I have read numerous reviews on the C63; most refer to its "harsh ride".
Any owners care to share their impressions of C63 ride quality ?

I would be especially keen to read of any owners' impressions who drive on the rough pavement of Vancouver's streets.
Do you consider the ride compliant, firm, or harsh for city streets

Any feedback from C63 owners would be appreciated !

 

I've got a C63 with the PP and would describe the ride as firm. Bad roads could make it a little too firm for a DD, but ours are not too bad so I'm happy with it.

 

I don't have PP in mine and I think the ride is firm. On bad roads it could be slightly uncomfortable. I don't think you want a car like that to be plush.

George

 

Well, it's definitely not your grandfather's Oldsmobile. It rides like you'd expect a sports car should. It's firm, yet compliant. Just think of the whole car as the proverbial iron fist in a velvet glove.

 

Yes its hard. Big potholes will jar the car, but the body is drum tight. No rattles at all.

 

Performance Package Ride Quality = F'in AMAZING!!

If you think its too harsh then why the F*ck are you buying this type of car!!!

Go buy a prius!....biatch

 

Who thinks its too harsh? It is what it is, its a hard ride.

 

After coming out of 2 Porsche GT3s I would say (I have the PP without the PP springs) thats its firm. And just kicks *** in the twisties.

 

My wife and I test drove the C63 (non-PP) during the AMG event here in Vegas today. She did not complain of the ride being too harsh and she drives a C320 with Sport Pkg.. No problems being a DD here in Vegas. However, the E63 with the suspension on it's firmest setting seems a bit soft for me. I didn't feel "connected" in the E63.

 

I personally love the suspension... It is a bit harsh the only thing i wished that it was adjustable... But as far as the ride itself. I have no complaints

 

Thanks to all for sharing their impressions.

I must say that when I test drove a C63, I was surprised at the compliant ride, especially on the highway. But, I have yet to test one over really bumpy city roads.

 

You'll be okay, Derek. I drive mine over some of the worst roads in Vancouver sometimes, and it's never been jarring or uncomfortable. Like many have said, it is a performance car first and foremost, so you want to be connected to the road, to know through both seat of the pants and the steering wheel exactly what kind of surface you're on.

Hope that helps a little bit.

 

I havent test drove either car but from what i heard, if you want to know what a harsh ride is, test drive the IS-F!

 

Sorry, I test drove both, and IS-F wayyyy too soft for my taste...I think my C63 is "firm" and IS-F is too soft (in a bad way), because it's waggling a lot...I love it though, but I prefer the C63.

 

Just handed in my S550 after 27 months and drove away from the dealer with a new 09 C63 and I can tell you it is a jarring ride compared to the insanely smooth "can't feel a bump" S550, but I am getting used to the less comfortable C63 ride after only 100 miles and think the trade-off of comfort for speed and handling is worth it even though you are bouncing around like microwave popcorn on slightly bumpy roads - all is forgiven when u hit sharp turns at decent speed and stick to the road like the S550 never could!

 

It's stiff. You won't confuse it with a S class on a bumpy road. My S2000 has a more supple suspension. As all have said, its better than a 4,000 lb sedan should be in the twisties. Adjustable damping like a GT3 or M3 would be nice, but we don't have it. Only you know how much jarring you're willing to put up with for a daily driver that handles adequately and goes like stink.
Every suspension is a compromise. The C63 trades off ride quality for handling. Most owners think it's a good trade. I bought mine used with 1,400 miles because the original owner couldn't live with the ride. AMG products depreciate rapidly. I'd make sure you test drive it on a crappy road before you pull the trigger.

 

Really? Alot of reviewers said the ride was WAY too harsh. Including TopGear.

 

Thanks for your comments and advice. That's my plan for test drive #2, given that the C63 would be my DD and Vancouver has so many bumpy roads.

 

Most AMG's feel a bit stiff and harsh bouncing down a cobblestone lane or rough city street, but push the dial into triple digits and the stiff ride begins to make sense and if anything you start to wish for more. Firm but compliant is the right discription.

 

It is stiff, and that's that. But is it too stiff for a particular driver, that is up to the driver. But to say that it isn't a hard ride, is just doing everyone a disservice.