Mercedes-AMG has revealed revised
versions of its C63 models at the New York Auto Show. Now it’s released a whole
slew of photos of the refreshed muscle sedan and its stablemates. The first change you’re likely to
notice on the latest C63 is the grille – AMG’s signature “Panamericana” snout,
filled with vertical slats to further set it apart from standard Benzes. But
that’s just the start of the revisions to Affalterbach’s compact passenger-car
line. The updated sedan, wagon, coupe, and convertible also benefit from an
updated aero kit, interior, chassis electronics, transmission, and more.
The engine carries over essentially unchanged, and
that’s no bad thing… especially considering it’s one of the last in its class
to retain all eight cylinders – an increasing rarity in this age of engine
downsizing. As before, the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 (derived from the one in the
AMG GT) offers 476 hp and 650 Nm of torque in
standard guise, or 510 hp and 700 Nm of torque in S spec
(which also comes with dynamic engine mounts).
Either way, it’s all channeled to the rear wheels
(4Matic AWD remains the realm of the lower-level C43) through a nine-speed
automatic transmission (instead of the previous seven-speed unit), with a wet
start-off clutch instead of a conventional torque converter. 0-100
km/h) times hover around four seconds – from 3.9 for the S coupe to 4.2 for the
base wagon or cabrio – with top speeds rated between 250 and 290 km/h depending on the model.
The AMG Dynamic Select system allows the driver to
switch between multiple drive programs, ranging from Slippery and Comfort to
Sport and Sport+, with a programmable Individual setting, and (on the C63 S) a
Race mode. The system integrates both the stability control and
torque-vectoring functions and features three or four more modes to choose
between. The traction control can be set at nine different levels, and the
adaptive dampers in another three – allowing for a potentially bewildering
array of settings.
There’s a new track telematics package available as
well, the exhaust system has been retuned for even better sound, the steering
rack features a constant ratio but varies it assist with the vehicle’s speed,
and the interior benefits from a new steering wheel, updated trim, optional
digital instruments, and new available seats.