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

[ybbiz34]

"This is a more talented car that the one that it replaces. It's faster, it handles better, and uses a lot less fuel."

[ybbiz34]

And a written review:

https://grrc.goodwood.com/road/drive...3-super-saloon

On power:

"The C63 S is monstrously potent from low revs – there’s torque limiting in the first three gears, but even then on a dry surface the car wants to break traction under full power.

And it keeps revving too. The torque management gives the sensation of thrust building through the rev-range, and the noise is so damn good you want to take it out between 6-7000rpm. Those last normally aspirated 507 edition cars were sensational, but this is a better engine. And it makes the C63 a much faster car.

It offers vast performance and the way it keeps pulling above 120mph makes me suspect that it’ll win the Autobahn outside lane competition against the other small German hotshots."

Regarding the revised MCT transmission:

"Well they’ve worked hard on it, and the result is a much sharper, more intuitive box of tricks. It also has a higher torque rating than the Getrag DCT, so you get 516 lb ft here in the S model, where the swoopy coupe makes do with ‘just’ 479lb ft. You can choose different shift-speeds, or just use the paddles. There’s a slight delay to shifts even in the fastest mode, but I just didn’t have a problem with it. Combined with that mighty engine it makes for a stunning road-car powertrain. In race mode, with the exhaust set to ‘noisy’ it is positively flatulent."

On a forthcoming comparison:

"And for those who think the M3’s contrived sound signature is too much to bear, this might well be the car for you. I wouldn’t want to call that comparison until I’d done a comprehensive back-to-back test. Either way, they’re both much more talented than any of the immediate competition."

[ybbiz34]

Car and Driver Review:

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...t-drive-review

"A thick-rimmed steering wheel swings a set of Michelin Pilot Super Sports that are attached to an AMG-exclusive front suspension. (The Michelins are fitted out back, too, of course.) Assist effort changes depending on which of the four driving modes are selected. In any mode, the steering has direct feedback and reliably reports the distress of the Mercedes-spec rubber—a distinct advantage over the M3.

Front-end grip is strong, even on track. The AMG’s front stance is wider than the standard C-class, and while the rear suspension retains the C-class architecture, it’s tuned specifically for the 63. (The rear end also features a limited-slip differential.) A three-mode electronically controlled suspension varies the damping in degrees that range from firm to harsh. But even on the 19-inch wheels that come on the S version, the ride is better than that of the old C63."

"On the outside, the AMG version has wider front fenders with subtle flaring and a menacing gape below the front bumper, yet it can’t match the aggressive look of the old C63 and its strakes, slats, and flares. But despite the old car’s meaner countenance, the new iteration is definitely angrier. Indeed, if the 2015 C63 attended any anger-management sessions, it only went to one, stayed for perhaps five minutes, threw a chair through the window, and stormed out. This makes us very happy."

Motor Authority:

http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1...-s-first-drive

On Track

"When it comes down to it, a performance sedan of the Mercedes-AMG C63’s caliber needs to be able to deliver on track; the BMW M3 and M4 duo certainly do, and the Cadillac ATS-V looks like it might just be the overdog. Audi’s S4 may do some battle with the base C63 (non-S-model), but it doesn’t really have a contender without an RS 4.

Fortunately for AMG, the C63 S delivers with an abundance of nearly everything. Power? Check. Rear-drive balance? Double check. Surprisingly good steering? We’re headed toward plaid.

Comparing the C63 S to its nearest natural competitor, the BMW M3, is perhaps one of the most enlightening revelations for the brand-agnostic performance enthusiast: where once the BMW would have had the superior ride quality, steering feel, and sport seats, the pendulum has swung completely to Mercedes-AMG’s side.

Where the BMW feels leaden and lifeless (read: anything below about 100 mph), the C63 S feels lithe and limber. Above 100 mph, both cars are a joy to drive, but the BMW still feels more like a surgeon’s laser scalpel, while the C63 S is a back-alley switchblade—in hoonistic respects, at least."

[myzmak]

Originally Posted by ybbiz34

"This is a more talented car that the one that it replaces. It's faster, it handles better, and uses a lot less fuel."

Its a nice/detailed video (I posted a 'play by play' of it in the other thread as I watched along)

Interesting that in the video he (twice) made the comment that the M3 is more 'taut' and more 'go as fast as you can' whereas the C63 was a bit more 'relaxed'...which I guess proves the more things change, the more they stay the same.

Anyway, will be fun to see these out in the wild.

[myzmak]

Motor Trend first drive here:

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...3_first_drive/

Also positive, but they quote a manufacturer's weight of 3,950 lb (!)

[ybbiz34]

Originally Posted by myzmak

Its a nice/detailed video (I posted a 'play by play' of it in the other thread as I watched along)

Interesting that in the video he (twice) made the comment that the M3 is more 'taut' and more 'go as fast as you can' whereas the C63 was a bit more 'relaxed'...which I guess proves the more things change, the more they stay the same.

Anyway, will be fun to see these out in the wild.

Those statements were certainly the worst things he said about the C63 and the best things he said regarding the M3. In his written review (posted above), he stated that the C63 will be the fastest of the German competitors.

He also said that, compared to BMW M, AMG did a better job with its new motor, in terms of replicating the excitement of the previous powerplant. He also stated there might be quite a few folks which pick the C63 because of the sound alone.

He left the question of which is the better overall performer open, subject to a back-to-back comparison.

He seemed pretty darn excited about the seats, cabin, technology, throttle response, torque, and sound. The recurring theme I noticed was that he was impressed with the sheer speed of the thing. Another positive was that the ride was sublime both on road and track.

Seems that both the M3 and C63 share the trait of setting off the TC constantly. I quite liked that characteristic in the F8Xs I've driven.

I thought these comments from the written reviews to be interesting:

"Comparing the C63 S to its nearest natural competitor, the BMW M3, is perhaps one of the most enlightening revelations for the brand-agnostic performance enthusiast: where once the BMW would have had the superior ride quality, steering feel, and sport seats, the pendulum has swung completely to Mercedes-AMG’s side."

"Where the BMW feels leaden and lifeless (read: anything below about 100 mph), the C63 S feels lithe and limber. Above 100 mph, both cars are a joy to drive, but the BMW still feels more like a surgeon’s laser scalpel, while the C63 S is a back-alley switchblade—in hoonistic respects, at least."

[Year's_End]

Solid review from Harris. So ybbiz34, when are you buying one?

It looks like the M3/C63 parallel lives on in terms of outright character. I can't say I'm instantly sold on the W205's softened lines and rounded character, despite what looks to be objective improvements across most boards from the W204. The outgoing C63 just had that certain je ne sais quoi with its rippling sheetmetal and deep bark.

Big weak points that are addressed: transmission characteristics and fuel economy. They've made big strides with that MCT.

[Year's_End]

The exhaust bit seemed trick. So that's like a double crossover... an active H-pipe with an X-pipe further back?

[ybbiz34]

Originally Posted by Year's_End

Solid review from Harris. So ybbiz34, when are you buying one?

It looks like the M3/C63 parallel lives on in terms of outright character. I can't say I'm instantly sold on the W205's softened lines and rounded character, despite what looks to be objective improvements across most boards from the W204. The outgoing C63 just had that certain je ne sais quoi with its rippling sheetmetal and deep bark.

Big weak points that are addressed: transmission characteristics and fuel economy. They've made big strides with that MCT.

That was definitely encouraging to hear regarding the transmission, the old car's weakest link.

Haha! I am going to stick with the W204 for a while longer but I won't make my decision on the W205 until I can drive one. I've already driven the F8X a few times and enjoyed it. I'll need to drive both competitors back-to-back.

[Bomex]

the looks of the new C63 are a bit subtle for my taste.

[amanuuh]

Originally Posted by Bomex

the looks of the new C63 are a bit subtle for my taste.

Yeah, it isn't in your face aggressive but if you look at the other colors like silver and white it definitely seems more aggressive. This blue is really conservative. It looks more like a color for the older crowd.

[DrtyJrze]

Solid review. For those who wanted the engine sound, there you go. Looking forward to seeing more videos.

I didn't really care for the look as well. Is that chrome around the windows? Performance wise it looks like a beast

[fusionchicken]

Originally Posted by myzmak

Also positive, but they quote a manufacturer's weight of 3,950 lb (!)

Odd Chris Harris said 1650 kg which translates to a tad over 3,600 lbs

[amanuuh]

Originally Posted by fusionchicken

Odd Chris Harris said 1650 kg which translates to a tad over 3,600 lbs

also saw 3,642 on other sites. only one said 4,000 but they based it off of the old one which is probably wrong

[keno]

The biggest takeaway I had from the video was Chris Harris saying that AMG did a much better job of retaining their NA engine character and sound while downsizing to turbos, compared to BMW, kudos to the AMG team the car looks like an amazing all around package.

[3er]

Thanks for sharing. Chris did a nice job with this one. For me:

++ Twin-turbo V8?! Yes, please!
++ V8 sound! (although, it sounds a bit muted/plain in the video)
++ Nice interior/seats
-- Flappy paddles only
-- Exterior looks too "classy" for my taste (Where are the wheel arches/flares?!)
-- Two power levels (non S vs. S)

[gearboxtrouble]

Pretty much as expected. Its a small S65. More relaxed than a M3/4 but faster in a straight line and more "character" (whatever that means). The M3/4 sounds like it will end up being more precise and high strung in nature (as always). I'm not one of those people that dislikes the M3/4's stock exhaust note but I'll be the first to admit, it can't hold a candle to this car. The C63s/AMG GTs have got to be the best sounding turbo cars this side of a Pagani Huayara.

Does this make me regret buying an M4? No because at the end of the day I'm not a huge fan of the looks, particularly the near Cadillac levels of Jennifer Lopez going on at the back. I actually think the old C63 looked better and more angular. It also seems massively under tired, even more so than the M3/4. If you chose a e9x M3 over the old C63, chances are you'll chose an f8x one over the new C63. No real bad choices here but the more things change, the more they stay the same.

[M3guy3]

Love the engine, the interior seems to blow M3 out of the water. I think the navy screen in the benz and in the M3 are ugly though.

I think the ONLY thing the M3 has over the Benz is maybe a more nimble ride, more aggressive style, and DCT.

[JoeyBananas]

Meh, looks like a regular C-series, sounds great and performance is awesome but looks so blah

[ASAP]

Great review-

Here is kind of my personal summary-

C63- Much Better engine and Sound
M3 - Everything Else

The styling of the C63 is C class to the 11, in other words boring. The interior, no matter how high quality it is... it still smells old man. The IPAD on the dash is not nearly as well thought through as the BMW one, it looks glued on. The command system is inferior to Idrive (I can gurantee this playing in regular W205 C classes). The Auto 7 spd, no matter what anyone tells you will never be a DCT... and an electric LSD? The true mechanical will always offer more feel. Granted, I can't speak anymore on this car without driving it but I am sure it will end up like it always does. The m3 will be a precise track weapon and the c63 will the grown up dragster that is softer (albeit with a better engine).

[ybbiz34]

Originally Posted by M3guy3

Love the engine, the interior seems to blow M3 out of the water. I think the navy screen in the benz and in the M3 are ugly though.

I think the ONLY thing the M3 has over the Benz is maybe a more nimble ride, more aggressive style, and DCT.

All fair points. The M3's styling is more aggressive and the front and rear fender flares are fantastic.

In the written reviews, the W205 is being praised for having a better overall ride than the outgoing model; a ride that is compliant and well-sorted on both the road and the track.

Regarding the transmission, it is very encouraging to read/hear that the MCT has been completely reworked. It was considered an obvious shortcoming on the old car but now, Harris thinks it is much improved and a better fit for the car/motor (partially due to it's capacity to deal with torque).

The tuning opportunities for the M177 should be outrageous. I've heard rumors that the new 4.0L biturbo V8 is capable of well over 600 hp.

[fusionchicken]

Originally Posted by ybbiz34

Regarding the transmission, it is very encouraging to read/hear that the MCT has been completely reworked. It was considered an obvious shortcoming on the old car but now, Harris thinks it is much improved and a better fit for the car/motor (partially due to it's capacity to deal with torque).

If the new MCT can at least match the responsiveness of the zf 8 speed gearbox found in the F3x 335/435 in manual mode then it's a massive win IMHO