Vehicle Overview
The intense intramural rivalry between Mercedes-Benz and BMW requires that Mercedes offer a competitor to the BMW M3, and the C63 AMG fills that role. It comes only with rear-wheel drive, and despite the car’s compact dimensions Mercedes has managed to squeeze a twin-turbo V-8 engine under the hood.
Two versions are available: the C63 and C63 S. The latter gets an extra 34 horsepower, red brake calipers, dynamic engine mounts, 19-inch wheels (instead of 18-inch rims) and Nappa leather.
What’s Special
- Hand-built twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8
- 469 hp (503 hp in C63 S)
- Seven-speed automatic transmission with four modes
- Selectable driving modes
- Adaptive sport suspension
- Burmester surround-sound audio system
- Available carbon fiber interior trim
- Available carbon fiber rear spoiler and side mirror caps
Here’s info on the regular C-Class:
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan was redesigned last year, jumping in size and gaining new powertrains and a host of high-tech safety features. Production of the sedan also moved from Europe to the Mercedes plant in Tuscaloosa, Ala. A redesigned coupe body style is due in early 2016. Key rivals include the BMW 3 Series, Cadillac ATS and Audi A4.
The C300 sedan has a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a choice of rear- or all-wheel drive (4Matic), and the C63 AMG is offered in base and S versions, both with a 4.0-liter V-8.
New for 2016
Three new sedan models debut this year. The C450 AMG Sport 4Matic replaces the C400 4Matic and uses a version of its twin-turbo V-6; the C350e plug-in hybrid arrives in the fall in select states, and the C300d 4Matic diesel is due in early 2016.
An automated parking system with surround-view cameras and a heated steering wheel are new options for the C300.
Significant Standard Features
- 241-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (C300)
- Seven-speed automatic transmission
- Power tilt/telescoping steering column
- Power front seats
- Simulated leather upholstery
- Forward collision warning with autonomous braking
- Driver drowsiness monitor
- Required in all new cars: front airbags, antilock brakes and an electronic stability system
Significant Available Features
- 362-hp, twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 (C450 AMG Sport)
- Rear- or all-wheel drive
- Leather upholstery
- Keyless entry and push-button start
- LED headlights
- Backup camera
- Navigation system
- Automated parking system
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