Differences Between '18 C63S and '19/'20 C63S? Worth It?
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2017 AMG C63
Differences Between '18 C63S and '19/'20 C63S? Worth It?
As the previous owner of a '17 AMG C63 Cabriolet, there are many things I miss about it. I've been looking more into an '18, '19, or '20 AMG C63S, but would like to hear firsthand from people who can explain the major differences between the three model years. And specifically between '18 and the '19 and '20 MYs, is it worth it to get the newer ones? I do not plan to buy new, so I would like to look into either leasing or buying used. Thanks for the inputs in advance!
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2019 C63CS
Do a search. There's already at least one lengthy thread about this subject. The '19/'20 are overall the better cars and IMO the differences are definitely way worth it. The only point of contention is the sound if the car isn't driven hard. Also has been argued ad nauseam in several threads. The '19/'20 are somewhat toned down to meet new noise regulations and some folks are having a fit over it. I personally don't have any issues with the sound.
The '19/'20 still have the same great engine, but everything else is greatly improved.
The '19/'20 still have the same great engine, but everything else is greatly improved.
- New revised much better suspension
- New 9-stage traction control (S only) directly from the GT R
- Improved e-locking differential (no longer mechanical in the non-S)
- New integrated driving dynamics control system called AMG DYNAMICS coming from the AMG GT R Pro. This noticeably changes how the car drives and handles.
- Improved tech and interior
- Updated much better Infotainment system with new online platform and new phone app and standard Apple CarPlay/Android Auto support
- Optional digital dashboard
- AMG Drive Unit to control the drive mode etc. directly from the steering wheel. Very driver focused
- Completely new steering wheel
- Much improved optional driving assist features. Much more capable now
Last edited by superswiss; Sep 28, 2019 at 01:51 PM.
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Agree with all points above.
The sound difference is also just pops on downshifts. The FL does not have them ever. Otherwise, you get the same great volume, rumble, and growl just as before. Also the pops are still crazy on throttle liftoff when driven hard in S+.
Another upgrade is the exterior visuals. Front looks much more aggressive, but most notable is the rear diffuser. Gone is the cheap unpainted plastic from before. You get a very nice deeper diffuser now painted in gloss black. S-models also get a diffuser board. Big fat tilepipes complete the look. Pre-FL C63 models could be mistaken for a C300 from the rear, particularly the sedans. Not anymore.
The sound difference is also just pops on downshifts. The FL does not have them ever. Otherwise, you get the same great volume, rumble, and growl just as before. Also the pops are still crazy on throttle liftoff when driven hard in S+.
Another upgrade is the exterior visuals. Front looks much more aggressive, but most notable is the rear diffuser. Gone is the cheap unpainted plastic from before. You get a very nice deeper diffuser now painted in gloss black. S-models also get a diffuser board. Big fat tilepipes complete the look. Pre-FL C63 models could be mistaken for a C300 from the rear, particularly the sedans. Not anymore.
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2019 AMG C63S
All the points above are true. Few points to add to that for calling out the differences between the MY18 vs MY19 (also MY20):
MY19 and MY20 differences are very minimal:
- 9-speed MCT Transmission. The transmission is much smoother.
- 10.25" Infotainment screen
- Steering wheel w/haptic feedback touchpads
- Slippery mode in AMG DYNAMIC SELECT
- Redesigned headlamps. With the exterior lighting package, the lighting is really top of the notch IMO.
- Keyfob changes
- Performance Exhaust is standard in both C63 and C63S starting with MY19.
- Optional 64-color Ambient lighting
- Optional Digital Instrument Cluster makes a massive difference IMO for the information and customization you get.
MY19 and MY20 differences are very minimal:
- Black window trim and mirror housing has been moved from standard to part of AMG Night package.
- 64-Color Ambient lighting is standard.
- Advanced Car alarm with alerting through Mercedes Me.
- More keyfob changes.
Last edited by Tuxdude; Sep 28, 2019 at 08:34 PM.
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2017 AMG C63
Agree with all points above.
Another upgrade is the exterior visuals. Front looks much more aggressive, but most notable is the rear diffuser. Gone is the cheap unpainted plastic from before. You get a very nice deeper diffuser now painted in gloss black. S-models also get a diffuser board. Big fat tilepipes complete the look. Pre-FL C63 models could be mistaken for a C300 from the rear, particularly the sedans. Not anymore.
Another upgrade is the exterior visuals. Front looks much more aggressive, but most notable is the rear diffuser. Gone is the cheap unpainted plastic from before. You get a very nice deeper diffuser now painted in gloss black. S-models also get a diffuser board. Big fat tilepipes complete the look. Pre-FL C63 models could be mistaken for a C300 from the rear, particularly the sedans. Not anymore.
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Truly the case though. I passed a pre-FL C63S sedan on the highway in an identical spec to mine. It wasn't until I was next to him did I see the badges and realize it wasn't a normal C-Class.
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'18 C63s Coupe
You may also want to ask for feedback from people who have owned both (most commenters here haven't).
Look, most owners of a '19/'20 are going to say the car is a dramatic improvement, and most owners of the '18 are going to say the changes aren't all that. I personally love the '18 (S Coupe), but ultimately you should drive both to see if the changes are meaningful for you.
Look, most owners of a '19/'20 are going to say the car is a dramatic improvement, and most owners of the '18 are going to say the changes aren't all that. I personally love the '18 (S Coupe), but ultimately you should drive both to see if the changes are meaningful for you.
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2024 X5 M60i, 2018 C63S Coupe (sold)
I had a 2019 C300 coupe loaner for a few days, so I've seen/used the new infotainment and the new steering wheel (the wheel itself was thinner than the AMG steering wheel but the controls are the same). My honest opinion: the new infotainment is vastly better. The higher screen resolution/refresh is immediately noticeable and the old infotainment feels super dated compared to the new infotainment. The new steering wheel was a wash for me, and I think I prefer the one in my car, but that's probably just because I'm used to it. The little touch sensors on the new wheel didn't do it for me, but I did like the cruise settings on the wheel instead of the stalk. If the car had a new keyfob, I didn't notice, but I don't actually care about that at all. I also don't give a **** about "64 interior lighting colors" or flavored puddle lights or whatever. I can't comment on the AMG-specific aspects since I haven't driven a 2019+ AMG to compare.
I've never purchased a used car and I don't plan on doing that, so if it were me and my only options were used or lease, I would lease. I definitely wouldn't consider trading my car for a facelift - I'd just wait for the next generation.
I've never purchased a used car and I don't plan on doing that, so if it were me and my only options were used or lease, I would lease. I definitely wouldn't consider trading my car for a facelift - I'd just wait for the next generation.
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2019 C63CS
You may also want to ask for feedback from people who have owned both (most commenters here haven't).
Look, most owners of a '19/'20 are going to say the car is a dramatic improvement, and most owners of the '18 are going to say the changes aren't all that. I personally love the '18 (S Coupe), but ultimately you should drive both to see if the changes are meaningful for you.
Look, most owners of a '19/'20 are going to say the car is a dramatic improvement, and most owners of the '18 are going to say the changes aren't all that. I personally love the '18 (S Coupe), but ultimately you should drive both to see if the changes are meaningful for you.
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The '19/'20 are objectively the better cars. Doesn't matter if one owned the pre-facelift or not. Plenty of press out there from folks who know both and I just returned from my complementary AMG Driving Academy day. They just got their fleet of '19 C63S coupes and they are using them for the skidpad exercise to showcase the 9-stage traction control. I got to compare everything from a C43 to the GT R today, and even the instructor said the C63S is the all around most fun car out of the current AMG lineup. And that says something given cars like the GT R, which honestly was freaking awesome on the track. The skidpad exercise was a lot of fun and really showed what the '19s can do. These cars shine obviously if you take advantage of the driving dynamics etc., but that's hopefully why one buys an AMG. I'm planning to attend the Drift class next to really master taking this thing sideways.
I've lived with a '17 C63 and the facelift is truly a better car. The endless threads from pre-FL owners asking if they can retrofit facelift parts (e.g. steering wheel, new screen, grille/diffuser/exhaust tips, key fobs, etc) should be enough of a hint that all the new additions are highly desirable. The important thing to keep in mind though is that the improvements do not reduce the merits of the pre-FL. It's still a fantastic machine
Is the facelift worth $30-40K more? I've made my choice but YMMV
Last edited by Xec; Sep 30, 2019 at 02:40 AM.
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2019 C63CS
+1
I've lived with a '17 C63 and the facelift is truly a better car. The endless threads from pre-FL owners asking if they can retrofit facelift parts (e.g. steering wheel, new screen, grille/diffuser/exhaust tips, key fobs, etc) should be enough of a hint that all the new additions are highly desirable. The important thing to keep in mind though is that the improvements do not reduce the merits of the pre-FL. It's still a fantastic machine Is the facelift worth $30-40K more? I've made my choice but YMMV
I've lived with a '17 C63 and the facelift is truly a better car. The endless threads from pre-FL owners asking if they can retrofit facelift parts (e.g. steering wheel, new screen, grille/diffuser/exhaust tips, key fobs, etc) should be enough of a hint that all the new additions are highly desirable. The important thing to keep in mind though is that the improvements do not reduce the merits of the pre-FL. It's still a fantastic machine
Is the facelift worth $30-40K more? I've made my choice but YMMV
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19 E63s, 23 M3 compX, B9 SQ5
I like the Advanced LED headlights on the Pre facelift, but everything else about the facelift is awesome. The interior alone would be worth it if in the market. But would I trade in a pre-facelift car for a new one? No.
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2019 C63S Coupe, 2020 G550
All the points above are true. Few points to add to that for calling out the differences between the MY18 vs MY19 (also MY20):
MY19 and MY20 differences are very minimal:
- 9-speed MCT Transmission. The transmission is much smoother.
- 10.25" Infotainment screen
- Steering wheel w/haptic feedback touchpads
- Slippery mode in AMG DYNAMIC SELECT
- Redesigned headlamps. With the exterior lighting package, the lighting is really top of the notch IMO.
- Keyfob changes
- Performance Exhaust is standard in both C63 and C63S starting with MY19.
- Optional 64-color Ambient lighting
- Optional Digital Instrument Cluster makes a massive difference IMO for the information and customization you get.
MY19 and MY20 differences are very minimal:
- Black window trim and mirror housing has been moved from standard to part of AMG Night package.
- 64-Color Ambient lighting is standard.
- Advanced Car alarm with alerting through Mercedes Me.
- More keyfob changes.
What changes?
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2019 C63CS
Not specifically to the more changes, but the '19/'20 key fobs now have motion sensors in them, so if you leave them sitting somewhere in your house, they stop sending out a signal until they sense motion again. This is to protect the car from the infamous relay attack, where somebody can extend the signal of the fob and steal your car from the driveway. Something that has become a big issue lately with the equipment needed for the attack being available dirt cheap from places like China. It's a new smaller and lighter key fob as well. Not sure what's specifically new for MY20. It might be a new design. The '19 get the silver with gloss black backing, but there are actually other designs that can be had in Europe, but weren't offered in the USA.
Last edited by superswiss; Sep 30, 2019 at 03:18 PM.
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2019 C63S Coupe, 2020 G550
Not specifically to the more changes, but the '19/'20 key fobs now have motion sensors in them, so if you leave them sitting somewhere in your house, they stop sending out a signal until they sense motion again. This is to protect the car from the infamous relay attack, where somebody can extend the signal of the fob and steal your car from the driveway. Something that has become a big issue lately with the equipment needed for the attack being available dirt cheap from places like China. It's a new smaller and lighter key fob as well. Not sure what's specifically new for MY20. It might be a new design. The '19 get the silver with gloss black backing, but there are actually other designs that can be had in Europe, but weren't offered in the USA.
I know I saw some new model got an all black fob which I thought looks amazing. Curious if thats what the MY2020s got.
Somewhat off-topic, but does anyone know if that all black fob can be purchased and paired to a 2019?
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'18 C63s Coupe
Actually, you are. In your earlier post, you state (aside from the engine) "everything else is greatly improved" (over the pre-facelift). Not only is this an exaggeration, it's simply untrue (and misleading to the OPs question).
It's great that you're drinking the FL kool-aid, but I don't understand why you (and a few of the other FL fanboys) can't represent your cars without the disparaging (and often inaccurate) comparisons to the pre-FL (especially if you didn't own the same model, pre-FL).
Look, I'm sure there are some elements to the FL that are enhancements (notably the transmission & tech), but let's not get carried away here. These cars are essentially the same otherwise.
It's great that you're drinking the FL kool-aid, but I don't understand why you (and a few of the other FL fanboys) can't represent your cars without the disparaging (and often inaccurate) comparisons to the pre-FL (especially if you didn't own the same model, pre-FL).
Look, I'm sure there are some elements to the FL that are enhancements (notably the transmission & tech), but let's not get carried away here. These cars are essentially the same otherwise.
Last edited by brevets; Sep 30, 2019 at 11:54 PM.
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2019 C63CS
Actually, you are. You state (aside from the engine) "everything else is greatly improved" over the pre-facelift. Not only is this an exaggeration, it's simply untrue (and misleading to the OPs question).
It's great that you're drinking the FL kool-aid, but I don't understand why you (and the rest of the FL fanboys) can't represent your cars without the disparaging (and often inaccurate) comparisons to the pre-FL (especially if you didn't own the same model, pre-FL).
Look, I'm sure there are some elements to the FL that are enhancements (notably the transmission & tech), but let's not get carried away here. These cars are essentially the same otherwise.
It's great that you're drinking the FL kool-aid, but I don't understand why you (and the rest of the FL fanboys) can't represent your cars without the disparaging (and often inaccurate) comparisons to the pre-FL (especially if you didn't own the same model, pre-FL).
Look, I'm sure there are some elements to the FL that are enhancements (notably the transmission & tech), but let's not get carried away here. These cars are essentially the same otherwise.
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'18 C63s Coupe
Claiming that everything about one's car (aside from the engine) is greatly improved over another's car is (at best) a passive demotion of the other's car.
In any event, my main point isn't about demotion, it's about misleading claims. So yes, agree to disagree.
In any event, my main point isn't about demotion, it's about misleading claims. So yes, agree to disagree.
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Actually, you are. In your earlier post, you state (aside from the engine) "everything else is greatly improved" (over the pre-facelift). Not only is this an exaggeration, it's simply untrue (and misleading to the OPs question).
It's great that you're drinking the FL kool-aid, but I don't understand why you (and a few of the other FL fanboys) can't represent your cars without the disparaging (and often inaccurate) comparisons to the pre-FL (especially if you didn't own the same model, pre-FL).
Look, I'm sure there are some elements to the FL that are enhancements (notably the transmission & tech), but let's not get carried away here. These cars are essentially the same otherwise.
It's great that you're drinking the FL kool-aid, but I don't understand why you (and a few of the other FL fanboys) can't represent your cars without the disparaging (and often inaccurate) comparisons to the pre-FL (especially if you didn't own the same model, pre-FL).
Look, I'm sure there are some elements to the FL that are enhancements (notably the transmission & tech), but let's not get carried away here. These cars are essentially the same otherwise.
I’ve had both. There really isn’t “FL koolaid” and no one is trying to straight up **** on the pre-FL. Again, it’s a great car. However most of the posts were straight facts. While the car is very similar dynamically, there is legitimately many changes. Are many of them notable and better? Yes. I don’t see how anyone could say otherwise. The pre-FL screen and UI feels ancient. The 9G transmission is objectively better than the 7G. The traction system is objectively better. Even some new visuals like the new diffuser? Unpainted plastic with fake honeycomb vs. painted gloss... again objectively better.
It’s a facelift, it’s supposed to be better, that’s literally the whole point.
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2019 C63s Cabriolet
Not specifically to the more changes, but the '19/'20 key fobs now have motion sensors in them, so if you leave them sitting somewhere in your house, they stop sending out a signal until they sense motion again. This is to protect the car from the infamous relay attack, where somebody can extend the signal of the fob and steal your car from the driveway.
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2019 C63CS
It's not mentioned in the manual, and I have not found an official confirmation from MB other than an MB spokesperson in one of the articles that came up. If you google you find Mercedes' latest key fobs mentioned as having motion sensors, but it's easy to confirm for yourself. I tried this with my 19 coupe and it works. Put the fob down near the door. Make sure it sits on something that doesn't move. Confirm that it is within range by locking the car using the door handle. Then wait 2 minutes and try unlocking the car. It shouldn't unlock at this point. It didn't for me. Then move the fob slightly and try again. It should unlock now.
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C63S
I think we just have to agree to disagree. Elevating one, does not demote the other. Sorry you feel that way. The FL has 6500 new parts according to AMG. That's a lot of new parts for calling them essentially the same. Perhaps a closer look under the hood is warranted. There might be more differences than you realize.
I haven't owned the pre FL, but I have a '19 C63s. For me I think the 18's are going to depreciate a lot harder. I was looking at 18s for £48-49k and got mine for £55k, so the extra was worthwhile.
That said, once you've got all the tech and you realise all your doing is driving it to the shops with kids kicking the hell out the back seats, I should have just gone for a well depreciated 2016 and put a mean exhaust and lively tune on it.
I'm not sure about the 2019 looking much different. These cars are like a blancmange in a Jelly competition. No one outside of an enthusiast will think it's any different to an AMG line C180.
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amg C63s
How about the difference in base price 2018 vs. 2019? How many of the 2019 'improvements' are a 2019 option ($), adding cost to the 2019 base price? I'm implying that your paying extra for these features when compared to the 2018. You now have a BMW vertical style bar grille on your FL Mercedes.
