Behind the wheel of the BMW M3-rivalling model from Mercedes: the incredible C63 AMG Coupé.
That the ingredients are entirely predictable matters not; AMG has long provided proof that cramming enormous engines into perfectly unassuming cars can deliver spectacular results.
It also came as no surprise that on the recent launch of its new C-class Coupé Mercedes only let us drive the £56,665 AMG version once we'd tried the regular petrol and diesel models. Because jumping back into a "normal" car when you've sampled the AMG approach is always going to feel a touch... flat.
As with the hilariously powerful saloon and estate versions of the C63, the Coupé uses AMG's 6.2-litre naturally aspirated V8 petrol engine. New for this car though (and due as part of a facelift for the saloon and estate models later in the year) is the inclusion of AMG's Speedshift MCT seven-speed automatic gearbox, as featured in the SLS supercar.
In total the 'box has four modes, accessed via a rotary dial on the transmission tunnel. The default comfort setting is as you'd expect, with the kind of smooth changes that make for effortless wafting. Switch to sport and you can hold on to more revs in each gear, while "sport+" throws in pops and woofles from the exhausts, as well as superbly rapid downshifts (shift time is said to be as quick 100milliseconds). The fourth and final mode is manual, allowing you to take control of the action via a pair of steering wheel-mounted paddles. It's here where you uncover one of the few criticisms you can direct at this car; on downshifting you must wait until one gear has engaged before you can select another, unlike in most dual clutch manuals, where you can double or even triple tap a paddle and receive instant results.
Along with all of the hardware you get the usual styling makeover. There are power bulges on the aluminium bonnet, a revised front bumper design, flared wheel arches and a rear diffuser, not to mention four prominent oval exhaust tips, while the interior is suitably worked over with sports seats and AMG branded dials.
With 451bhp on tap (a 478bhp Performance Package upgrade is also offered), the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupé accelerates from a standstill to 62mph in just 4.5 seconds and on to an electronically limited 155mph top speed (4.4 seconds and 186mph for the Performance Package). What's more, the gearbox's "race start" function means that anybody can achieve full bore starts as the electronics judge perfectly the balance between grip and slip, leaving your passengers all at once envious of your "skill" and nauseous from the forces generated.
Torque stands at 442lb ft, which is ample to be getting on with. Furthermore, unlike the V8 in BMW's M3 (414bhp, 295lb ft of torque), the AMG majors on low- and mid-range pulling power rather than a ballistic top end. That, and making fabulous noises, the kind that will either make you frown at the pointlessness of it all or grin with glee at, well, the pointlessness of it all.
Fuel economy of 23.5mpg and 280g/km of CO2 might make for difficult reading these days, but is in line with the competition; BMW's £54,595 M3 returns 22.8mpg and 290g/km, while the £58,725 Audi RS5 wades in with 26.2mpg and 252g/km.
Handling is pretty much as you'd expect of a modern rear-wheel drive car with a socking great V8 and 451bhp; safe, secure and confidence inspiring with all the electronics switched on, or hugely sideways and smoky with them turned off. As a halfway house between the two AMG has equipped the stability control with a "sport" mode, which knocks back the electronic intervention just enough to make you feel like a superhero without actually needing one to come and rescue you from the scene of the accident.
Turn-in is excellent, with detailed front end grip communicated through the steering wheel and the chassis beautifully balanced. Ride quality on the standard fit 18in wheels is impressively calm, too, the car feeling composed over high speed crests and bumps and on the acceptable side of firm at town speeds. Compared with an Audi RS5 it's like sitting in an armchair.
All of this is a result of AMG redesigning the Coupé's front suspension with a three-link system, while the rear multilink setup is reinforced and the track widened all round. As well as that detailed steering feel and the aforementioned ride quality, it also means you can generate huge levels of lateral grip. Combined with that mighty engine and a powerful set of brakes it really does make this car an absolute joy to drive.
And so it should be, too. In truth Mercedes would have been going some if this AMG version of the new C-class Coupé was anything less than outstanding. If the ingredients are predictable then so are the results: the C63 AMG Coupé is both brutal and brilliant. Finally, the BMW M3 has got a fight on its hands.
THE FACTS : Merdeces-Benz C63 AMG Coupé
Tested: 6,208cc, petrol V8, seven-speed automatic gearbox, rear-wheel drive
Price/on sale: £56,665/ summer
Power/torque: 451bhp @ 6,800rpm/ 442lb ft @ 5,000rpm
Top speed: 155mph
Acceleration: 0-62mph in 4.5sec
Fuel economy: 23.5mpg (Combined)
CO2 emissions: 280g/km
VED band: M (£950 first year, £435 thereafter)
Verdict: Brutally fast but no one-trick pony, the C63 AMG Coupé also has the ride and handling to take the fight to BMW's superb M3.
Telegraph verdict: Five out of five stars
By Chris Knapman
source : The Telegraph
