The story of the high-performance C-Class powered by eight-cylinder engines began in 1997 with the C 43 AMG. The successors in the guise of the C 55 AMG and C 63 AMG underscored the significance of the powerful V8 engines for AMG's brand promise of "Driving Performance". With sales of some 40,000 vehicles, the C 63 AMG is also the best-selling AMG model to date. One thing is clear already: its successor will further raise the bar in terms of performance and fuel consumption. The power source of the new C 63 is of course once again a V8 engine and closely related to that of the Mercedes-AMG GT.
The first C 63 AMG celebrated its market launch in 2008. Around 8000 of these high-performance C-Class vehicles were sold in 2012, the year with the strongest sales. The successor model will shortly celebrate its world premiere as a saloon and as an estate model. Under its bonnet is a highly efficient AMG 4.0-litre V8 Biturbo engine based on the sports car engine of the Mercedes-AMG GT.
"It goes without saying that the successor to the current C 63 AMG will again be powered by an eight-cylinder engine. We owe that to our loyal fans, plain and simple", says Tobias Moers, CEO of Mercedes-AMG GmbH. "The AMG V8 Biturbo engine mesmerises not only with maximum power and torque, but also with the absolute best fuel economy in the comparative segment“.
The world's most economical high-performance eight-cylinder engine
Under the bonnet of the C 63 AMG's successor is an all-new 4.0-litre V8 Biturbo engine. The eight-cylinder Biturbo engine will deliver exceptional performance with an unrivalled power output range of up to 375 kW (510 hp) and 700 Nm of torque. At the same time the eight-cylinder high-performance vehicle impresses with low emissions and the world's best fuel economy in the segment. The latest member of the AMG BlueDIRECT engine family sets absolute standards with a fuel consumption of 8.2 litres/100 km (NEDC combined).
Début for the C 63 AMG in 2007: more AMG than ever before
The 40th anniversary of Mercedes-AMG GmbH was a special reason for AMG fans to celebrate. The C 63 AMG (model series 204) marked a new standard for high-performance sports saloons. The top-of-the-line C-Class model was powered by an AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine. With a rated power output of 336 kW (457 hp) and a peak torque of 600 Nm the high-rev naturally aspirated engine was unrivalled in this segment. Powered by this engine the C 63 AMG accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds (Estate: 4.6 sec.); the top speed was limited electronically to 250 km/h. In conjunction with the AMG Performance package Plus that became available as an option in 2009, power output jumped to 358 kW (487 hp). Engine components from the SLS AMG super sports car increased the V8 engine's willingness to rev and its agility.
The power was transmitted by the AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC transmission with three transmission modes and double-declutching function. The sports suspension with 18-inch light-alloy wheels in conjunction with a completely redesigned front axle, speed-sensitive sports steering and 3-stage ESP® offered maximum driving pleasure and markedly dynamic handling.
Design and equipment: more stand-alone character than ever before
The C 63 AMG differed from the production C-Class more clearly than ever before: in addition to AMG bodystyling with power domes, flared front wings, a rear bumper with diffuser insert, a sports exhaust system with two chrome-plated dual tailpipes and a spoiler lip added hallmark brand highlights. The interior was dominated by sports seats with integral head restraints, the three-spoke AMG Performance steering wheel with flat bottom, and the tube-design AMG instrument cluster with special main menu.
Model update in 2011: technical upgrades, Coupé and Black Series
With the model update in January 2011, the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sport transmission boosted driving dynamics while playing a part in reducing fuel consumption at the same time. Numerous design modifications and technical updates increased the car's appeal. In addition, the C 63 AMG Coupé came onto the market: The attractive two-door car celebrated its market launch in July 2011.
That same year Mercedes-AMG presented the temporary highlight in the form of C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series – a fascinating sports car for passionate lovers of powerful vehicles. With a maximum power output of 380 kW (517 hp) and 620 Nm of torque, the high-performance Coupé remains the most powerful C-Class model to date. Thanks to technology transfer from the SLS AMG – the super sports car supplies the forged pistons, piston rods and lightweight crankshaft – the Coupé delivered high-calibre performance. The C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series sprinted from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds, the top speed was an electronically limited 300 km/h.
The adjustable coil-over suspension was also a contributing factor in the hallmark AMG Driving Performance, as was the high-performance compound braking system and the functional standard equipment level. The AMG Track package and the Aerodynamics package were available to further enhance driving dynamics.
Since April 2013: the C 63 AMG "Edition 507"
In April 2013, the C 63 AMG "Edition 507" celebrated its market launch.A power output of 373 kW (507 hp) and now 610 Nm of torque lend all three body styles of the C 63 AMG an even more dynamic character. The high-performance composite braking system, part of the standard equipment of the "Edition 507", likewise delivers enhanced performance. The special dynamic nature is also reflected in distinctive, sporty exterior and interior highlights – from the bonnet with high-gloss black air vents and the 19-inch forged cross-spoke wheels to special flourishes in the interior. The "Edition 507" continues to be available as a Coupé.
Official F1® Medical Car in Formula 1® and Safety Car in the DTM racing series
With the C 63 AMG Estate as the Official F1® Medical Car Mercedes-AMG has been helping to ensure maximum safety in Formula 1® since 2008. In the popular DTM German Touring Car Masters racing series the C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series sees duty as the Safety Car. In the 2014 DTM season Mercedes‑Benz starts seven DTM Mercedes AMG C-Coupé racing cars.
The new high-performance model of the latest C-Class can look back on an impressive family history. There are five direct ancestors, the C 63 AMG, C 55 AMG, C 32 AMG, C 43 AMG and the C 36 AMG. The 190 E 2.3-16 and 190 E 2.5-16 with the legendary "sixteen-valve" engine and the 190 E 3.2 AMG with powerful AMG six-cylinder engine may rightfully also be considered its spiritual forefathers.