FINE DRIVING: MERCEDES-AMG C63 S
Don’t be fooled by its looks — this car can rip it up
The Mercedes is polar white, a brilliant shade that’s almost pure. Underneath the car’s hood are something equally pure — malevolence and anarchy!
Yes, a year after the debut of the fifth- generation C- Class sedan, the Hulk-like power of the AMG C63 and C63 S is being unleashed on Canadian roads, looking to settle scores with the likes of the BMW M3, the Cadillac ATS-V and the Audi RS5.
Actually, the C63 S wouldn’t even show up for the brawl. The base C63 has more than enough juice to smack around those other mugs, courtesy of the same (more or less) 4.0-litre twin-turbo V-8 that resides in the AMG GT supercar, tuned to pump out 469 horsepower in the mid-sized uber-sedan. Packing another 34 thoroughbreds in its engine bay, the C 63 S has no need to go looking for trouble — it’ll let trouble come find it.
In either form, the C63 wears its authority proudly yet not extravagantly. Clearly a member of the AMG family, its small but numerous details differentiate it from the more moderate C-Class sibs. A wider track, wider aluminum front fenders, a lengthened front end, aluminum hood with twin power domes, unique lower air dam, rear diffuser and more all combine to enhance the C63’s confident look.
The twin- turbo V- 8 in the C63 S might lack the big-cube rumble of the 6.2L, but its 503 hp is more than ample compensation. And the sound from the car’s quad tailpipes still has enough devilish intent to stop people in their tracks, jaws dropping as they stare at the pale beast sliding by.
The key to the C63’s performance is the AMG Dynamic Select drive program, with various modes available, primarily comfort, sport and sport plus. For the hot shoes out there, there’s also the race drive program — not offered in the regular C63 — that adjusts the shift strategy of the dual-clutch seven-speed for the rigours of track use.
Now, in the interest of public safety, let me say that the C63 S doesn’t have to be driven like it was stolen, though having 503 horsepower — and 516 lb-ft of torque available at a low 1,750 r.p.m. — is a powerful temptation. Assuming the car might find its way to a track for some exercise, know this: With a power-to-weight ratio of just 3.3 kilograms per horsepower, Mercedes claims the $82,900 super-sedan will launch itself to 100 kilometres an hour in four seconds flat, topping out at an electronically limited 250 km/h.
As for the street hooligans, the S has a distinct Detroit muscle car feel, including just enough lumpiness at idle to let you know you’re behind the wheel of a high-power machine. Punch the throttle on a rolling start and it will chirp its tires on the upshift, while pinning you back in your seat as it launches itself forward. Restraint is strictly up to the driver.
Much like the AMG-GT, the only real criticism of the C63 S’s everyday drivability is its suspension damping. Even comfort mode is firm, and sport or sport Plus modes will make every bump, crack and tar strip known to the car’s occupants. Naturally, fuel economy is not one of the sedan’s strengths. Allowing for some misbehaving, I averaged 15.1 litres per 100 kilometres during my time with the S, in a mix of highway and suburban use — and the engine requires a minimum of 91 octane.
Inside, the cabin is very well laid out, a blend of sport and luxury, with a couple of pricey options that are a matter of personal taste — $2,500 worth of carbon-fibre trim as well as $2,300 performance seats that are exceedingly supportive.
The C63 S is distinguished from the C63 by a number of design details, notably a dashboard finished in black synthetic leather, aluminum trim elements and the AMG-exclusive IWC-design analogue clock.
Clearly, the C63 S is for a discerning clientele, one as concerned about brand image and class as it is about the hard performance numbers. (If stoplight grands prix were the only thing that mattered, all the motor heads with family obligations — hence the need for four doors — would have $76,000 Charger Hellcats in their driveways).
Still, that saying about absolute power corrupting applies when talking about in this sedan. AMG’s techno-geeks have delivered a street thug clothed in a Savile Row suit. It takes willpower to keep it in check.