Chris Harris reviews the W205 C63 (also Car & Driver, Motor Authority, etc.)

[technik330]

Off topic, I know, but speaking of engine noise - has anyone heard the new 991 GT3 RS?

All I can say is... ****, I need that in my life.

[Carl L]

Originally Posted by technik330

Off topic, I know, but speaking of engine noise - has anyone heard the new 991 GT3 RS?

All I can say is... ****, I need that in my life.

Talking about the 991 GT3 RS is never off topic in my book. The only new two seater I'd consider, it's going to be a true masterpiece. I wonder how long the production run will last...

[dkhm3]

Originally Posted by Carl L

Talking about the 991 GT3 RS is never off topic in my book. The only new two seater I'd consider, it's going to be a true masterpiece. I wonder how long the production run will last...

yea, talk about a car that doesn't depreciate. What a bargain of a car if you can afford it, or find one

[technik330]

Originally Posted by Carl L

Talking about the 991 GT3 RS is never off topic in my book. The only new two seater I'd consider, it's going to be a true masterpiece. I wonder how long the production run will last...

To me, the GT3 RS line will always be the pinnacle of automotive art; the perfect balance of savage performance and elegance that simply refuses to let go of your attention.

Please get one!

[Jehuty95]

Originally Posted by Mako

3) what is standard, this hasn't been 100% confirmed yet.

We've known what's standard for the C63, and for the C63S for a while now since both Canadian, and U.S order guides have been released.

[ybbiz34]

Originally Posted by M4TW

So in short, you're getting the S model? You better. You don't want to be thought of as a member of the petty bourgeoisie by GrussGott do you?

Haha. If that's the route I go, I will definitely be opting for the S. I'm going to keep on enjoying my W204 for a while. It is getting a complete overhaul tomorrow (have been acquiring the parts for a while). Can barely concentrate on work.

Plus, in addition to really liking the way the F80 looks, there are definitely some intangible factors pulling me back to M.

I'll admit I'm a bit biased as a moderator here but I truly believe that this is one of the best (if not the best) automotive enthusiast communities around. The wealth of knowledge is incredible (M buyers know their cars). For the most part, everyone treats one another with courtesy and respect. And it's exciting to see the way members push the envelope in terms of modifying their cars.

Originally Posted by Mako

It will be interesting if it really does start at $62,000

1) $2,400 for 4 year 40,000 maintenance package (not sure if that covers breaks like BMW does, I know Audi's does NOT but theirs is also much cheaper than Mercedes).

2) Mercedes is automatic only, so those who want the DCT because their wives can't drive stick even after trying to teach them need to look at this as $2900 saved vs the M3 optional DCT cost, so this almost wipes out the maintenance costs.

3) what is standard, this hasn't been 100% confirmed yet.

It will be very interesting to compare "equal" builds when factoring in maintenance, and options like full leather are tricky because Mercedes has the leather dash and doors but not glove box area, are the BMW seats equal to standard Mercedes seats or the sport/race seats? No heated steering wheel or rear seat option in the C63

Regarding #3, I have the full Dealer Ordering Guides (DOGs) in PDF for each car, so I do know what is standard/optional. Only unknown variable is pricing and it has been set. William Vetter (AMG USA) is just waiting on the green light from finance.

As far as the heated steering wheel goes, I'm not sure it's necessary for the W205 since two of the wheel options feature alcantara. It's been hovering around 0 degrees F for the last month here but I never use my heated seats because my alcantara inserts don't really get cold.

BMW's included free maintenance is an awesome benefit though, for sure. Are there any special exceptions for M cars?

It probably varies from dealer to dealer but back when I was all-BMW, I'd have to schedule service at least a week in advance to get a loaner. With my Benzes, I can schedule a day ahead and have my pick of loaners, which is nice. The level of service I've received at each dealership has been phenomenal though (which is what I'd expect from BMW/MB).

Originally Posted by ChicagoM4

I don't think building out equal views of each vehicle will really make a difference here. If someone is putting down ~$70k to buy an M4/C63/RS5/other then a few thousand each way won't make or break the car they really want. IMO

I completely agree.

Originally Posted by Jehuty95

We've known what's standard for the C63, and for the C63S for a while now since both Canadian, and U.S order guides have been released.

100% correct.

[orevah]

This is a link to a PDF for pricing of the c63 and c63 s model in the UK. S model might get pricy with options.

http://tools.mercedes-benz.co.uk/cur...oon-estate.pdf

[Jehuty95]

Canadian order guide

http://s000.tinyupload.com/index.php...44937015569874


Current U.S order guide

http://s000.tinyupload.com/index.php...28277027217858

[dkhm3]

Originally Posted by ybbiz34

Haha. If that's the route I go, I will definitely be opting for the S. I'm going to keep on enjoying my W204 for a while. It is getting a complete overhaul tomorrow (have been acquiring the parts for a while). Can barely concentrate on work.

Plus, in addition to really liking the way the F80 looks, there are definitely some intangible factors pulling me back to M.

I'll admit I'm a bit biased as a moderator here but I truly believe that this is one of the best (if not the best) automotive enthusiast communities around. The wealth of knowledge is incredible (M buyers know their cars). For the most part, everyone treats one another with courtesy and respect. And it's exciting to see the way members push the envelope in terms of modifying their cars.

Ybbiz are you not considering the ATS-V?

[The Automotive Enthusiast]

I really like the new W205 C63. The twin turbo 4.0 liter V8 has a lot of potential, and a version of it will be going into all of the V8 Mercedes Benz's of the future. The MCT seems to have been revised so shifts are quicker. This car should give the competition a run for their money.

[8600RPM]

It's shocking they didn't go dct until I realized demographic for c63 wouldn't care lol. I'm happy with a tuned f80 frankly. I lose traction in a straight line at 75mph in 3rd. No need for more power as I don't go above 90. If I lived in Germany I'd want more I'm sure at higher speed

[dkhm3]

Originally Posted by Rated ///M Power

I really like the new W205 C63. The twin turbo 4.0 liter V8 has a lot of potential, and a version of it will be going into all of the V8 Mercedes Benz's of the future. The MCT seems to have been revised so shifts are quicker. This car should give the competition a run for their money.

I would drive the mct first before you make that decision. It is not a DCT.

Does it skip shifts including 3 gear blips? does it have to row the gears like every automatic except when you floor it? Does it obey constantly changing commands?

I can tell you that even the ZF 8 speed is not close to a DCT, I doubt the MCT which MB makes itself (instead of the out sourced DCT in the AMG GT) is on par against a DCT.

[gthal]

Originally Posted by dkhm3

I would drive the mct first before you make that decision. It is not a DCT.

Does it skip shifts including 3 gear blips? does it have to row the gears like every automatic except when you floor it? Does it obey constantly changing commands?

I can tell you that even the ZF 8 speed is not close to a DCT, I doubt the MCT which MB makes itself (instead of the out sourced DCT in the AMG GT) is on par against a DCT.

We know the MCT < DCT for performance driving. Multi-gear downshifts in the MCT are painful. It doesn't always respond immediately to downshift requests (almost like it has a bit of an "I'll do it when I feel like it" attitude problem ). It overheats at the track and goes into limp mode.

Upshifts are good and normal driving around town is fine too. The new version of the MCT might be a bit better but it is still based on the same platform as the MCT in the last gen car which, based on my experience with it, was the car's main achilles heel. Otherwise, the car was great!!

[buildbright]

Originally Posted by gthal

We know the MCT < DCT for performance driving. Multi-gear downshifts in the MCT is painful. It doesn't always respond immediately to downshift requests (almost like it has a bit of an "I'll do it when I feel like it" attitude problem ). It overheats at the track and goes into limp mode.

Upshifts are good and normal driving around town is fine too. The new version of the MCT might be a bit better but it is still based on the same platform as the MCT in the last gen car which, based on my experience with it, was the car's main achilles heel. Otherwise, the car was great!!

Don't forget Command. Few car interfaces disapoint me as much as Merc Command does.

[gthal]

Originally Posted by buildbright

Don't forget Command. Few car interfaces disapoint me as much as Merc Command does.

While I didn't like it as much as iDrive, once I got use to it, I personally found it was fine.

My favourite system so far is the touchscreen interface in the C7 Stingray and/or the new touchscreen in my wife's 2015 Highlander. Both a very intuitive and great graphics.

I suspect the iDrive update coming will be very well executed.

[buildbright]

Originally Posted by gthal

While I didn't like it as much as iDrive, once I got use to it, I personally found it was fine.

My favourite system so far is the touchscreen interface in the C7 Stingray and/or the new touchscreen in my wife's 2015 Highlander. Both a very intuitive and great graphics.

I suspect the iDrive update coming will be very well executed.

Really. I have that Chevy mylink touchscreen system in my GMC truck and my dad has the Que system in his Cadillac. I hate it. Buggy as hell and dangerous. Idrive and Audi MMI is my favorite. VW, Hyudai, and Toyota have a good system as well. Touchscreens don't belong in cars imo but I am just another assh0le. Lol

[M3_WC]

C63 coupe mule rolling around with wide fender flares and 285/30/19 rear tires.

More rubber.

[gblansten]

Originally Posted by M3_WC

C63 coupe mule rolling around with wide fender flares and 285/30/19 rear tires.

More rubber.

That's exactly what this car needs. Wider tires. That coupe is looking promising.

[Dalko43]

That engine noise just seems so much more visceral and enthusiastic than the M4's.

Love that AMG is making these cars in with turbo's now! This is the golden age of Internal Combustion!

We'll see what the future holds, but I'd imagine that Internal Combustion + electronic motors will = torque awesomeness!

[Roadkiller]

Originally Posted by Dalko43

That engine noise just seems so much more visceral and enthusiastic than the M4's.

Love that AMG is making these cars in with turbo's now! This is the golden age of Internal Combustion!

We'll see what the future holds, but I'd imagine that Internal Combustion + electronic motors will = torque awesomeness!

No doubt...!

[spacegeek]

Originally Posted by Rated ///M Power

I really like the new W205 C63. The twin turbo 4.0 liter V8 has a lot of potential, and a version of it will be going into all of the V8 Mercedes Benz's of the future. The MCT seems to have been revised so shifts are quicker. This car should give the competition a run for their money.

Haven't made up my mind yet but its growing on me.

[anerbe]

The bonkers sound of the engine adds 4-5K on the price alone for the C63. The M3/M4 can't touch those noises with an exotic exhaust.

I'll reserve my final verdict on the C63 until all the formal comparos come out vs. the M3. I've been tempted to pull the trigger on ordering an ED M3, but there's no denying the fact that 2 extra cylinders makes a big difference.