V8 BEAST DEVELOPS A SOFTER SIDE M
Benz’s C63 S is now more at home in the ‘burbs
ercedes-AMG has added another dimension to its brutish C63 S performance sedan. A mid-life makeover has knocked some of the rough edges off the hairy chested V8, adding a bit of gentility to the blistering performance that has been its trademark.
The main work was on the suspension, which was too harsh in the previous model.
The adjustable suspension, which allows you to choose between comfort and sport, has been tuned to iron out more bumps and clunks over pockmarked city roads, while still retaining its nimbleness through corners.
Elsewhere, two extra cogs have been added to the multi-clutch automatic transmission, bringing the count to nine and making for quicker shifts. The cabin has had a makeover as well. There’s a new digital widescreen display in front of the driver and a wider centre screen perched high on the dash. Buttons and tiles on the steering wheel allow you to customise the driver display and change the character of the car from sporty to serene. It’s not quite in the league of the twin displays available on the cheaper A-Class, but there will be few complaints about the quality of the new interior from existing owners.
Outputs for the twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 remain unchanged at 375kW and 700Nm — buyers are unlikely to crave more.
Visually the biggest change is the new grille, which is borrowed from AMG’s GT sports car and gives the car a more menacing look.
The starting price for the sedan is $160,900. The wagon costs $163,400 and the two-door coupe is $165,900.
ON THE ROAD
The previous C63 S was a hoot to drive on a racetrack or smooth country road, but it was literally a pain in the backside around town. Even in comfort mode, it transmitted every imperfection in the road surface to the cabin.
The new set-up is still firm but doesn’t jar like its predecessor on rough surfaces at low speeds. The trade-off is it can float a little over speed humps and bigger bumps.
The nine-speed auto also helps to make the car more civilised in city traffic. The old sevenspeed could be a little jerky on light throttle, but the new one does a better job of mixing luxury limousine with race car. Gear shifts are lightning quick when you drive the car harder.
Ironically, it’s the carry-over engine that impresses most, though. At city speeds it will burble along with just enough noise to let you know it’s a V8, but turn the wick up and it will spit, crackle and snarl like a V8 Supercar.
There’s so much power going through the rear tyres they will squirm under full power but the onboard electronics step in quickly and unobtrusively to save any blushes.
The cabin is a great place to spend a few hours as well. From the adjustable ambient lighting to the perforated, two-tone leather seats and crystal clear displays, the C63 S exudes luxury and sportiness in equal measures.
It’s an impressive mix — a little bit more Dr Jekyll and a little less Mr Hyde.