The red-blooded AMG experience started with the C 63. We get behind the wheel of the newest Mercedes-AMG C 63 S to see how it performs.
Still, the C 63 S is rapid and brims with feel and confidence from behind the wheel. The steering is a fantastic link to the changing tarmac under the front wheels. Reports of the coarseness of the tarmac and the slightest dip are murmured softly to the driver. The steering weighs up at higher speeds, demanding a playful hint of muscle to change direction. In corners, you can feel the huge levels of grip on offer from the 19-inch Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tyres. They handle the formidable task admirably, soaking up the massive forces at the rear axle during accelerating. Whilst at the front they have to deal with the, frankly dizzying, braking power offered by the carbon-ceramic brakes.
In a straight line the C 63 S’ blinding speed was backed up by a glued-to-the-ground feel. Lane changes were quick and stable too. However, using the speed turned into a stop-go affair as even the slightest rough patch sent the C 63 S bucking around as the sportier drive modes gave it a race-car like tautness. There’s better compliance in Comfort mode with the AMG rounding off big bumps well. Nonetheless the road surface is transmitted into the cabin in a manner that forces the driver to scan the road ahead for poor sections of tarmac.
The sporty leanings of the C 63 S also extend to the cabin insulation, or the lack of it. Its sense of luxury is marred by tyre and suspension noise that invades the cabin consistently. At highway speeds over less than perfect concrete, the thuds from the suspension were a few too many and the roar of tyres were all too audible inside the cabin. The ride and cabin insulation robs the C 63 S of some of the practicality that a four-door super-saloon proposes.
However, the cabin is as lavish as seen on the best-equipped Cs, but the additional use of carbon-fibre, the red seatbelts along with the contoured AMG seats give it a racier look and feel. On the outside the AMG sports a gaping carbon-fibre encrusted front bumper and the diffuser at the rear is sculpted for better aero too. The wider sills and lower ride height give it a purposeful stance too. However, this isn’t enough to replace the S-classesque elegant style with some brawn to make it properly head turning.
Should I buy one?
There’s no doubt that the new C 63 S can weave the magical spell that most AMGs do. It is more polished and more precise to drive without losing out on the simple pleasure of ferocious performance on tap. Despite its less than luxurious comfort and cabin insulation, it's hard to not be excited about the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S and for many, the price of Rs 1.3 Crore (ex-showroom, Delhi) won’t be a deterrent.