Now that Mercedes has finally wrapped up its AMG know-how in a compact coupé-flavoured package, it looks as though the BMW M3 may just have met its strongest competitor in the C63 AMG Coupé – set to make its official debut at the upcoming New York Motor Show.
Although this model’s styling elements follow those of the recently-updated C-Class range, Mercedes has decided not to slot its new twin-turbo 5,5-litre direct injection V8 motor into the engine bay. This means that AMG’s thunderous normally aspirated 6,2-litre V8 finds itself a new vessel. The outputs mirror those of the C63 AMG saloon and estate models, with 336 kW and 600 N.m of torque on tap.
Mated with Mercedes’ seven-speed multi-clutch transmission (which offers a number of modes dynamic presets accessed via a rotary controller á al SLS AMG as well as the all-important launch control) this unit will reportedly propel the C63 AMG Coupé from standstill to 100 km/h in just 4,5 seconds on the way to an electronically-limited 250 km/h top speed.
Those seeking a touch more grunt can opt for the AMG Performance Package, which utilises the pistons, connecting rods and crankshaft from the version of the 6,2-litre engine used in the SLS AMG supercar to liberate an additional 22 kW of power, further paring a tenth of a second from the 0-100 km/h sprint. Ticking the options box for Performance Package will also see the standard front brakes swapped for more grabby composite items.
In terms of its underpinnings, the C63 AMG Coupé features a different chassis set-up to the regular C-Class Coupé models. Both front and rear tracks have been widened, while the suspension set-up comprises a three-link construction up front and multi-link suspension at the rear. The AMG treatment also ushers in thicker anti-roll bars as well as revised springs and damper settings.
Visually, the C63 AMG Coupé distinguishes itself from its lesser siblings thanks to a more aggressive front spoiler with an enlarged air dam, signature side air vents, sportier side sills, LED daytime running lights and a quartet of sizeable exhaust tips poking from a revised rear valance. The cabin features the tiered facia design lifted from the latest iteration of the C-Class, an AMG steering wheel, AMG sports seats with additional bolstering and a combination of piano black and metallic trim inserts.
The new C-Class range will start filtering into our marketplace towards the middle of the year – expect the AMG to follow towards the end of the year.