, meaning we'll miss yet another cool grocery-getter besides the CLS63 AMG Shooting Brake.

Competition

Audi RS 4 Avant

The Audi RS4 Avant is the only real competition to the C63 AMG Estate and yet another enticing wagon we don't get to purchase in the United States. The RS4 Avant is motivated by a 4.2-liter, FSI, V-8 unit that cranks out 450 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque and mates to a seven-speed, dual-clutch transmission. Naturally, this wagon is equipped with Audi's proven quattro all-wheel-drive system. The combo provides enough oomph to send the RS4 Avant flying from 0 to 62 mph in only 4.2 seconds before hitting a top speed of 155 mph.

Audi's compact wagon retails from £56,545 in the United Kingdom, or about $92,400 as of 09/24/2014. The closest thing you can buy from Audi in the U.S. nowadays is the A6 Allroad, which is larger and less powerful at 220 ponies and 258 pound-feet of torque. Pricing for the Allroad starts from $42,400.

Conclusion

The high-performance station wagon breed is nearly extinct in the United States. Besides the Cadillac CTS-V Wagon, which is living its final months on the market, there are no souped-up estates available in North America as of September 2014. That's reason enough to mourn over the fact that Mercedes isn't sending the C63 Estate across the pond.

Complaints aside, the Germans have just launched their second-most powerful wagon after the CLS63 AMG, which still benefits from the larger 5.5-liter V-8, and the most exciting compact wagon you can purchase in other parts of the world. Until the RS4 Avant gets an updated engine or BMW launches an M version of the 3 Series Sports Wagon, the AMG C63 Estate is the most exciting option out there.