AMG->ke8 began meddling with the C-Class in 1995 -- one year after the C-Class->ke1593 debuted -- when it released the C36 AMG and its 268-horsepower V-6. The 1998 model year brought about the release of the C43 AMG, which featured a larger V-8 engine rated at 302 ponies. AMG then followed that up with the 349-horsepower C32 AMG in 2002, and then with the 362-horsepower C55 AMG in 2005. Finally, in 2008, the C63 AMG sent the sedan->ke142 into 450-horsepower territory with a huge 6.2-liter V-8 tweaked to generate 451 horses. With the standard 2015 C-Class having arrived in dealerships in early 2014, Mercedes-Benz->ke187 is rolling out a brand-new iteration of the AMG-prepped C63.This time around dubbed Mercedes-AMG C63, with the Germans dropping the Benz moniker from the official name, the new-generation vehicle marks the beginning of a new era for the sedan.

Much like its predecessor did in 2008, the 2015 Mercedes-AMG C63 gets a brand-new engine in the form of a biturbo, 4.0-liter V-8. The unit is identical with the one previously launched in the AMG GT sports car and comes not with just more horsepower, but with improved fuel efficiency as well. Read on for the full details surrounding AMG's new high-performance compact->ke140.

Update 5/26/2017:The Mercedes C-Class is up for a mid-cycle update, and now we’re finally getting the first look at the facelifted version of the C63. The spy shots still show some camo, but give us an idea of what to expect later this year when the updated C-Class makes its debut. Check out the spy shots section below to hear about what we know so far.

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

2015 Mercedes-AMG C63

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 Mercedes-AMG C63
  • Engine/Motor: V8
  • Horsepower: 476 @ 5500
  • Torque: 133 @ 0
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

2018 Facelift Spy Shots

Looking at the front of this mule, it’s impossible not to realize that there’s a new grille in the works to go with a revised fascia. It’s quite possible that Mercedes will follow the same logic as it did with the GLC63 and GLC63 coupe and give the AMG versions of the C-Class that new Panamericana grille. Furthermore, expect to see new headlight lenses and a slightly tweaked fascia that will likely include slightly larger corner vents and a reshaped air dam. The will be no changes to the side profile of the C63, but in the rear expect to see new taillight lenses and a slightly tweaked rear fascia.

Beyond the skin, the updated C63 should get a new instrument cluster with cleaner-looking gauges. The infotainment system will likely carry over but should see a software update to provide better usability and graphics. Finally, a new touchpad to control that infotainment system will also make its way into the updated C63. I wouldn’t expect to see any engine updates as part of this facelift, but we wouldn’t blame you if you were hoping to see a minor bump in power – after all, more is always better, right?

Exterior

The 2015 C-Class is arguably one of the most balanced and beautiful sedans on the market. Granted, with the AMG package in place, things have gotten way better styling-wise. While I agree the new C63 is not as aggressive as its predecessor, I feel the need to congratulate the Germans for making the sedan more emotional and dynamic. The added AMG parts don't just make the C-Class look more muscular, but they change the vehicle's character completely. It's still a C-Class, but at the same time, it's more than just a beefed-up sedan. It's classy and graceful, something you don't get to see when you're looking at the BMW M4.

Moving right to the point, the C63's exterior is enhanced by means of a brand-new aerodynamic kit, mainly consisting of reshaped front and rear bumpers, new side skirts, a new front grille pattern, and "V8 Biturbo" and "AMG" lettering. Not exactly visible at first glance, the sedan's front end has also been lengthened by 2.1 inches, while the new aluminum front wings add an extra 0.5 inches on each side. The latter feat allowed AMG to widen the car's track as well. Other highlights include a motorsport-inspired rear diffuser with three fins, chrome-plated, quad-exhaust tips, and an integrated trunk-lid spoiler.

All told, the new Mercedes-AMG C63 is by far the most enticing sedan the C-Class family has spawned so far.

Interior

The 2015 C-Class already boasts a sporty and luxurious interior, leaving very little room for improvement. However, AMG managed to take it up a notch by working on the small details. The dashboard is covered by black, hand-crafted leather with Crystal Grey stitching. That's a feat you can't get in the standard C-Class and it works well with the aluminum trim and the AMG-exclusive analogue clock. You'll also notice there's an AMG Dynamic Select switch next to the touchpad.

Behind the three-spoke Performance steering wheel, customers will also find bespoke carbon-look dials, with a speedometer that goes all the way up to 200 mph. I know the factory AMG C63 isn't supposed to get there, but it might come in handy once the speed limiter is removed. As with all AMGs, the C63 is also fitted with a set of leather-wrapped sports seats. These come in ARTICO, hand-made leather and Dinamica microfiber, and give the occupants increased lateral grip and a lower seating position. Naturally, Mercedes-AMG will offer a bevy of options that can be tailored to individual preferences.

Drivetrain

The big news under the AMG C63's front hood is a brand-new engine. Gone is the familiar, naturally aspirated, 6.2-liter V-8 powering the beefed-up C-Class since 2008, now replaced by a more powerful, yet more fuel-efficient biturbo, 4.0-liter V-8. This 4.0-liter powerplant comes in two guises; the one offered with the base AMG C63 delivers 476 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque, while the unit fitted in the AMG C63 S churns 510 ponies and 516 pound-feet.

While both sedans come with a top speed of 155 mph, there's a slight acceleration difference between them. Specifically, the S model is 0.1 seconds faster than the regular AMG C63, needing four seconds to reach 62 mph from a standing start. The "lesser" sedan achieves the same benchmark in 4.1 seconds.

Both versions of the Mercedes-AMG C63 come with AMG's multi-clutch, Speedshift MCT, seven-speed automatic transmission, which helps deliver some impressive fuel-economy numbers. The C63 consumes 8.2 liters of gasoline for each 100 km, while the C63 S needs 8.4 liters to cover the same distance. That's about 28.6 and 28 U.S. mpg on the combined cycle, respectively, but we're still waiting for the EPA to release its official figures.

As far as options go, AMG offers a performance exhaust system with three switchable exhaust flaps. Available on both engines, it comes with a “Comfort” mode in which the engine is quieter, and “Sport +” and “Race” modes for drivers in need of a dominant, race-like, V-8 sound.

Drivetrain Specifications

Mercedes-AMG C 63 S

Mercedes-AMG C 63

Displacement

3982 cm3

3982 cm3

Power

503 HP @ 5500-6250 RPM

469 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 (Estate)

4.0 (4.1) s

4.1 (4.2) s

Top speed

155 mph

155 mph


Suspension

Keeping the C63 sedan on its best behavior is AMG's Ride Control sport suspension with three-stage adjustable damping. The independent suspension is built mostly of aluminum and features dynamic-oriented kinematics, electronically controlled shock absorbers, and AMG-specific elastokinematics. While that may sound fancy, there's no need to look for those words in the dictionary. The system comprises a four-link suspension up front and a multi-link unit on the rear, which can be set between three different stages for either optimum long-distance comfort or maximum sporting performance. Specifically, if you need to travel 500 miles to put your AMG C63 through its paces on the Laguna Seca race course, don't look for a trailer. This sedan can provide as much highway comfort as it can deliver track performance.

The intricate suspension system isn't the only advanced feature sitting under the C63's body. There's also a rear locking differential, a three-stage ESP, and a precise, speed-sensitive sport steering. Stopping power is provided by motorsport-based, radially mounted brakes, with a ceramic-composite system available as an option for the C63 S model.

Prices

Model

Price

Mercedes-AMG C63

$63,900

Mercedes-AMG C63 S

$71,900


Competitors

BMW M3

The BMW M3, the C63's traditional high-performance competitor, was completely redesigned for the 2015 model year. Sporting a new styling that doesn't stray too far from Munich's traditional recipe and a revamped interior, the new M3 is as fresh as it gets. Just like the AMG, BMW opted to introduce a smaller engine, by ditching the familiar 4.4-liter V-8. But unlike Mercedes, who remained true to the eight-banger, BMW went for a turbocharged, 3.0-liter, inline-six unit.

Although some may argue the M3 has lost its sexy exhaust note in the process, the turbo l-6 is no slouch. The six-banger delivers 425 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque to the wheels of a sedan that's lighter than its predecessor. The power is routed to the wheels through either a six-speed manual gearbox or a seven-speed automatic, with the latter enabling the M3 to charge from 0 to 62 mph in as little as 4.1 seconds -- 4.3 seconds with the manual transmission). The M3 returns 26 mpg on the highway. Already available in dealerships, the M3 starts from $62,000.

Cadillac ATS-V

Cadillac's smallest sedan yet is joining the high-performance compact party for the 2016 model year. Unlike both its German competitors, the ATS-V is set to receive rather different styling when compared to its milder brother, starting with a completely new front grille. Cadillac is upping the ante towards separating its regular and performance vehicles from a visual point of view, and the ATS-V is among the first to benefit from the new strategy.

Details are still under wraps as of September 2014, but we expect the ATS-V sedan to carry a twin-turbo, 3.6-liter, V-6 powerplant under its hood. The mill is likely to generate more than 430 ponies and 440 pound-feet of torque, giving it enough oomph to compete with similar offerings from BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi.

Conclusion

We knew the new AMG C63 was going to be a blast as soon as we saw the redesigned, 2015 C-Class. And AMG didn't disappoint, delivering a sedan that blends the muscular looks and the luxurious interior of the standard vehicle with the aggressive bits and pieces and the thundering performance Affalterbach is known to deliver for decades. What's more, the C63 also promises to return outstanding fuel economy considering its output figures, a feat that's highly important in today's market. The high-performance compact segment will definitely be a happier place to compete in starting 2015, and the AMG C63 is a player we need to keep our eyes on. With BMW, Audi, Cadillac and most likely Jaguar to join the battle, AMG's new weapon will have plenty of reasons to showcase its new skills.

Update History

Updated 03/30/2015: Mercedes announced prices for the new C63 and C63 S models which will go on sale in April. Prices will start from $63,900 for the C63 sedan and from $71,900 for the C63 S sedan version.

Updated 09/24/2014: Mercedes has released all the important details on the new 2015 C63 AMG.

Updated 06/04/2014: We've created a very cool rendering for the upcoming C63 AMG. Check the details after the jump.

Updated 09/18/2014: Mercedes officially confirmed that the all-new C63 AMG will continue to be offered with an eight-cylinder engine. We're talking about an all-new 4.0-litre V-8 Biturbo engine with an output increased to up to 510 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque.

Updated 09/23/2014: Mercedes unveiled the first official images on its new C63 AMG and C63 AMG S through its German website. Check them out after the jump.

First images

Rendering

The differences between the C63 AMG and the base C-Class should include a new front grille with a single bar and new air intakes. We also expect to see larger wheels and slightly reworked headlamps, based on the most recent spy shots. Finally, there is the Turbo badge on the side instead of "6.3," considering that the new engine will likely be a turbocharged 4.4-liter instead of the 6.3-liter in the current-gen C63 AMG.

Spy Shots

March 6, 2014 - Mercedes C63 AMG Starts To Strip

March 10, 2014 - Mercedes C63 AMG Station Wagon caught testing

As expected, when compared to a base C-Class, the C63 AMG version will get a more powerful and muscular appearance, with a wider body and lower suspension.