The new Mercedes-AMG C 63 marks a significant improvement for a model that’s been stealing hears and drying up wallets ever since its debut in 1995. In the course of 20 years, the AMG C 63,->ke1593 or C 63 AMG as it was known before Mercedes->ke187 performed a little switcheroo on the name, has redefined the affordable, but still high-performing sedan->ke142 market. The new AMG C 63 looks to build off of that legacy, and right on cue, a German tuner known for its impressive Mercedes programs has pulled the covers off of its first aftermarket stab at Merc’s new fist-pumping bad boy.

I know a great deal about Vath, since I’ve written about a lot of its programs. The one thing I enjoy about the company is its ability to take something that’s already fantastic and manage to make it even better. That same blueprint is clearly evident in this new kit. Work on the AMG C 63’s body and cabin were kept to a minimum, but the engine upgrade that Vath slapped on the Merc’s new 4.0-liter turbo V-8 more than makes up for it. The program also has a suspension upgrade and a new set of wheels, so it’s not like Vath is short-changing us on this one.

Overall, it’s a great kit that brings out the best out of the AMG C 63. If I’m looking for one at this moment, I’m going to take a real and serious look at this program.

Continue after the jump to read more about the Mercedes-AMG C 63 by Vath.

2016 Mercedes-AMG C 63 by VATH

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2016 Mercedes-AMG C 63 by VATH
  • Engine/Motor: V8
  • Horsepower: 609
  • Torque: 598
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The exterior upgrades are extremely limited, although I’ve come to expect that from Vath. The German tuner is known for its performance modifications so anything other than that is really a bonus. In any case, the program for the AMG C 63 does come with a new set of 20-inch wheels that are available in either silver or black. These wheels are shod in 255/30 ZR20 tires in the front and 275/30 ZR20 tires at the back.

Interior

In a somewhat odd twist of fate, there are actually more upgrades on the interior of the AMG C 63 than there are on the exterior. It’s still not much, relative to what other tuners offer, but if a customer does avail of this program, he stands to get a new speedometer that goes up to 224 mph - a little foreshadowing, perhaps? - a set of aluminum pedals, and black velour floor mats with the tuner's logo embroidered in them. Other than these minor updates, the cabin of the AMG C 63 retains its stock form.

Drivetrain

At the heart of Vath’s program for the AMG C 63 is an engine modification that really flips the script on the performance sedan’s potential. That’s pretty impressive considering that the standard version already spits out 476 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. But thanks to Vath’s engine remapping wizardry, coupled with the installation of a new oil cooling system, the performance sedan’s 4.0-liter, twin-turbo V-8 engine is now capable of producing a whopping 609 horsepower and 598 pound-feet of torque. That’s a significant increase of 133 ponies and 119 pound-feet of torque from the standard version. With these modifications on the engine, Vath says that the sedan can reach a top speed of 199 mph. No 0-to-60-mph sprint time was announced, but given that kind of power bump, I expect the tuned AMG C 63 to be able to sprint from 0 to 60 mph somewhere in the 3.6- to 3.7-second range.

Safety

The significant power and performance increase meant that something had to be done to the car’s suspension to keep it line. Vath did just that by installing a suspension lowering kit that drops the AMG C 63's ride height by 1.5 inches, giving it a more muscular stance and improved downforce to accommodate the extra horses coming out of that V-8 banger.

Pricing

Vath is actually one of those tuners that doesn't mind releasing pricing details to make it easier for potential customers to know how much damage it'll do their wallets in the event they avail of the tuning kit. For this particular program, Vath is charging close to $9,000 for the whole thing.

That amount can be broken down to $1,770 for the interior upgrades; $4,300 for the engine modification, including mounting costs; $1,840 for the wheels; $750 for the suspension kit. Other costs, including brake fluids and the like, puts the total amount up to a higher number.

Competition

Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG mc8xx By McChip-DKR

The Mercedes C 63 AMG (I'm referring to it by its former name for the past versions) has had numerous tuning programs in the past so it’s no surprise that there’s a competitive market for these aftermarket enhancements. Just last year, another noted Mercedes tuner, McChip-DKR, revealed its own program for the high-powered sedan. The program is pretty comprehensive, consisting of a body kit, a new set of wheels, a new suspension setup, and an engine suspension module.

The body kit is made up of a carbon fiber front splitters, side mirrors, hood, wings, side skirts, and front and rear bumpers. It also has a new set of 19-inch OZ-Racing Superleggera wheels, a KW Clubsport suspension, and high-performance brake discs and pads. But the real highlight of McChip’s program for the C 63 AMG is an engine modification program made up of an adapted software, an enlarged engine oil cooler, water pump, and improved manifold pressure through increased air suction, and a blower. The result is pretty special, as the C 63 AMG’s V-8 engine is now capable of producing a staggering 830 horsepower.

McChip didn’t release the performance figures that come as a result of this program, but given what we’re dealing with, it’s safe to assume that this tuned-up C 63 AMG has the horses to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in under four seconds to go with a top speed of around 190 mph, that is if the car’s on-board speed limit was disabled.

Read our full review here.

Mercedes C 63 AMG "5.7 Edition" by Wheelsandmore

Oh, look. It’s Wheelsandmore again. Yep, the German tuner’s reputation for building quality supercar programs also included a stab at the C 63 AMG. This kit, dubbed the “5.7 Edition”, does have some tread on it, having been introduced all the way back in 2012. But, this isn’t so much about what this program was able to do to the then-C 63 AMG, as it is about showcasing what Wheelsandmore can do when it gets its hands on the new C 63 AMG.

Given what the German tuner had to work with, the 5.7 Edition kit has stood the test of time, thanks in large part to the offer of new wheels - a set of 20-inch 6Sporz² forged types that are wrapped in Dunlop Sportmaxx GT tires - that customers can customize in a variety of ways. Moreover, the kit also included an in-compression, rebound-adjustable KW coil over suspension, a performance upgrade that includes special 4-in-1 manifolds, sport air filters, modified electronics, and a flap-controlled stainless steel exhaust system. All these modifications are impressive by themselves, but Wheelsandmore iced it all up with an engine modification that saw the sedan’s V-8 engine increase its output to 570 horsepower and 509 pound-feet of torque. It’s still a ways away from what McChip’s program and Vath’s kit can do, but given that this particular aftermarket tune is a few years old, expect Wheelsandmore to dig into its bag of tricks and present a new version in the near future.

That one should at least generate close to 750 horsepower since Wheelsandmore has never been satisfied with middle-of-the-pack kits.

Read our full review here.

Conclusion

I’ve always been a fan of Vath’s tuning capabilities, even though I’ve never actually driven a car that’s been tuned by the German aftermarket outfit. My admiration has been from a distance as I’ve seen Vath work on just about every Mercedes in the company’s lineup. This one fits into my expectations. The relatively light work done on the exterior and interior could have been approached a little bit better, but I’m not about to complain on that matter. What I do like is the engine upgrade. Sure, it’s not the most powerful kit in the market, but it still gives the new AMG C 63 that extra punch that’s going to be noticeable in the streets. That, and the affordable price tag attached to the entire kit, should make it an attractive aftermarket option for customers looking to get more out of their AMG C 63s.