Mercedes-AMG C63 S review: the engine

Mercedes’ crazy AMG powered cars have always been the stuff of legend, but they’ve always fit into two distinct categories. On one side, you’ve got sports cars like the GT and SLS – and on the other you’ve got ridiculous cars like the C63 S. Combining premium feel and refinement with bonkers noise and power, AMGs saloons have always been full of pure speed and character – and the C63 S is no different.

The main thing here is the 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 beneath its bonnet – which replaces the 6.2-litre naturally aspirated engine of the outgoing model. Is it another casualty of the trend to downsize, or does it make the Mercedes an even better car in its new, Bi-turbo form? Read our full review of the C63 S to find out.

It’s rare to devote an entire paragraph to the sheer noise of a car, but the C63 S warrants it. Even in standard trim, the C63 burbles and rumbles at traffic lights, and begins to show its mettle when you pick up the revs – although the roar comes later than you’d expect. With the sports exhaust mode engaged, however, the C63 S snarls at every opportunity, and pops and and bangs during hard braking. It’s an incredible way to soundtrack your journey, and when combined with the somewhat understated looks of the car, it’s even more satisfying.

We’ve had special-edition C63 S before with increased power outputs – the excellent DR520 and Edition 507, for instance, while Performance Packages have previously been offered – but this is the first time a choice of power outputs are available from launch. The C63 offers 469bhp and 480lb ft torque, while the C63 S boosts that to 503bhp and 516lb ft – but you’ll pay almost £7k for the privilege. There’s more kit too, but more of which later. Either way, the C63 easily bests the BMW M3/M4’s 425bhp and 406lb ft torque.

Both C63 and C63 S claim the same 34.5mpg and 192g/km C02, while the S saloon’s 0-62mph time drops a tenth to 4.0sec. All of those figures make for a very small – but crucial in the Top Trumps stakes – advantage over the BMW.

Mercedes-AMG C63 S review: what else is different?

No, those days are long gone. The C63 sticks with electro-mechanical steering, but ditches the weird variable-rate rack you’ll find in lesser Mercedes C-class models. The front and rear tracks are both wider, there are unique springs and dampers and anti-roll bars, and 360mm-diameter discs all round. Just like the BMW nemesis, you can also specify carbon-ceramic brakes for the first time, which add £4285 to the sticker – pricey, but much more palatable than the £8-10k often charged on higher-end cars.

Long overdue is a standard-fit limited-slip differential. The base cars gets a purely mechanical set-up, while the S adds electronic control to the same unit – it measures various parameters including throttle position and steering angle to pre-empt the best response.

Other S-specific goodies include 19-inch alloys (18s on base cars), dynamic engine mounts (they stiffen up when you cane it for a more connected response, but soften off when you’re cruising for better refinement), chunkier 390mm front brakes and AMG Performance Seats.