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

[ybbiz34]

Originally Posted by 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).

The M3 also has an electronically-controlled differential (the active diff.). Chris Harris discusses the differential options at great lengths in the review.

An electronically-controlled differential gives you all the advantages of a traditional differential while simultaneously enhancing them. The differential can open during hard braking to allow for better turn-in and steering feel during cornering. Under hard acceleration it can lock to provide maximum grip.

I doubt you could tell a difference between an e-diff and a mechanical, except for the fact that the e-diff would be better, which is why BMW M uses the same approach with the M3/M4.

A traditional mechanical LSD is standard on the W205 C63. I guess you must've missed those points.

I've read no complaints about the new COMAND interface. And Harris seemed quite pleased by all the technology the car packed.

[AlpineE92M3]

This car is a beast. Hands down. If anyone thinks otherwise, they're a liar!

[AlpineE92M3]

Originally Posted by 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.

Mainly because it still remained a V8. So it still is gonna sound like a V8, and Not a I6TT

[keno]

Originally Posted by AlpineE92M3

Mainly because it still remained a V8. So it still is gonna sound like a V8, and Not a I6TT

Agreed, but he made it clear it wasn't just the sound, I believe his words were character and personality. All in all, car is a beast, no doubt!

[amanuuh]

Originally Posted by AlpineE92M3

This car is a beast. Hands down. If anyone thinks otherwise, they're a liar!

agreed. i can't wait for mine. so glad i waited

[ASAP]

Originally Posted by ybbiz34

The M3 also has an electronically-controlled differential (the active diff.). Chris Harris discusses the differential options at great lengths in the review.

An electronically-controlled differential gives you all the advantages of a traditional differential while simultaneously enhancing them. The differential can open during hard braking to allow for better turn-in and steering feel during cornering. Under hard acceleration it can lock to provide maximum grip.

I doubt you could tell a difference between an e-diff and a mechanical, except for the fact that the e-diff would be better, which is why BMW M uses the same approach with the M3/M4.

A traditional mechanical LSD is standard on the W205 C63. I guess you must've missed those points.

Didn't miss it, was rather confused why the weaker car would get a true mechanical one.

I've read no complaints about the new COMAND interface. And Harris seemed quite pleased by all the technology the car packed.

Personal experience on this one. Have a friend with a W205 C250

I won't speak on those until we see a track review, I am sure the more focused, taut and composed car will be the M3... I look forward to it because if ///M gets its ass kicked, you may see the most intense competition package ever.

[AlpineE92M3]

Originally Posted by ASAP

I won't speak on those until we see a track review, I am sure the more focused, taut and composed car will be the M3... I look forward to it because if ///M gets its ass kicked, you may see the most intense competition package ever.

I sure hope so, because with this coming out, as long as it is priced accordingly, the M3/M4 with have some very stiff competition. So in turn, the Competition package better increase some horsepower with a tune, otherwise, it's another check in the C63 column.

[ybbiz34]

Originally Posted by ASAP

I won't speak on those until we see a track review, I am sure the more focused, taut and composed car will be the M3... I look forward to it because if ///M gets its ass kicked, you may see the most intense competition package ever.

I have a W205 C300. The COMAND interface is incredibly detailed and easy to use. Different strokes for different folks, I suppose. I have no trouble switching between the iDrive and COMAND systems. Both have intuitive supplementary touch-pad systems as well.

I guess I was confused why you were attacking the notion of an e-diff as both the M3 and C63 have them. Whereas with the W205, the option for a traditional mechanical differential remains.

And the M3 Competition Package will yield the W205 Black Series, which is already in development.

[ybbiz34]

Originally Posted by AlpineE92M3

I sure hope so, because with this coming out, as long as it is priced accordingly, the M3/M4 with have some very stiff competition. So in turn, the Competition package better increase some horsepower with a tune, otherwise, it's another check in the C63 column.

And as I mentioned above, the W205 Black Series will likely pack quite a bit more power and much wider front/rear rubber.

A version of the W205 with massive front and rear fender flares has been lapping the 'ring for quite some time now.

[BOOstJunkee]

Looks too subtle... More luxury than sporty. Nothing about the interior or exterior of this car says aggressive. A car for an older driver.

[Black Gold]

Originally Posted by ybbiz34

And as I mentioned above, the W205 Black Series will likely pack quite a bit more power and much wider front/rear rubber.

A version of the W205 with massive front and rear fender flares has been lapping the 'ring for quite some time now.

The black series, while awesome, does not compete with the standard m3 or c63. The last gen c63 black was 100k+. It's not relevant to this market

As you know, I don't like this car at all. I, and this is not an exaggeration, hate the exterior styling and dislike the interior styling. This to me, is an old man style car. Automatic gearbox, extremely soft lines, Chrome, aluminum trim, etc, just not my taste. That said, there is a market for it and I'm glad it seems to be a great car.

However, I would like to address the mct. It's still an automatic gearbox, and the excuse from mb that they had to use an auto based gearbox due to all the torque is crap. The m5/6 dct make more torque and have dct. Tuned ones have had no issues either

I look forward to seeing these both compared head to head. But I'm disappointed in the direction in terms of styling and transmission of the new Benz

[ixse]

Originally Posted by 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).

Lol so much fanboyism.. Dont even know where to start.. Interior smells old man? I shouldve stopped reading from here lol. E-diff is worse then mechanical diff? There is reasons why ferrari uses e-diff. True racing mech diff just isnt livable on daily driven cars. E-diff just is superior in so many aspects. Reason for bmw to use the same lol.
Pretty much every review except chris harris, states that they prefer c63 to m4. Just give it some time.. Itll come to you

[Vinsanity12]

First let me say that the M3/4 and the C63s are both great cars.

It does seem that AMG did a better job with the latest version of the C63. Not that BMW did a bad job but they were able to keep the V8, add turbos, keep an amazing sound and add the fuel economy.

As far as Exterior looks go I give the slight edge to the M3/4. I agree that the more aggressive styling fits the performance variants of these cars. That being said I think the C63 looks great. I give the M a 9 and the C63 a 8.5. I actually like the front end of the C better.

Interior goes to the C63 and it isn't very close.

Both great cars but man listen to that engine! Gets the blood pumping.

[ASAP]

Originally Posted by KennyPowers

The black series, while awesome, does not compete with the standard m3 or c63. The last gen c63 black was 100k+. It's not relevant to this market

As you know, I don't like this car at all. I, and this is not an exaggeration, hate the exterior styling and dislike the interior styling. This to me, is an old man style car. Automatic gearbox, extremely soft lines, Chrome, aluminum trim, etc, just not my taste. That said, there is a market for it and I'm glad it seems to be a great car.

You are crazy for thinking that! I only said the exact same thing above.

However, I would like to address the mct. It's still an automatic gearbox, and the excuse from mb that they had to use an auto based gearbox due to all the torque is crap. The m5/6 dct make more torque and have dct. Tuned ones have had no issues either

I look forward to seeing these both compared head to head. But I'm disappointed in the direction in terms of styling and transmission of the new Benz

Originally Posted by ixse

Lol so much fanboyism.. Dont even know where to start.. Interior smells old man? I shouldve stopped reading from here lol. E-diff is worse then mechanical diff? There is reasons why ferrari uses e-diff. True racing mech diff just isnt livable on daily driven cars. E-diff just is superior in so many aspects. Reason for bmw to use the same lol.
Pretty much every review except chris harris, states that they prefer c63 to m4. Just give it some time.. Itll come to you

Yes, that is my opinion... styling is subjective... Oh and yes, the base C63 still gets a mechnical diff... I guess it's not livable in the S but livable in the standard car.

[AlpineE92M3]

Originally Posted by ybbiz34

And as I mentioned above, the W205 Black Series will likely pack quite a bit more power and much wider front/rear rubber.

A version of the W205 with massive front and rear fender flares has been lapping the 'ring for quite some time now.

Very true, but the black series is just too Damn expensive. FroM the factory it is probably gonna be 125k. Which is way out of the realm of a normal sports sedan /coupe. The black series C63 is No comparison to the M3/M4.

[keno]

Originally Posted by ASAP

Yes, that is my opinion... styling is subjective... Oh and yes, the base C63 still gets a mechnical diff... I guess it's not livable in the S but livable in the standard car.

What's wrong with appreciating a great car in the new c63, is it a crime to be a member of the MB forums? Ybizz has numerous threads praising the F8X's M's, don't see your point here, I think this gen of german sport sedan rivalry is going to be the best one yet, with all great cars coming in as competitors!

[ixse]

Originally Posted by ASAP

Yes, that is my opinion... styling is subjective... Oh and yes, the base C63 still gets a mechnical diff... I guess it's not livable in the S but livable in the standard car.

just like your prior post, you failed to read and understand all of the context. I specifically said "true racing mech diff". but i guess you wouldn't understand any of that.. wonder if you even had chance of riding a car with real racing mech diff... not all mech diffs are same even if they are fully locking diffs.. but anyway.. back to your point.

[teamwerx]

That exhaust tho - I would fucking buy that exhaust and hack weld the shit out of it onto my M4 and be the laughing stock of the internet just so I could have a toddlers chance around Casey Anthony of having a descent sound car.

[ASAP]

Originally Posted by ixse

just like your prior post, you failed to read and understand all of the context. I specifically said "true racing mech diff". but i guess you wouldn't understand any of that.. wonder if you even had chance of riding a car with real racing mech diff... not all mech diffs are same even if they are fully locking diffs.. but anyway.. back to your point.

If you are referring to a full 3 clutch plate diff or one that is welded... (similar to OS Geiken that needs a lot of maintenance and fluid changes
then no... I didn't mean that either.

[ybbiz34]

Originally Posted by AlpineE92M3

Very true, but the black series is just too Damn expensive. FroM the factory it is probably gonna be 125k. Which is way out of the realm of a normal sports sedan /coupe. The black series C63 is No comparison to the M3/M4.

I mentioned the Black Series variant in response to the notion of a M3 Competition Package, which will certainly be priced above the standard F8Xs.

[Stevens21234]

Originally Posted by ybbiz34

I mentioned the Black Series variant in response to the notion of a M3 Competition Package, which will certainly be priced above the standard F8Xs.

Still no comparison. The competition package might be 2k above the base price of a m3 but a black series might be 60k over the base price of a c63. Completely different price points

[ybbiz34]

Originally Posted by keno

What's wrong with appreciating a great car in the new c63, is it a crime to be a member of the MB forums? Ybizz has numerous threads praising the F8X's M's, don't see your point here, I think this gen of german sport sedan rivalry is going to be the best one yet, with all great cars coming in as competitors!

I appreciate the support.

I've always been complimentary of the F8X. Both here and elsewhere. Same goes for the E9X. I have several friends here that drive F8Xs. Any discussion of the W205 I've kept in the proper forum.

I will never, ever apologize for liking more than one car or one brand. I'm a BMW M enthusiast and an AMG enthusiast but above all else, a car enthusiast.

It's tragic that a few people become so fanatical that they leave the realm of technical discussion and make ad hominem attacks. That won't be tolerated here. Not by me or any of the other moderators.