With the 2018 New York Auto Show just hours from getting underway, Mercedes-AMG is jumping the gun a bit and introducing its new C 63 lineup, giving us the full rundown on the refreshed four-door, coupe, convertible, and wagon body styles. Included in the announcement is a complete list of specs for both the base model and the go-faster S version, both of which are looking like they might have what it takes to bring the fight to BMW and the vaunted M3.

Continue reading for the full story.

The Full Story

For starters, Merc is hedging its bets with this uber-popular model by offering customers multiple body styles to choose from, including options for either more curb appeal, more comfort, more atmosphere, or more practicality.

And that certainly makes sense given the C-Class is Merc’s best-selling nameplate, with the accompanying AMG models bringing even more spice to the recipe.

Per usual for Mercedes, this latest refresh touches on a variety of areas, including the exterior aesthetics, interior equipment, and under-hood performance.

Outside, we find an updated front bumper and a new front apron, plus new aero-optimized designs for the lightweight wheels sizing between 18 and 19 inches in diameter. Both the standard rollers and the upgraded spec get a tantalite grey color and high-sheen finish.

In back, the twin exhaust tips get a reshape, as well as a high-gloss chrome finish. The diffuser was also upgraded, while the go-faster S variant gets more aggressive aero. Even more visual presence can be had with the optional AMG aero package.

Meanwhile, inside the cabin, there’s leatherette and microfibre for the upholstery. Piano black lacquer and aluminum complete the trim, while this refresh also brings new options like anthracite open-pore oak, open-pore walnut, and black open-pore ash coverings. The traditional options like Nappa leather and carbon fiber trim are still on the table, as are the multiple color combos, quilted upholstery, and AMG Performance seating.

A new AMG steering wheel helps drivers get to grips, while the cabriolet models are offered with an optional Airscarf neck heater. All body styles can be optioned with a fully digital gauge cluster, which mounts a 12.3-inch screen just behind the wheel.

While new dubs and extra screens are all well and good, the main attraction of anything from AMG is under the hood. This time around, power is once again provided by a high-spec 4.0-liter V-8, which comes stuffed by a double dose of turbocharging to produce upwards of 476 horsepower in the base model C 63 and 510 horsepower on the S model. Torque is rated at 479 pound-feet for the former and 516 pound-feet for the latter, while a run to 60 mph takes 4 seconds and 3.9 seconds, respectively.

Top speed is electronically limited at 155 mph for the standard C 63 and 180 mph for the S. A nine-speed AMG Speedshift 9G transmission with multiple drive modes (including a manual shifting mode) handles the cog swaps, while a rear-axle electronically controlled limited-slip differential rounds out the drivetrain.

Extra handling prowess comes courtesy of AMG Ride Control with adaptive damping as standard, plus the AMG speed-sensitive steering system.

While Merc has yet to provide us with exact pricing info, the 2019 AMG C 63 will likely slot in at the same spot as the outgoing model, which currently starts at $66,100. And that places it alongside its arch nemesis from the Bavarians - the M3, which currently starts at $66,500.

So then - should Bimmer be worried?

Well, by comparison, the BMW M3 makes 444 horsepower from its 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline six-cylinder when equipped with the M Competition pack (without it, the Bimmer makes around 425 horsepower). The pack also tosses in plus-sized 20-inch wheels wrapped in performance rubber, plus sportier tuning for the Adaptive M suspension components and a new exhaust system. Properly motivated, 60 mph arrives in about 4 seconds flat, while top speed is limited at about 160 mph.

A six-speed manual gearbox is standard equipment, while a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic is an available option.

Inside, the M3 is draped in luxurious materials and loads of technology, seating as many as three passengers on the rear bench. Options include a heads-up display, a heated steering wheel, and much more.

Of course, the M4 is only offered as a sedan, while a two-door coupe and drop-top cabriolet body style require you to step up to the more-expensive M4.

Don’t forget to check out a complete breakdown of the specs for both the new C 63 and the current BMW M3 in the tables below.

Technical Details

BMW M3 drivtrain specifications to compare

References

Read our full review on the 2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

Read our full review on the 2019 Mercedes-AMG C43 Coupe.

Read more Mercedes-Benz news.

Read more New York Auto Show news.