It's a facelift, The meaning of facelift is a procedure to change or improve the appearance of something, but I don't really care for the new grill. Would I enjoy 9 gear changes over 7? I was happy with a 6 speed manual.

 

Whether or not you're a fan of the grille is subjective. Similarly, if you don't like the new steering wheel, infotainment screen shape and UI, external detailing, or any other changes, you have a right to those opinions.

The entire point of the FL is to be an improvement on the pre FL. If it was meant to be another car, it would have another model name. Mercedes replaced the pre FL w205 c63 with the FL w205 c63. Usually, that won't be a step backward unless you have certain preferences. For me, the exhaust is a step backwards.

In my opinion, and I believe most other members share this opinion, everything on the FL is better than the pre FL with the exception of the exhaust.

 

In the English language we tend to be imprecise with these mid-cycle refreshes. Facelift implies an optical tune up of something, but that's really only part of the story. In the German language these mid-cycle refreshes are called Modellpflege (MOPF or MPF in short). The term describes optical and technical revisions of a specific car model. The brands incorporate learnings and new technology to keep the model fresh and up with the times as well as add enough differences that it does feel like a somewhat new or at least significantly revised model. The opportunity is often used to fix issues that were identified in the original models and overall improve on the design and the capabilities of the vehicle. The initial model is essentially version 1, then the following 2-3 model years could be considered 1.0.1, 1.0.2, 1.0.3 and then the mid-cycle refresh 1.1. Just a rough analogy, but I'm a software engineer and we basically have a common understanding that version 1 is often a throw away and it's worth waiting for the properly revised product. In software it's often that version 3 is when the product finally hits the spot. Given how much in these modern cars is software, it's not too far fetched to apply this understanding. So you can also think of the first model year as version 1, then MY2 and 3 as version 2, which should have the initial major issues resolved, and then with the mid-cycle refresh being version 3, the product finally hits the spot. You may not agree with this analogy, but it has served me well in my car purchasing past. I always buy the mid-cycle refresh of a particular model. I never buy the first 2-3 MYs, knowing that they will revise the model mid-cycle and usually hit the nail. It's how product development works. It all takes real world experience and actual customers using it, before you get it right. Without diminishing the pre-FL, that's how I generally feel about the FL. The pre-FL was great, but they hit the nail with the FL, other than perhaps the exhaust where noise regulations were not on their side. Others might feel differently about this, but it has worked for me over all these years.

While I haven't owned the pre-FL, I started shopping about a year before we even knew about the 2019 FL. I do a lot of due diligence before buying stuff like cars. I was looking at the 2018 and really wanted to buy one, but after driving it several times in various settings including renting some through places like Turo to really experience it for a day in the kinds of situations I drive it, I couldn't get myself to pull the trigger for several reasons, so I put it on ice. Then they announced the FL and I knew that I had to have it. The FL pretty much addressed all the things that I felt needed to be revised on the pre-FL and that kept me from actually buying one. We've got a few posters here that have owned the pre-FL and now own the FL, and generally seem to agree with the assessment. I'm not sure how many of the critical pre-FL owners have even sat in a FL, never mind taken one for a proper drive. Just saying, if you criticize opinions, because they come from folks that have not owned the pre-FL, you probably should hold back until you have had enough seat time in the FL to be credible.

 

Facelifters, I don't think anyone is disputing that the FL (in total) is objectively better in many regards than the pre-FL. That said, how much better is subjective, especially in the context of a used vs. new buying decision (per the OP's original question). For example, people who have a strong preference for the latest tech may find the FL significantly better, while someone who primarily values the engine and a rowdy exhaust note may not. Most of the other stuff is easily debatable in terms of it's necessity/significance.

The real contrast should come next year when the w206 C63 details are announced. Until then, enjoy your cars!

 

I am stating my opinion as the owners of the 2019 version stated theirs. While I suffered through their posts, I did not rain on their parade. Now, please accord me the same respect and let's move on from this subject, or else ask the admins to create another section.

 

I'm getting a 2020 model, so it's going to be better than all the older ones. It's the latest facelift of the facelifted version, and it comes with (wait for it....) the 64 color ambient lighting and illuminated door sills as standard equipment now. All for the low, low price of only $85K. Ha. Just kidding of course, In fact, once I actually get the car (after it no doubt sits at the VPC for several months prior to official release from MB) I will probably find out that the exhaust sound is even quieter than the 2019's due to what seems to be annually tightening noise restrictions aimed at forcing us all to buy Teslas or Taycans. Having said all that, mostly in jest, I am really looking forward to getting this car. I believe the positives far outweigh the negatives, and it will likely be one of the last great "old school" performance cars before the whole hybrid/electrification craze kills the car world as we have known it since we were kids. Get your AMG V8 while you can, baby !!!! I'm going to.

 

Sorry if you felt my post was directed towards you because I mentioned the grille.

It wasn't. In fact your contribution, atleast how I read it, is in line with my perspective.

 

Many of the 2018 options became standard with 2019. And yes, the base MSRP went up a little, but when you factor in the new options you get as standard the overall price was actually lower had I specced the pre-FL 2018 similarly to my 2019. For example - Performance Exhaust, Standard Android Auto/CarPlay, etc. Some were also upgrades (eg. bigger infotainment screen). Unless the price jump is really huge I wouldn't give a lot of weight to this factor.

 

It's all in the eye of the beholder. I've seen a few gripes about the 9 speed gearbox, and to me at least it seems like what they've done is try to tame the original beast and give it better manners when that original rawness was central to its personality. Maybe those who missed their all-wheel drive vehicles appreciate the 2019 because of the better traction control.

 

Come on! The facelift is much better than pre. I wish I have that interior....and the new diffuser and all make car more aggressive

I own a 2017 btw 😊

 

Oh? A couple of weeks ago my wife said she saw a red C63S with a different grill with vertical bars. She said she likes mine better - it looks meaner. Mine is 2018.

 

That settles it. And the c300 looks the meanest

 

But actually, this thread has become a pissing contest between FL and pre FL owners. If you think your pre FL is better, great, don’t upgrade.

Everyone should love their car.

 

I don't think anyone is really saying the pre-FL is better aside from those who prefer the look of the pre-FL grille. Objectively-speaking, the FL is better. The OP (who, from the looks, has long since bailed on this thread) said he was looking to buy used (or lease) and wondered if the FL's new features are worth the price difference.

I wouldn't trade my car (eg, "upgrade") but if I were in the market right now and had to buy used, I would try to find a FL.

 

Some people will know I am driving an AMG even if the bars aren't vertical.

 

Then the new c43 would look just as mean from the front

 

Actually there is someone in my neighborhood who drives a C43s coupe, it does look similar to mine, and it does look mean. I don't feel like mine is diminished because of it.

Then there is the E63s, which appears to have a composite of the two grills. Don't get me wrong, I don't object to the new look, I am just indifferent to it. It was my wife who made the comment as I have yet to see a FL model on the street.

 

I have my overall short list for my next vehicle to be the Nissan GT-R, Lotus Evora 400, MB AMG C63S, and C8 Corvette. For the AMG C63S, I want a Cabriolet and I want a color that stands out. The '17 AMG C63 I previously leased looked nice, but it was lost in a sea of other black MB's, BMW's, etc. Also, for the pre-FL AMG C63, which year started Android Auto?

 

It started with 2018. However with 2018, you could only get either Android Auto or the Multimedia package but not both at the same time.

However with 2019 (FL), Android Auto is a standard option and Multimedia package is optional, and can be combined.

 

You could order Android Auto separately, but not with the Multimedia Package? That seems very odd.Android Auto is just about a must have for me now, because there are so many apps and information coming from one's cell phone. Unfortunately for me, the 2019 AMG C63's are still out of my price range, and most used I've seen for sale are in the $90K range. I see that I could go with a 2018 that has Android Auto but most comments I've read on my OP here say to go with the 2019.

 

Yes, the Smartphone Integration package (AA and CarPlay) and Multimedia package were two mutually exclusive options. Which also meant that if you went with the smartphone integration it precluded a bunch of other options that were dependent on the multimedia package such as the drivers assist package etc. So, I'm not sure how common 2018s with the smartphone integration package are. Not sure why they had to be mutually exclusive, but that's what it was. The 2019 is definitely the one to get. The tech is significantly improved. I'm going back and forward between using Google Maps, Waze and the built in Nav depending on the situation and needs. It's nice to have options. Did a 12 hour round trip down to Southern California and back yesterday to drive over 100 miles of canyon roads. I'm falling in love more an more with the 2019. The new suspension and AMG Dynamics are phenomenal at carving those canyon roads, excellent chassis control while still compliant. I was using Waze on the highways in the hopes it would warn me about cops and it did for the most part, but unfortunately ended up with a ticket on the way home. It appears my radar detector isn't working in the new car, or it's too old. It's the price of admission of owning a performance car .

 

im obviously biased as Im the new car manager at my store, but even the 2019/20 C300's just seem to drive better and feel more upscale..many more standard features on those

The 19/20 C43's are a huge upgrade also..not just the 385 vs 362, but much more aggressive looking

the c63 is less of "big" change.. but I do love the new software, steering wheel w/AMG drive units (love it with dinamica and carbon fiber steering wheel) and the 9 stage traction control lifted from the AMG GTR and the coupe/cabs aero upgrades. Hold the left paddle BTW before you hit the start button on the new 20's

 

Yes MB decided to take that (ugly) route with the 2018s. IMO, the 2019 vs 2018 is a bigger set of differences, some that you can obviously notice. My favorites among those are:

- Panamericana grill.
- The 9-speed MCT.
- New steering wheel with thumb touchpads.
- Standard 10.25" screen with Android Auto/CarPlay.
- Digital Instrument Cluster (option).
- Exterior Lighting package (option).
- Slightly better ride quality.
- The 9-stage Traction Control (if you want to explore drifting)

For my personal preferences, I didn't find the lack of Multimedia package a big deal to pass on a great discount I was able to negotiate otherwise, and hence I bought a 2019 without it. Alhough I'm not saying it has some useful features like the Touchpad and AMG Trackpace (in 2019) for instance. I know I would rarely ever use the in-car Nav and have found Android Auto to be an order of magnitude superior. My car came with the SD card Nav pre-wiring and that has been sufficient to have some form of fallback In-Car Nav if needed as a last resort. For track use, there are Android apps which pair with OBD2 and are designed specifically for this purpose, and I can use them if needed.

On the other hand, the 2019 vs 2020 difference is extremely minimal IMO. Other than few options becoming standard and the addition of a new car alarm, there is not much AFAIK.

 

This is called Emotion Start and is available in MY19 as well. Unless there are some differences here specific to MY20 vs MY19?

 

I agree 100% that the facelift is much improved over the pre-facelift. I like the grill and 9 speed, among other things.