2019 Mercedes-AMG C63 first driving review: Once again, with the feeling



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Bilster Berg is an absolute monster of a track. Nestled in a hilly pocket of Middle of Nowhere, Germany, the 2.6-mile course is like a roller coaster for cars. His 19 turns are largely blind, with super fast elevation changes that challenge even the most skilled riders. And in a sports car as fierce as the notoriously unbalanced Mercedes AMG C63, the experience is as charming as it is terrifying.

Right off the bat, the AMG C63 roared to life with more Mustang GT350 behavior than prim-and-. suitable
Mercedes-Benz
. The 4.0-liter V8 twin-turbo engine remains unchanged for 2019, with 469 horsepower and 479 lb.-ft. of torque in its standard specification, or 503 horsepower and 516 lb-ft in S. It's still grumpy and burlesque, with two exhaust volume levels that should really be marked "loud" and "stronger".

The C63 avoids its seven-speed automatic transmission for 2019; in its place, there is a new AMG Speedshift gearbox with nine speeds. This dual clutch transmission uses a wet clutch design that allows smoother starts without the need for a torque converter. Plus, with two extra reports in his gear game, you'll probably have better fuel economy, even though the official EPA data is still ahead. C63's full 516 foot-pounds hits you at 2000 rpm, there's no turning back. You will be able to buy both versions of the C63 as a sedan, coupe or convertible in the US, and in S spec, all three will fuse at 60 miles per hour in less than four seconds.

Bombing Bilster Berg [19659006] On the right track, the sedan and the C63 S coupe are almost indistinguishable from behind the wheel. The C63 S sedan has a weight advantage of about 200 pounds on the coupe, but the two-door has a slightly lower center of gravity. You will notice a small amount of roll in both bends, but neither feels really far from the other, even if it is back to back. The two wag their tails a bit if you crush the throttle from the stop – a good reminder that, while the majority of AMG models from Mercedes have moved to 4Matic all-wheel drive, the C63 retains a configuration of l & rsquo; Training at the back.

In Sport Mode with traction control on, there is still enough playfulness for the C63 to slide its rump into a bend, the limited slip differential ensuring that things do not get too out of control. Opt for the S model and it will come with the AMG Traction Control used for the first time in the coupe GT R with nine different levels of slip prevention.

The rimmed steering wheel is very nice in my hand, with large metal gearshift blades that offer satisfactory action when exchanging sprockets. The steering has a casual touch that you only notice on long straight lines (or off-road, on the highway), but there's no shortage of feedback or weight during the long rear-end sweeper from Bilster Berg. exactly where your wheels are on the tight, descending turn of the left turn to the start / finish line.

C63 S models can be equipped with ceramic composite front brakes offering incredible performance and no signs of discoloration after an afternoon. track time. The stopping power is strong and solid, with a sure initial bite and a progressive response from the pedal. The C63 will dive a little under brutal braking, and given the merry nature of the tail, there is not much room for error if you brake too late in a corner. But adjust the car properly before starting it up and you'll enjoy incredible grip from the Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires, with a small, controllable slide as a diabolical reward.

Street cred

You can certainly follow the C63 Cabriolet, as it comes with all the same performance prowess as its hardtop siblings. But on a hot summer day, I would do well not to experience the AMG dump truck along winding tree lined roads, the roar of its V8 engine, and gas turbines. crackling exhaust filling the cabin to full volume. There is no tangible performance loss in choosing the Cabriolet, and with its standard tailwind baffle and fantastic Airscarf technology, it's a convertible that you could experience all year long.

Mercedes also offers the updated AMG C63 as a wagon, and that is a total hoot . Do not hold your breath for it to come to the United States. Americans eager for Crossover would soon have a GLC63 anyway.

As exuberant as it may sound, the C63 is a car that you could really drive every day without complaining. Leave it in comfort mode and the beast sits, the steel suspension provides a comfortable ride quality with enough compliance to negotiate the broken roadway on German rural roads. Yet, even in its quietest setting, a single accelerator pedal stroke triggers thrilling sensations while passing slow motion or quickly away from the stop lights.

The comfort, for me, seems to be an excellent base for the C63: aggressive enough to never let you forget that you bought the AMG, but not so overwhelming that you have the impression that the car is constantly trying to escape. Switch to Sport and Sport + modes for a more precise throttle response and transmission programming that will keep you at reduced speed for longer periods of time. I can not really feel a detectable difference between these two fashions along the hilly roads of northern Germany, but the two feel wonderfully tuned for the kind of back road blasting that the C63 do the best. In its sporty driving modes with this incredible V8 leading load, the AMG C-Class is a nicer steering wheel than its Audi RS5 and
BMW M4

Switch the driving selector to individual mode and you can choose your own adventure with separate settings for powertrain, suspension and exhaust, as well as a new AMG Dynamics menu with Basic, Advanced, Pro and Master profiles that modify driving parameters like engine response and stability control. Finally, a new Slippery setting is better reserved for bad weather, and the Race mode, well, that we do not need explanation.

If I have to register a real complaint about the AMG C63, it is that this myriad exaggerated. "We have tried to extend the programs a little wider," says a Mercedes-Benz product planner, claiming that comfort is supposed to be more comfortable than before and that the sport is a little more sporty . Still, the automaker knows its customers "are not going to use everything," but he prefers to offer too much adjustment that not enough. "That, they say, is always welcome."

A 10.25 "infotainment display and a redesigned steering wheel with redundant controls highlight the updated C63 cab.


Mercedes-Benz

Spot the Differences

Despite the fact that the class C of the W205 generation has been refreshed in the middle of the cycle, the visual improvements for 2019 are decidedly minor. Of course, you might be able to spot slightly remodeled lighting elements or subtly twisted front and back valences, but I bet dollars to donuts the first thing you notice is the adjustment of the Panamericana grille of Mercedes. The design of vertical slats is spreading rapidly across the AMG range, and it seems absolutely killer on the C63.

Inside, the C63 gets the same updates as the rest of the 2019 C-Class lineup . This means that you will find a redesigned flat-bottomed steering wheel with keypad controllers for the dashboard and the central infotainment display. The C63-specific dial adds a dial in the lower right opening to control driving modes and AMG Traction Control, as well as a pair of buttons on the left-hand side for a volume boost. Exhaust and suspension rigidity distinct (yes, even more adjustment). 19659002] Like its counterpart AMG C43, the C63 comes with a larger 10.25-inch infotainment display on the center console. It still works with the older version of the Mercedes COMAND software, although Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and the C63 also gets the application of AMG Track Pace performance data. Additional options include navigation, a Wi-Fi hotspot and a wireless phone charging, as well as a 12.3-inch digital dashboard with reconfigurable displays.

You can not really go wrong with a Mercedes-AMG C63. 19659018] Mercedes-Benz

If it is not broken, do not fix it

Given the thinness of these updates, do not expect a sharp rise in prices when the 2019 C9 models reach the halls. US exhibition next year. Look for the basic C63 sedan and coupe MSRs to start just under $ 70,000, with S models adding a few thousand more to that. The C63 Cabriolet, meanwhile, will start in the middle range of $ 70,000, with $ 80,000.

Really, Mercedes-Benz has not had to move the needle too far to keep the AMG C63 at the top of its game. Whether it's an attack on the way or a cruise through the countryside, the C63 delivers an engaging, visceral experience, as it has always done [19659024] Editor's Note: Roadshow accepts multi-day loans providing editorial reviews rated. All marked vehicle examinations are completed on our territory and according to our conditions. However, for this feature, the manufacturer has covered travel expenses. This is common in the automotive industry because it is much cheaper to ship reporters to cars than to send cars to reporters.

The judgments and opinions of the Roadshow editorial team are ours and we do not accept any paid editorial content. ] [ad_2]
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