My C63 S Review
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17 C63 S Coupe
My C63 S Review
I know many of you have been asking, PM'ing, and haunting me for this. Please see below. I did write this BEFORE Chris's review came out. You will see that we agree on many points. I hope everyone enjoys my review. 
“Driving Performance” is the heart of AMG. In the new C63, these words define the car. In early December, I attended my annual AMG Expert Training in Palm Springs, California. My training was held at the Thermal Club. This is the same track where the AMG Private Lounge held its preview of the AMG GT-S. Over the course of two days, I drove both the Mercedes AMG-GT S & C63. For this review I will discuss the C63. I currently have a C63 S on order.
Esthetics:
This is not your typical C Class sedan. The C63 looks, sounds, and drives mean. At first glance it looks like a smaller E63. The E63 is known for its wide front end and big fenders. AMG carried those characteristics into this vehicle. Affalterbach did a fantastic job with the design elements. The rear end of the vehicle sits low & wide. The camber at the rear end is perfect. The two lines in the hood are carried over from the CLS. Under the hood is the impressive 4.0L Bi-Turbo V8 M177 Engine. The interior of the car has beautiful touches of AMG throughout. The IWC Clock, Affalterbach Crest in the front headrests (S Model only), and Nappa Leather all let the driver know he is truly in an AMG vehicle. I do not agree with Chris regarding the rear end of the vehicle. The rear fenders do bulk out.
Exhaust:
Both vehicles I drove had the AMG Performance Exhaust option. This option is a must have in my own opinion. The exhaust is made up of 3 exhaust flaps which can be opened or closed at will. In “Sport +”mode the exhaust has a nasty bark to it. At initial startup, the M177 Engine has a deeper exhaust note which then calms into a nice rumble at idle. AMG did a fantastic drive with the vehicles exhaust. Many have doubted the exhaust note since it is not a natural V8. However, I can assure everyone that they will be pleased. As an aftermarket exhaust person; I highly doubt I will be changing it on my C63 S. I feel the W205 exhaust sounds better than the W204. It crackles, gargles, and barks constantly. It sounds like a race car. The BMW M3 Exhaust is generated by a computer. That is a huge let down. My E92 M3 had a full Eisennman Exhaust System. This made the car sound mean. The W205 Performance Exhaust is 5 times louder than that.
Mechanical Rear Differential vs Active Rear Differential:
The word “active” truly defines the difference. Around the track and at high cornering; you can feel the car correcting itself if the rear begins to break loose. The feeling is similar to a downforce on the opposite rear wheel to keep it planted. It’s almost magic. I did a launch from a dead stop from 0 to 100. There was a lot less rear wheel spin with the Active Rear Diff than the Mechanical Rear Diff. There is still a 1,500 mile service on either. I did not drive the M3 on the track. I cannot compare the M Active Diff to our Diff. However, the concept as Chris stated, is the same. The Active Diff allows the inexperienced driver to feel like Mario Andretti. It lets you let the wheels break loose while holding the car straight. I have attended a few driving schools in the past. I felt comfortable driving the car hard while not losing the smile off of my face.
Agility Select (C, S, S+, M, & I):
Unlike the W204 C63; the W205 C63 has multiple different settings for the vehicle. In the W205 C Class, Mercedes introduced Agility Select. This is five different drive programs. One of the five is called Individual where you customize your own settings. The car defaults in “C” mode with ECO Stop/Start enabled. In “C” the W205, like the W204, transmission starts off in second gear for Fuel Efficiency. Similar to the non W205 AMG C Class; when you change profiles (C, to S, to S+) there is a display on your COMMAND screen. This display shows you what elements are being changed. In the W204 C63, the only real change was throttle & transmission changes. In the W205 C63; it’s a completely different car. Steering, exhaust, suspension & handling characteristics, are changed in mili-seconds. It creates a feeling of the vehicle has multiple personalities. In Individual “I” you can create whatever profile you like. This is similar to the “M” button the on the M3/M4.
M177 Engine:
The V8 in the C63 is shared with the AMG-GT S. The GTS it is called the M178 motor. The main difference between the two is the GT S uses a Dry Sump Lubrication system. This allows the engine to set lower in the chassis. Open the hood and TIGHTLY sits in the engine bay. Chris also pointed this out in the video. It’s amazing how sexy this engine looks under the hood. It truly is a work of art. The “whoosing” sound of the turbos brought a smile to my face. The engine has around 14 PSI which is a lot coming from a 4.0L V8. The E/CLS/S engine has around 17 PSI from a 5.5 L V8. The 0-80 sprints were impressive. The car can pin you in the seat at any time. The low end torque is really solid. It will make racing traffic light to traffic light a norm.
AMG-MCT Transmisson:
This is the same transmission that was in the previous C63. However, it does feel different. It shifts faster, smoother, and works well with the car. It has a feeling similar to a Dual Clutch Tranmission (DCT). I mean that from a shifting element not literally. The throttle blipping in Sport + combined with rev matching is music to ones ears. The car shifts quicker than the E/CLS 63. However, the E/CLS is no dog when shifting. The C63 is designed towards a different driver than the E/CLS 63. Chris’s also states the transmission does shift quicker than the W204 trans.
Overall Impression:
If I had to choose between the M3 and the C63 S, the C63 S is the winner. I drove both cars back to back. The C63 S sounds, drives, and is built better. The Mercedes build quality is sub to none. The Mercedes driver is more conservative than the BMW driver. AMG Drivers appreciate what is being put in front of them. The BMW M Drivers have a different attitude. Many of them are not “gear heads”. A AMG Driver has an exclusivity factor behind what they drive. One fact is the “One Man One Engine” philosophy. All of the M Engines are mass produced. Also, I love the fact that I do not have to drop $4,000 on an Aftermarket Exhaust system. The M Cars have truly lost their sense of drive. The E46 M3 & E9X M3’s are my favorite vehicles. The W204 C63 was an icon. The Edition 507 made the 204 look that much better. I can only hope the W205 crushes all the W204’s records. I am confident that if you have the opportunity to get a C63, non S or S, do it!
“Driving Performance” is the heart of AMG. In the new C63, these words define the car. In early December, I attended my annual AMG Expert Training in Palm Springs, California. My training was held at the Thermal Club. This is the same track where the AMG Private Lounge held its preview of the AMG GT-S. Over the course of two days, I drove both the Mercedes AMG-GT S & C63. For this review I will discuss the C63. I currently have a C63 S on order.
Esthetics:
This is not your typical C Class sedan. The C63 looks, sounds, and drives mean. At first glance it looks like a smaller E63. The E63 is known for its wide front end and big fenders. AMG carried those characteristics into this vehicle. Affalterbach did a fantastic job with the design elements. The rear end of the vehicle sits low & wide. The camber at the rear end is perfect. The two lines in the hood are carried over from the CLS. Under the hood is the impressive 4.0L Bi-Turbo V8 M177 Engine. The interior of the car has beautiful touches of AMG throughout. The IWC Clock, Affalterbach Crest in the front headrests (S Model only), and Nappa Leather all let the driver know he is truly in an AMG vehicle. I do not agree with Chris regarding the rear end of the vehicle. The rear fenders do bulk out.
Exhaust:
Both vehicles I drove had the AMG Performance Exhaust option. This option is a must have in my own opinion. The exhaust is made up of 3 exhaust flaps which can be opened or closed at will. In “Sport +”mode the exhaust has a nasty bark to it. At initial startup, the M177 Engine has a deeper exhaust note which then calms into a nice rumble at idle. AMG did a fantastic drive with the vehicles exhaust. Many have doubted the exhaust note since it is not a natural V8. However, I can assure everyone that they will be pleased. As an aftermarket exhaust person; I highly doubt I will be changing it on my C63 S. I feel the W205 exhaust sounds better than the W204. It crackles, gargles, and barks constantly. It sounds like a race car. The BMW M3 Exhaust is generated by a computer. That is a huge let down. My E92 M3 had a full Eisennman Exhaust System. This made the car sound mean. The W205 Performance Exhaust is 5 times louder than that.
Mechanical Rear Differential vs Active Rear Differential:
The word “active” truly defines the difference. Around the track and at high cornering; you can feel the car correcting itself if the rear begins to break loose. The feeling is similar to a downforce on the opposite rear wheel to keep it planted. It’s almost magic. I did a launch from a dead stop from 0 to 100. There was a lot less rear wheel spin with the Active Rear Diff than the Mechanical Rear Diff. There is still a 1,500 mile service on either. I did not drive the M3 on the track. I cannot compare the M Active Diff to our Diff. However, the concept as Chris stated, is the same. The Active Diff allows the inexperienced driver to feel like Mario Andretti. It lets you let the wheels break loose while holding the car straight. I have attended a few driving schools in the past. I felt comfortable driving the car hard while not losing the smile off of my face.
Agility Select (C, S, S+, M, & I):
Unlike the W204 C63; the W205 C63 has multiple different settings for the vehicle. In the W205 C Class, Mercedes introduced Agility Select. This is five different drive programs. One of the five is called Individual where you customize your own settings. The car defaults in “C” mode with ECO Stop/Start enabled. In “C” the W205, like the W204, transmission starts off in second gear for Fuel Efficiency. Similar to the non W205 AMG C Class; when you change profiles (C, to S, to S+) there is a display on your COMMAND screen. This display shows you what elements are being changed. In the W204 C63, the only real change was throttle & transmission changes. In the W205 C63; it’s a completely different car. Steering, exhaust, suspension & handling characteristics, are changed in mili-seconds. It creates a feeling of the vehicle has multiple personalities. In Individual “I” you can create whatever profile you like. This is similar to the “M” button the on the M3/M4.
M177 Engine:
The V8 in the C63 is shared with the AMG-GT S. The GTS it is called the M178 motor. The main difference between the two is the GT S uses a Dry Sump Lubrication system. This allows the engine to set lower in the chassis. Open the hood and TIGHTLY sits in the engine bay. Chris also pointed this out in the video. It’s amazing how sexy this engine looks under the hood. It truly is a work of art. The “whoosing” sound of the turbos brought a smile to my face. The engine has around 14 PSI which is a lot coming from a 4.0L V8. The E/CLS/S engine has around 17 PSI from a 5.5 L V8. The 0-80 sprints were impressive. The car can pin you in the seat at any time. The low end torque is really solid. It will make racing traffic light to traffic light a norm.
AMG-MCT Transmisson:
This is the same transmission that was in the previous C63. However, it does feel different. It shifts faster, smoother, and works well with the car. It has a feeling similar to a Dual Clutch Tranmission (DCT). I mean that from a shifting element not literally. The throttle blipping in Sport + combined with rev matching is music to ones ears. The car shifts quicker than the E/CLS 63. However, the E/CLS is no dog when shifting. The C63 is designed towards a different driver than the E/CLS 63. Chris’s also states the transmission does shift quicker than the W204 trans.
Overall Impression:
If I had to choose between the M3 and the C63 S, the C63 S is the winner. I drove both cars back to back. The C63 S sounds, drives, and is built better. The Mercedes build quality is sub to none. The Mercedes driver is more conservative than the BMW driver. AMG Drivers appreciate what is being put in front of them. The BMW M Drivers have a different attitude. Many of them are not “gear heads”. A AMG Driver has an exclusivity factor behind what they drive. One fact is the “One Man One Engine” philosophy. All of the M Engines are mass produced. Also, I love the fact that I do not have to drop $4,000 on an Aftermarket Exhaust system. The M Cars have truly lost their sense of drive. The E46 M3 & E9X M3’s are my favorite vehicles. The W204 C63 was an icon. The Edition 507 made the 204 look that much better. I can only hope the W205 crushes all the W204’s records. I am confident that if you have the opportunity to get a C63, non S or S, do it!
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From: CT
03 Lexus IS300 (old faithful) / 91 3000GT VR-4 / 14 CLA45 AMG / 11 BMW X6M
I also like how you don't have to drop money on a exhaust system with these cars, well unless you want to do DPs and really make the exhaust howl. I love my X6M but I have to spend almost 7k in exhaust parts (DPs and Akrapovik titanium) to make it sound good. To me sound is very important, I never use my radio in the CLA45 cause I just love listening to it growl.
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17 C63 S Coupe
I also like how you don't have to drop money on a exhaust system with these cars, well unless you want to do DPs and really make the exhaust howl. I love my X6M but I have to spend almost 7k in exhaust parts (DPs and Akrapovik titanium) to make it sound good. To me sound is very important, I never use my radio in the CLA45 cause I just love listening to it growl.
I agree. Most of the BMW M car needs aftermarket exhaust treatment.
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From: DC
Range Rover Sport Supercharged - Porsche Caymen S - Motorcycles
How do you compare it to the GTS? I know these are two different cars but emotionally which one would you choose?
Thanks for sharing your review.
Cheers
Thanks for sharing your review.
Cheers
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From: NJ
17 C63 S Coupe
Two completely different animals. The GTS does have a DCT which does shift quicker than the MCT. However, it is not much faster. The GTS is more raw of a car. A GTS just has the exclusivity to it. You will not see them everywhere. I would choose a GT over a 911. I did drive the 911 in Cali as well. Nice car but not enough of a Sports Car for me.
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17 C63 S Coupe
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2014 E63S; AMS 100 octane ECU dyno tune; EDOK TCU tune; BB intakes; sprintbooster
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2012 C63
Thanks for your review.
I would like to find out more about your impressions regarding the updated MCT.
I find with the current MCT, there can be occasions where the gear box will ignore or delay a manual change especially on downshift. Did you notice any of this issue at all?
I would like to find out more about your impressions regarding the updated MCT.
I find with the current MCT, there can be occasions where the gear box will ignore or delay a manual change especially on downshift. Did you notice any of this issue at all?
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From: NJ
17 C63 S Coupe
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From: NJ
17 C63 S Coupe
I do not know how much the exhaust will be. However, it will be no where near $4,000. The exhaust is 3 dumps in theory. Time will tell as to how much it is.
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From: NJ
17 C63 S Coupe
Thanks for your review.
I would like to find out more about your impressions regarding the updated MCT.
I find with the current MCT, there can be occasions where the gear box will ignore or delay a manual change especially on downshift. Did you notice any of this issue at all?
I would like to find out more about your impressions regarding the updated MCT.
I find with the current MCT, there can be occasions where the gear box will ignore or delay a manual change especially on downshift. Did you notice any of this issue at all?
My cars were pre-production. However, the transmission shifted faster and smoother than the 204. I am not sure if the gearing ratio was different in the 205 than the 204. However, I was seriously impressed with it.
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JPM I have a few questions for you.
Does the MCT let you start off in second gear from a stop? I am wondering, for winter driving reasons gear 1 might be too much TQ.
I was also wondering the e diff and the mechanical diff in the c63 and c63s, do you know if the e diff would be any help in winter driving as well compared to the mechanical diff?
I know for sure on the track it would help, but I am asking because I am debating on getting a c63 or the S. I won't be tracking but I will be using it as a daily and there is a lot of snow where I live.
Does the MCT let you start off in second gear from a stop? I am wondering, for winter driving reasons gear 1 might be too much TQ.
I was also wondering the e diff and the mechanical diff in the c63 and c63s, do you know if the e diff would be any help in winter driving as well compared to the mechanical diff?
I know for sure on the track it would help, but I am asking because I am debating on getting a c63 or the S. I won't be tracking but I will be using it as a daily and there is a lot of snow where I live.
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From: NJ
17 C63 S Coupe
JPM I have a few questions for you.
Does the MCT let you start off in second gear from a stop? I am wondering, for winter driving reasons gear 1 might be too much TQ.
I was also wondering the e diff and the mechanical diff in the c63 and c63s, do you know if the e diff would be any help in winter driving as well compared to the mechanical diff?
I know for sure on the track it would help, but I am asking because I am debating on getting a c63 or the S. I won't be tracking but I will be using it as a daily and there is a lot of snow where I live.
Does the MCT let you start off in second gear from a stop? I am wondering, for winter driving reasons gear 1 might be too much TQ.
I was also wondering the e diff and the mechanical diff in the c63 and c63s, do you know if the e diff would be any help in winter driving as well compared to the mechanical diff?
I know for sure on the track it would help, but I am asking because I am debating on getting a c63 or the S. I won't be tracking but I will be using it as a daily and there is a lot of snow where I live.
In "C" mode the vehicle defaults to 2nd gear. That is how all our cars work. ECO is also enabled in C Mode.
Regards to your diff question; I truly do not know. Both diff's work in theory the same way. Non "S" vehicles will be very hard to find in MY 15.
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Ok thanks for that
Sorry forgot one other question, I am getting the performance exhaust after reading your review.
Question: Since the S puts out more power, do you know if the sound is any different on the non S vs the S with the performance exhaust?
Sorry forgot one other question, I am getting the performance exhaust after reading your review.
Question: Since the S puts out more power, do you know if the sound is any different on the non S vs the S with the performance exhaust?
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From: NJ
17 C63 S Coupe
No, I believe the S is just a software tune + the dynamic engine mounts.
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17 C63 S Coupe
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2014 CLA 45AMG , 2015 C63 (W205)
