The performance-inspired Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupe has been launched in South Africa and we took the newcomer for a whirl at Zwartkops Raceway in Gauteng.

The newcomer boasts a number of upgrades to boost its looks and to improve its performance. Perched at the top the C-Class Coupe range, the AMG C63 Coupe is powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine that offers a hefty 350 kW and 650 Nm of torque. It is only outmatched by the bespoke AMG C63 S; the crème de la crème of the line-upwith 375 kW and 700 Nm of torque.

Enthusiasts can also opt for the racy Edition 1 version of the AMG C63 Coupe, which adds unique styling details and interior features. Availability of the AMG C 63 Edition 1 is very limited, so if you want one, you better act fast!

The launch of the new AMG C63 Coupe took place at Zwartkops Raceway near Pretoria, Gauteng, where we had the chance to get a feel for theC63 with a few laps around the track. Let’s take a look at some of the highlights.

Athletic design

Racy-looking Edition 1 version is available in extremely limited numbers.

The AMG C63 Coupe features a number of styling details that set it apart from the standard C-Class Coupe. Firstly, you will notice that the wheel arches are prominently flared, increasing the width by 64 mm at the front and 66 mm at the rear, giving the AMG C63 Coupe an agile and beefed-up appearance. The flared arches also allow for wider tyres to be fitted to improve overall traction. Attractive 18-inch light alloy wheels are fitted as standard on the AMG C63 coupe while the C63 S coupe is fitted with larger 19-inch light alloy wheels.

The bonnet is 60 mm longer with two power domes hinting at the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 lurking beneath. The front-end features large air intakes with a twin-blade radiator grille while a front splitter helps keep the nose glued to the asphalt during high-speed driving. The rear-end draws inspiration from the S-Class Coupe and features a rear diffuser with two integrated chrome-plated twin tailpipes. A narrow blade-like spoiler is fitted to the top of the boot.

The AMG C63 Coupe is fitted with a sports exhaust system as standard with an exhaust flap to control and vary the sound of the V8 engine depending on the driving mode. A performance exhaust system with three selectable exhaust flaps is offered as an option for both derivatives.

Step inside and you are met with high-quality materials. Black ARTICO leather is found on the instrument panel and aluminium trim adds to the premium feel in the cabin. Sports seats in ARTICO leather and micro-fibre are fitted as standard while performance seats are offered as an option.

If you wish to enhance the look of your AMG C63 Coupe even further, you can opt for various packages offered by the AMG Performance Studio including the AMG Night package (R15000), AMG Exterior Carbon-Fibre package I (R35000), AMG Exterior Carbon-Fibre package II (R27900) and the AMG Performance Studio interior (R35500).

On track in the Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupe

The C63 impressed with its poise around the track.

In the cold, windy pits of Zwartkops Raceway, the AMG C63 stood waiting and we eagerly buckled up for a run. In terms of performance, the AMG C63 Coupe isn’t shy. A claimed sprint time of 4.0 seconds to 100 kph is possible with a limited top speed of 250 kph (the optional AMG Drivers Package increases top speed to 290 kph).

Four driving modes are on offer including Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual. In this situation, Sport+ was ideal and we proceeded to tackle two laps of the 2.5 km track. The AMG C63 whipped into corners unfettered and power was laid down seamlessly through the 7-speed SPEEDSHIFT MCT sports transmission.

Shift paddles behind the steering wheel made changing gear even more controlled and precise. Fitted with a mechanical rear limited-slip differential, the AMGC 63 Coupe felt quick and even under hard cornering, the car handled well with lots of grip on offer. The V8 was quite vocal too, giving noticeable pops from the exhaust upon downshifts.

Our next drive was in the AMG C63 S, and with power bumped up to 375 kW and 700 Nm of torque, we were surprised by the difference in performance. The C63 S felt properly honed and a fair degree more agile than the– already impressive–standard AMG C63 coupe. The C63 S also benefits from an electronic rear limited-slip differential and the driver has the added choice of a RACE driving mode for track-specific dynamics. The AMG C63 S is capable of 3.9 seconds in the sprint to 100 kph. With hearts beating quickly, the AMG C63 Coupe left its mark…

We should have the Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupe on test soon, so be sure to look out for a thorough evaluation coming your way. You can view a video featuring the S version ripping up the track below:

Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupe – Price in South Africa

C63 – R1268700

C63 S – R1382000

C63 Edition 1 – R1528 700

C63 S Edition 1 – R1702 000

Related Content

Mercedes-AMG C63 S Review

Previous C63 AMG Coupe Review

Interested in buying a C-Class Coupe?

Browse for a used C-Class Coupe here