A Balance That Doesn't Sacrifice Comfort

The Mercedes-Benz "C-Class," launched last year, has been selling well. Its top-of-the-range model, the Mercedes-AMG "C 63," has now been unveiled. We had the opportunity to test drive it beforehand at an international press event held in Faro, Portugal.

The Mercedes-AMG C 63 models lined up to greet us at Faro Airport, our base for the drive, exuded their characteristic presence. Compared to the standard model, the bonnet has been extended by 50mm for a more pointed nose, and the front fenders widened by 17mm, creating a more wide-and-low proportion.

As soon as we started driving in "Comfort" mode, I was impressed by the mild tire contact and comfortable ride. This was despite the car being fitted with Michelin "Pilot Super Sport" high-performance tires designed for sports cars. What's more, it felt typically AMG that it was equipped with 18-inch wheels.

Recently, there's been a trend towards larger wheels for aesthetic reasons, with even standard C-Class models sometimes featuring 19-inch wheels. However, AMG hasn't blindly increased the wheel size, choosing tires and wheels that match the car's performance. Of course, they haven't compromised on looks, with attention paid to wheel design and fender clearance.

While the previous generation had transformed into a decidedly sporty character, its somewhat edgy ride was undeniable, with comfort having been traded off for handling. However, the new model shows no such compromises.

Agile Handling in Sport Mode on Winding Roads

While the "E-Class" and "S-Class" are often used for company vehicles, the "C-Class" tends to be more of a private car. Those who choose an AMG model likely desire a sporty driving experience and powerful feel, but the majority of driving is done on public roads. Therefore, comfort remains a crucial point, and the improvements felt in everyday driving will offer significant user benefits.

Switching to "Sport" mode resulted in a slightly firmer feel, picking up on road undulations. However, there was no harshness in the impact, and in fact, "Sport" mode offered more agile handling on winding roads.

The speed limit on Portuguese highways is 120 km/h. Although we were driving at a slightly higher average speed than in Japan, the car's high stability and flat ride were comfortable. The quiet cabin also confirmed its capability for long drives without fatigue.

Thus, under a clear sky with an outside temperature of about 20 degrees Celsius, our comfortable drive led us to the "Algarve Circuit." Here, the even higher-performance Mercedes-AMG "C 63 S" was prepared.

The new Mercedes-AMG C 63 is powered by a newly developed 4-liter V8 twin-turbo engine. While it's a downsizing from the previous 6.2-liter naturally aspirated engine, the performance has, of course, increased. By adopting the "hot inside V" layout, which places two turbochargers within the V of the cylinders, the engine is made more compact, while also aiming for benefits such as improved response and reduced emissions.

Testing the C 63 S on the Circuit

Beyond the engine, the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S is equipped with special features for fast circuit driving. Unlike the C 63's mechanical differential, it employs a more traction-oriented electronically controlled differential. It also features "dynamic engine mounts." Imagine a damper attached beneath the engine; that's essentially what it is.

Controlled by magnetorheological fluid, it softens to absorb vibrations for comfort-oriented driving on public roads, and stiffens during dynamic driving, such as on a circuit, to suppress engine movement and improve steering response.

Additionally, a "RACE" mode is added to the drive modes. Naturally, we selected this mode on the circuit.

The Algarve Circuit, with its undulating terrain and numerous blind corners, is extremely challenging to navigate for the first time. Although we were following an AMG works driver, they acted more as a guide than a pace setter, and by keeping up closely, we were driving at nearly full throttle.

When accelerating on the straights, the car surges forward with tremendous torque, reaching high speeds in an instant. However, thanks to the ample torque from low RPMs and the deep exhaust note, it doesn't feel like a gradual build-up of revs. Furthermore, its high stability means the sense of speed is surprisingly subdued. In other words, you can confidently press the accelerator.

And of course, it is equipped with stopping power that balances its high performance. The brake pedal feels light, which initially caused a moment of unease, but it brakes effectively when pressed and offers good control.

A Safe and Comfortable Drive That Lets You Enjoy the Driving Feel

The Mercedes-AMG C 63 is equipped with paddle shifters, but it automatically shifts up at the rev limit and downshifts when braking. The timing of these shifts is also exquisite, allowing for fast driving with minimal effort by letting the car manage the gears.

While I haven't compared it directly with the C 63, it's likely the dynamic engine mounts are playing a role. When you turn the steering wheel for corner entry, the nose responds swiftly and precisely.

When accelerating out of a corner, you feel a traction that kicks the road away. However, with 700 Nm of torque, if you accelerate too aggressively while still turning, the rear will quickly start to slide. Although it's a momentary jolt, the ESP activates with almost the same speed as the slide begins, suppressing the sideways movement.

During spirited driving, I felt the intervention was slightly early at times, but this is a saloon car, albeit a sporty one. Furthermore, if it were to slide more, controlling such torque would be extremely difficult. Therefore, considering it calmly, the control seems appropriate.

The Mercedes-AMG C 63 is a model that allows you to experience sporty driving dynamics safely and comfortably, from city streets to the racetrack.

Mercedes-AMG C 63 | Mercedes-AMG C 63
Body Dimensions | Length 4,755 × Width 1,840 × Height 1,430 mm
Wheelbase | 2,840 mm
Tread Front/Rear | 1,610 / 1,545 mm
Weight | 1,790 kg
Engine | 3,982 cc V8 Twin-Turbo
Bore x Stroke | 83.0 × 92.0 mm
Compression Ratio | 10.5 : 1
Maximum Output | 350 kW (476 ps) / 5,500-6,250 rpm
Maximum Torque | 650 Nm (66.3 kgm) / 1,750-4,500 rpm
Transmission | 7-speed AT (AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT)
Drivetrain | FR
Suspension Front | 4-link
Suspension Rear | Multi-link
Brakes Front | Ventilated Discs
Brakes Rear | Ventilated Discs
Tires Front/Rear | 245/35R19 / 265/35R19
0-100 km/h Acceleration | 4.1 seconds
Maximum Speed | 250 km/h
Fuel Economy (JC08 Mode) | 9.7 km/ℓ
Trunk Capacity | 445 ℓ
Price | ¥11,950,000

Mercedes-AMG C 63 S | Mercedes-AMG C 63 S
Body Dimensions | Length 4,755 × Width 1,840 × Height 1,430 mm
Wheelbase | 2,840 mm
Tread Front/Rear | 1,610 / 1,545 mm
Weight | 1,790 kg
Engine | 3,982 cc V8 Twin-Turbo
Bore x Stroke | 83.0 × 92.0 mm
Compression Ratio | 10.5 : 1
Maximum Output | 375 kW (510 ps) / 5,500-6,250 rpm
Maximum Torque | 700 Nm (71.4 kgm) / 1,750-4,500 rpm
Transmission | 7-speed AT (AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT)
Drivetrain | FR
Suspension Front | 4-link
Suspension Rear | Multi-link
Brakes Front | Ventilated Discs
Brakes Rear | Ventilated Discs
Tires Front/Rear | 245/35R19 / 265/35R19
0-100 km/h Acceleration | 4.0 seconds
Maximum Speed | 250 km/h
Fuel Economy (JC08 Mode) | 9.5 km/ℓ
Trunk Capacity | 445 ℓ
Price | ¥13,250,000

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