2018 Mercedes-AMG C63 S Coupe Review and Test Drive

This week I bring you the amazing 2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S Coupe, a great combination of luxury and incredible performance.

2018 Mercedes-AMG C63 S Coupe

Many people think only the power train on an AMG is different, but there is much more.  Besides the engine, the C63 is lower to the ground, 2.6 inches wider, and has a longer hood than the Mercedes C300.

Under that hood, you’ll find a handcrafted 4-liter V8 bi-turbo engine hooked to a shiftable 7-speed automatic transmission.  Together they put out 503-horses and 516-pound feet of torque.  The engine is even signed by the master engine builder who assembled it.

Performance stats are the C63 S will take you from 0-to-60 in just 3.8 seconds, and it is electronically limited to 180-miles per hour.

This Benz commands a lot of attention with its large front air intakes that feed the big V8, massive brake rotors, quad exhaust, and 19” AMG wheels on the front-20” wheels on the rear.

Impressive Interior

The interior is spectacular, especially the highly bolstered Recaro seats that feature power thigh extensions.  The gauges are easy to read and in the middle are driver settings that operate from the flat-bottomed steering wheel.  That is where you’ll find the wonderful AMG Performance menu page.  There is also an easy to read head-up display with speed limit sign recognition.

Carbon fiber abounds inside the C63, you get several AMG insignias, and you get a lot of stitching throughout.  The back seat is virtually for children, but the front seats electronically slide forward with ease if you do want to use the back seat. The back seat also folds down for more trunk space if needed.

The center console houses the central command center for the 8.4” color screen that operates the Bluetooth, the Burmeister audio, navigation system, vehicle settings etc.  You can use the stationary mouse or a rotary dial underneath to toggle around.  This mouse and dial system is a little cumbersome for me and even after a week, simple tasks like changing a radio station require more thought than I wanted.

Also on the console is where you change the drive modes from individual, to comfort, to sport, to sport plus, and finally race mode.  All these settings make the C63 behave very differently and in race mode, this car feels like it should be on a track, and in fact, it would do very well there.

Also on the console are my favorite two features.  One button opens the exhaust up for an amazing sound, the other is where you turn off the totally annoying start/stop system.

Standard Equipment and Options

It’s a Benz so it is loaded with standard equipment; it even comes with a panoramic power sliding moon roof.  It also comes with a ton of safety features.

My tester has almost $25,000 in options.  $5600 of that is interior and exterior carbon fiber.  The ceramic brakes will set you back $5450.  The wheels are $2100, the seats are $2500, the driver assistance package includes advanced safety features and runs $1700.  The performance exhaust and head-up display together are $2250 and there are a few other less significant options.

This car is a joy to drive, and depending on your mood, you can dramatically change everything about it with the drive modes and damping system.

Fuel Economy and What You'll Pay

Fuel economy is rated at 17 in town/23 on the highway but I’m not getting there, especially as much as I love to hear that exhaust sound under heavy acceleration.

Base price is $75,500 and equipped as you see this one, the MSRP is $101,290.

This car is not for everybody, primarily because it is a coupe, but if you don’t need a usable back seat, this is an incredible car that would make a great daily driver.

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