If you’re looking for classy entry-level luxury with a three-pointed star on the nose, look no further than the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Initially making the scene in 2007, the C-Class got its first AMG model variant in 2008. These days, the C-Class is the brand’s top-selling nameplate, with the AMG versions bolstering sales numbers as a more accessible gateway to the high-performance Mercedes lifestyle. Like a sports car draped in a luxury suit, the AMG C 63 brings the heat without breaking a sweat, and now, there’s an updated version headed to dealers offering tweaked exterior style, the latest cabin tech, and a little extra under the hood.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2019 Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupe.

2019 Mercedes-AMG C 63 Coupe

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2019 Mercedes-AMG C 63 Coupe
  • Engine/Motor: V8
  • Horsepower: 469 @ 5500
  • Torque: 479 @ 4500
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

2019 Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupe Exterior

- Slightly revised exterior styling - Multiple body styles on offer - Glossy black trim throughout - Lightweight alloy wheels - Optional AMG aero package

Buyers can get the AMG C 63 in a variety of different body styles, including a four-door sedan and a cabriolet model, as well as the two-door coupe model featured here.

New for the 2019 model year is a fresh round of aesthetics updates, all of which bring the C 63 in line with the brand’s latest styling language and AMG-inspired performance cues. Up front, the nose is decked out with a row of vertical polished slats across the grille and central intake, below which we find a lower bumper with an “A-wing” design, something that’s meant to emphasize the visual width of the vehicle. The lower intakes get dark-colored surrounds and additional black divider fins.

Moving to the the profile, the C 63 gets new side skirts, which just out from the body with reinforced performance intentions. The corners are stuffed by aero-optimized AMG wheels, which come with a lightweight alloy construction and utilize an aero ring and spoke geometry designed in the wind tunnel. In order to more cleanly slice through the air, the design helps to direct the atmosphere around the wheels, thus making the whole thing more aero efficient overall.

Finally, in the rear, we find the exhaust finishers, which use a quad-tip layout and squared edges, all of which is finished in a glossy black look. There’s also a bigger diffuser element, while S models get a “diffuser board” to peacock around just a little bit more. Additional lateral air curtains were added to the rear bumper to improve the overall airflow, while a spoiler lip is mounted on the edge of the trunk.

“The developers aimed for the optimal combination of aerodynamics, weight and brake cooling, for maximum performance and optimum efficiency,” says Mercedes.

If you’re looking to get just a little bit more visual pop, go for the optional AMG Aerodynamics package, which adds in a new front splitter, a new spoiler lip (which includes an integral Gurney flap, by the way), broader side skirts inserts, new rear bumper flics, and a more aggressive diffuser element, all of which are finished in high-gloss black.

2019 Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupe Interior

- Similar layout as in previous years - Multiple options for materials - Multiple colors and customization options - Optional AMG seating - New steering wheel touch controls - Tons of infotainment bits - Optional digital cockpit - Optional AMG Track Pace for race-ready performance - 10.25-inch main display

Open either of the two doors, and you’ll be greeted by a refreshed interior spec offering additional customization options, plus new trim and equipment. The layout isn’t terribly different from what we’ve seen in the past, with the lines composed of gentle curves and graceful arcs. Meanwhile, there are broad surfaces and solid shapes employed across the dash and central stack. Rounded air vents are spread across the top line of the dash, while the materials used are all quite high-end.

Speaking of materials used, the standard spec includes black seat upholstery with MB-Tex (leatherette) and Dinamica microfiber, while the dash and other bits include Natural Grain Black Ash Wood and brushed aluminum.

New options include Natural-Grain Walnut Wood and something called Naturan Grain Grey Oak Wood. There’s also the more traditional AMG trim option - that is, carbon fiber and aluminum, as well as AMG trim in silver fiberglass and aluminum.

Upholstery options include the traditional Nappa leather, which is offered in a variety of color schemes, such as Black, Black with Grey accents, Red Pepper and Black, Platinum White with Pearl and Black, or the optional Magma Grey and Black with yellow contrast stitching.

Passengers up front are held firmly in place thanks to the optional AMG Performance seating, which adds extra lateral support and integrated head restraints to the package. The seats also get a further optional heating function and leather upholstery.

Driver’s get to grips with a newly updated AMG steering wheel, which arrives as standard across the range. This piece offers large hand bolsters and a contoured rim, and gets covered in Nappa leather. The flat bottom leaves no question over its role as a performance-oriented driving tool.

Behind the wheel are shifter paddles made from a galvanized metal material. As an available option on the C 63 (and as standard equipment on the S model), the steering wheel is covered in a combination of Nappa leather and Dinamica microfiber. Further options include black piano lacquer trim, a full Dinamica material wrap, and a combination of Dinamica and high-gloss carbon fiber.

Those built-in touch buttons you see on the steering wheel are new for the 2019 model year and are used to control the various infotainment features and display options for the digital readout behind the steering wheel, as well as in the center stack. User inputs can be made with a swiping motion, much like you’d use on a smartphone or a tablet.

Further options include a supplementary AMG Drive unit, which is used to provide additional feature control thanks to a round controller that’s integrated just below the right-spoke of the steering wheel. There’s also another set of display buttons beneath the left spoke.

The touchpad and controller are used for the various infotainment inputs, while voice recognition can be used to keep your attention facing forward.

Display information includes a slew of vital parameters, such as engine and transmission oil temperatures, boost pressure, drive system status, suspensions settings, the AMG Dynamics settings, the exhaust system settings, the ESP settings, and the transmission settings. The two configurable display buttons help you choose what to see in the various screens.

If you’re looking for the latest high-tech gadgets, the C 63 is offered with an optional fully digital cockpit display with multiple AMG display modes, Measuring in at 12.3 inches in the diagonal, the display can be viewed in either “Classic,” “Progressive,” or “Sport” mode, each of which tailors the information to best suit the situation at hand.

For those seeking more of a performance angle from their AMG, there’s the optional Track Pace package, which tosses in stuff like racetrack maps, sector times, and lap times. Grab the optional heads-up display, and the AMG Track Pace will project stuff like race track graphics, bends, braking points, delta speed, and absolute times onto the windshield, almost giving it a “gamified” appearance.

Further data includes specs on the engine (think stuff like peak torque output) as well as a G-Force meter projected in a coordinate system display, the latter of which can save the maximum recorded values to prove just how hard you can stick. Also, the race timer uses a color-coded layout for quick and easy reference on your fastest and slowest times posted, as well as average speed and distance.

Mercedes says the data logger for the AMG Track Pace package acts as a “virtual race engineer,” taking down all the right data to improve your performance on the track so you can later analyze and improve. Offered as an available option on the C 63 and standard on the S model, the package records stuff like your 0-to-60 mph time, quarter mile time, 60-to-0 mph braking times, and more. The system can even determine the track configuration you’re racing on using GPS data, while the rest of it taps into the throttle position, an onboard gyroscope, steering angle, wheel speeds, and more to record what it needs.

As you might expect, the AMG stores tracks like Spa and the Nurburgring, but if you happen to be at a more obscure local venue, it can also record a completely new track as well. Both a 3D and 2D display is utilized, which feeds the onboard multimedia display in the central stack.

Of course, the screen can be configured to display more everyday info as well, such as the current road speed and currently selected gear. Further features include animated readouts for the driving assist systems, vehicle systems, and communications systems.

The media display measures in at 10.25 inches and offers a resolution of 1,920 by 720 pixels as standard with the Comand infotainment system.

Finally, there’s Active Distance Assist Distronic adaptive cruise control for extra onboard safety.

2019 Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupe Drivetrain

- AMG-tuned twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 - Two states of tune: 469 hp and 503 hp - 0 to 60 mph in less than four seconds - Variable exhaust flap technology - Multiple driving modes - Tunable driving assists - Standard electronic rear LSD - Standard dynamic engine mounts - Nine-speed automatic transmission - Manual mode won’t automatically upshift

Mounted behind that three-pointed star in the grille is a handcrafted AMG-tuned 4.0-liter V-8, which gets stuffed by a pair of turbochargers to produce an impressive amount of go. Buyers can get theirs in one of two levels of tune, including 469 horsepower in the base model C 63, and 503 horsepower in the S model. Compared to the outgoing model, those numbers are identical.

The same goes for the acceleration, with the C 63 managing a run to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds and the S model doing the same in 3.8 seconds.

Considering the twin-turbo V8 uses a similar configuration as the highly potent Mercedes-AMG GT, it’s not all that surprising that this “entry-level” model is so quick. The powertrain was created under the “one man - one engine” principle, which basically means a single technician is responsible for each engine individual engine build and installation per vehicle.

A variety of standout features help the C 63 get along, for example, the two turbos are located inside the “vee” of the cylinder banks. This is also known as a “hot-vee” configuration, which makes for more compact packaging, as well as a sharper throttle response thanks to an overall reduction in spool time.

There’s also spray-guided direct fuel injection, while the cooling system was specifically designed to handle the rigors of a track day. Additional features include flow-optimized cylinder heads, variable adjustments for the intake and exhaust cams, and a variable control oil pump.

Being a Jekyll and Hyde sort of machine, the AMG C 63 uses special exhaust flap technology to offer drivers variable noise levels for the engine, which is adjusted via the selected driving program. There’s also an optional upgrade with up to three selectable notes, which is offered on both the S and non-S variants.

Speaking of driving modes, this Merc gets six of them total. These include “Comfort,” “Sport,” “Sport+,” “Race,” and “Individual,” as well as the newly added “Slippery,” all of which adjust various settings for the suspension, transmission, and other drive systems to better suit the situation at hand.

Further settings can be had with the AMG Dynamics system. These include “Basic,” “Advanced,” “Pro” and “Master,” and offer further refinement for the engine and suspension settings, as well as the electronic stability program.

Put it in “Master” and “Race” mode for best results, as this combo “guarantees optimal agility and makes ideal use of the new C 63’s high driving dynamics potential - for example by means of higher yaw rates and faster response of accelerator, gearshift, and electronically controlled rear-axle limited-slip differential,” Mercedes says.

The driver can also manually select the various system settings if the standard combo of presets don’t quite fit what you’re after.

An electronically controlled limited-slip differential comes as standard for the rear axle. This piece works to reduce slip for the inside wheel during cornering, as well as offers greater grip off the line when launching.

Dynamic engine mounts come as standard on the C 63 S model, and work to reduce drivetrain vibrations when you want to cruise, or alternatively, firm up and provide extra feedback when the time comes for sportier driving.

Routing the muscle to the ground is an AMG Speedshift MCT nine-speed transmission, a first for the C 63 and a replacement for the outgoing seven-speed automatic. Standout features include a wet-start-off clutch, which is used in place of a traditional torque converter and helps to cut weight, making for “an even more agile gearshift response.” It also has a special double de-clutching function in the two Sport modes and lays down faster shifts courtesy of some revised ignition timing.

The nine-speed also offers a manual shift mode, which is indicated by a yellow “M” in the display. In this mode, the onboard systems will notify the driver when to upshift at the maximum engine rpm, something Mercedes says was “inspired by the world of Formula 1.” However, the system won’t automatically upshift for you, which is great if you’re really trying to squeeze out every last rpm on the track.

Mercedes-AMG C 63 Coupe - Drivetrain Specifications

Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Coupe

Mercedes-AMG C 63 Coupe

Engine

Handcrafted AMG 4.0-liter V8 Biturbo

Handcrafted AMG 4.0-liter V8 Biturbo

Displacement

3,982 cc

3,982 cc

Max. output

503 hp @ 5,500 - 6,250 rpm

469 hp @ 5,500-6,250 rpm

Peak torque

516 lb-ft @ 2,500 - 5,000 rpm

479 lb-ft @ 1,750-4,500 rpm

Drive system

Rear-wheel drive

Rear-wheel drive

Transmission

AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9-speed

AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9-speed

Acceleration 0-60 mph

3.8 s (preliminary)

3.9 s (preliminary)

Top speed

TBA

TBA


2019 Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupe Chassis And Handling

- Independent suspension - Adaptive components as standard - Variable speed-sensitive steering

In the handling department, the C 63 offers further upgraded “dynamics,” courtesy of the boffins at AMG. The basics include a four-link front axle and a multi-link independent rear, both of which get techy adaptive components as standard.

Like the variable exhaust note, the suspension looks to offer the best of both worlds, including “sporty driving dynamics and brand-typical comfort on long journeys.” This dual personality is created by the onboard AMG Ride Control system, which combines steel components and adaptive dampers. Together, they create an electronically controlled system that automatically makes the appropriate adjustments on a wheel-per-wheel basis as it reads inputs from the current driving style, road conditions, and selected suspension mode.

Drivers can choose from a variety of damper settings, each of which is labeled as “Comfort,” “Sport,” and “Sport+.”

Helping to make the turns is an AMG speed-sensitive power steering system with a variable ratio. This set-up offers more assistance at low speeds, which is great for maneuvering through a parking lot, and more feedback at higher speeds, with both a “Comfort” and “Sport” mode to choose from.

2019 Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupe Prices

Following its debut at the 2018 New York Auto Show, the AMG C63 Coupe will go on sale early in 2019. Official pricing has not yet been announced, but it’ll likely remain more or less identical to that of the outgoing model, which currently starts at $67,500 for the base model C 63 Coupe and $75,500 for the C 63 S.

2019 Mercedes-AMG C63 Competition

BMW M4

If it’s high-end two-door German luxury and performance that you’re after, then the Bavarians have a pretty stout competitor to consider - the venerable M4. Lightened thanks to copious use of carbon fiber reinforced plastic and packing 425 horsepower thanks to a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, the M4 can stampede up to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds, all while coddling passengers in superlative comfort. More serious speed seekers can opt into upgrades like the Competition Package, which adds an extra 19 horses, race-tuned adaptive suspension, and stylish 20-inch wheels. Pricing starts at $68,700.

Read our full review on the 2018 BMW M4.

Audi RS5

As goes Mercedes and BMW, so goes Audi. Going tit for tat against AMG and the M Division is Audi’s line of RS models, which includes this two-door called the RS5. Rocking a cabin space dripping in luxury, including an optional digital cockpit display, the Audi certainly has the goods in the luxury department, and it’s got some stylish exterior bits to match. As for motivation, the Audi is powered by a turbocharged 2.9-liter V-6, which makes as much as 444 ponies and 443 pound-feet of torque at full chat, enabling a run to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds thanks to its quick-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission and Quattro AWD grip. Pricing starts at $69,900.

Read our full review of the 2018 Audi RS5.

Conclusion

With a history of posting solid sales numbers and a reputation for top-shelf speed and luxury, the AMG C 63 is a tough machine to beat. That said, both the Bavarian and Four-Ring competition listed above ain’t no slouch either, which means Merc has to stay on its toes if it wants to stay competitive. Luckily for Mercedes fans, the Affalterbach company knows this, and the latest C 63 refresh brings exactly what we’d expect.

“The AMG C-Class is our best-selling model series and therefore a key cornerstone of our company’s success of recent years,” explains Mercedes-AMG boss Tobias Moers. “We have therefore increasingly expanded our C-Class offer: customers can now choose between twelve models from the C-Class family globally.”

Not too shabby, if you ask us. While it isn’t perfect, the C 63 is still an extremely potent combination of opulence, style, and speed, and that doesn’t look like it’ll change any time soon.

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.