Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Facelift – First Details And Images

Affalterbach – The successful Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG is now more attractive than ever: the modified design of the top-of-the-range C-Class model is complemented by numerous enhancements to its technology which deliver even more driving enjoyment while significantly improving fuel consumption. The introduction of the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission with the “Controlled Efficiency” mode as standard along with a new power steering pump help to improve the combined NEDC fuel consumption by about ten percent to 23.5 mpg (Estate: 22.9 mpg). The output of the AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine is unchanged at 457 hp and can be increased to a maximum of 487 hp with the optional AMG Performance package. Agility, grip and ride comfort have been enhanced as a result of numerous measures to optimise the AMG sports suspension. New assistance systems and a new generation of telematics with internet access increase both safety and comfort.

The latest 2011 generation of the C 63 AMGis now more dynamic and athletic than ever. Thanks to its new radiator grille with a large Mercedes star and a wing-type transverse louvre, as well as a new AMG front apron with a lower cross member painted in high-gloss black, special AMG daytime running lights and side air outlets, the front section recalls the look of the SL 63 AMG high-performance roadster. The new bonnet with its modified powerdomes is now made of aluminium. New clear-lens headlamps emphasise the car’s distinctive, self-confident presence and the Intelligent Light System (ILS) is fitted as standard. The wide front wings with the “6.3 AMG” legend and the new 5 twin-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels which are painted in titanium grey and have a high-sheen finish dominate the side view. Good contact with the road is provided by the wide 235/40 R 18 and 255/35 R 18 tyres at front and rear respectively.

The rear view of the C 63 AMGalso evokes the SL 63 AMG: the new AMG rear apron has a distinctive, black diffuser insert with three pronounced diffuser fins. The two chromed twin tailpipes of the AMG sports exhaust system are as pleasing to the ear as they are to the eye.

AMGSPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission from the SL 63 AMG

Under the skin, too, the top C-Class model boasts a wealth of new technology including the AMGSPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission. Rather than using a torque converter, this innovative transmission has a wet start-off clutch which allows it to deliver a much more efficient, agile and direct response. Fuel consumption and emissions have been reduced significantly thanks to the “Comfort” mode and a new power steering pump: at 23.5 mpg (Estate: 22.9 mpg) the combined NEDC fuel consumption of the C 63 AMG sees about a ten per cent improvement over that of the previous model. CO2 emissions figure is now 280 (Estate: 288) grams per kilometre. Both power variants have identical fuel consumption and emission figures.

TheAMGSPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission impresses with its exceptional flexibility: with four driving modes as well as double-declutching and RACE START functions it is as compatible with a relaxed, fuel-saving driving style as it is with high-speed laps on a closed racing circuit and extremely dynamic overtaking manoeuvres. The Comfort “C” mode is programmed to provide early, comfortable upshifts while maintaining the lowest possible engine speed to help the driver keep fuel consumption down. The “S”, “S+” and “M” modes deliver increased agility through fast, responsive gear changes and higher revs. Gear changes in the “S+” and “M” modes take just 100 milliseconds.

The naturally aspirated eight-cylinder engine with its large displacement of 6208 cc develops 457 hp at 6800 rpm and attains a peak torque of 600 newton metres at 5000 rpm. A look at the performance figures confirms that the new C 63 AMGretains its predecessor’s position as the top performing model in its segment: acceleration from standstill to 62 mph in just 4.5 seconds (Estate: 4.6 s) while the top speed is 155 mph (electronically limited).

Performance package: technology transfer from theSLSAMG

Even more dynamic performance is available with the optional AMG Performance package: this offers 487 hp and allows a 0-62 mph acceleration time of 4.4 seconds (Estate: 4.5 s). The Mercedes-AMG engine experts have achieved this increase in output thanks to a technology transfer from the SLS AMG: the forged pistons, connecting rods and the lightweight crankshaft all come from the gullwing model’s engine. The reduced mass inertia of the components – which are three kilograms lighter than those of the standard version – allows the naturally aspirated eight-cylinder engine to rev up with even greater ease and agility. Models equipped with the performance package can be identified by the variable intake manifold painted in titanium grey under the bonnet, the AMG high-performance braking system with composite front discs and red painted brake callipers all round, the carbon-fibre spoiler lip on the boot lid (Saloon) and the AMG performance steering wheel in nappa leather with an Alcantara® grip area.

C 63 AMG C 63AMGEstate
Displacement 6208 cc 6208 cc
Bore x stroke 102.2 x 94.6 mm 102.2 x 94.6 mm
Compression ratio 11.3 : 1 11.3 : 1
Output 457 hp at 6800 rpm
487 hp at 6800 rpm* 457 hp at 6800 rpm
487 hp at 6800 rpm*
Max. torque 600 Nm at 5000 rpm 600 Nm at 5000 rpm
Engine weight (dry) 196 kg 196 kg
Fuel consumption – combined, mpg 23.5 mpg 22.9 mpg
CO2 emissions 280 g/km 288 g/km
Acceleration 0 – 62 mph

4.5 s

4.4 s*

4.6 s

4.5 s*

Top speed** 155 mph** 155 mph**
Key data at a glance:

* with AMG Performance package; ** electronically limited

Optimised suspension, new steering system reduces fuel consumption

TheAMGsports suspension with a special front axle, reinforced rear axle and wider track all round has undergone thorough modification; the driver benefits from this in two ways as the C 63 AMG now offers greater driving enjoyment and ride comfort at all times. The new, stiffer elastokinematics, the revised axle kinematics with more negative camber all round and the new rear-axle anti-roll bar with a larger cross-section result in higher agility and greater lateral acceleration. But driving dynamics is not the only area in which progress has been made: new spring and damper rates have optimised both the responsiveness of the suspension as well as the road roar and tyre vibration characteristics.

TheAMGspeed-sensitive sports steering with a direct ratio (13.5 : 1) has a newly developed power-steering pump which plays a decisive role in reducing the fuel consumption. This is because the power assistance for the steering only requires energy when the driver is actually making steering movements. Reliable deceleration at all times is ensured by the AMG high-performance braking
system with internally ventilated and perforated discs all round.

Interior: high quality and perceived value

Even a quick glance at the interior of the C 63 AMGreveals the considerable progress which has been made: the completely new dashboard design with an integrated screen impresses with its particularly attractive appearance and the superior quality of the details which immediately bring the new CLS 63 AMG to mind. The new, all-colour, three-dimensional TFT display in the middle of the redesigned speedometer welcomes the driver by showing the AMG logo. The new three-spoke AMG performance steering wheel – another feature adopted from the CLS 63 AMG – which is trimmed in nappa leather and features a metallic trim element has flattened top and bottom sections as well as grip areas which are specially shaped and trimmed in perforated leather for perfect steering control. Aluminium shift paddles allow manual gear selection.

Fine trim elements in brushed dark aluminium are to be found on the dashboard and doors. Situated in the centre console, is the enhanced high-gloss black piano lacquer trim elements and the new rotary control for selecting the transmission modes C, S, S+, M and RACESTART. The special AMG sports seats with integral head restraints and adaptive backrests are upholstered in nappa leather.

Other attractive optional appointments are also exclusively available for the C 63 AMGfrom the AMG Performance Studio:

AMGfive-spoke light-alloy wheels, painted in titanium grey with a high-gloss finish, with 235/40 R 18 (front) and 255/35 R 18 (rear) tyres
AMGmulti-spoke light-alloy wheels, painted in titanium grey with a high-gloss finish, with 235/35 R 19 (front) and 255/30 R 19 (rear) tyres
AMGmulti-spoke light-alloy wheels, painted in matt black with a high-gloss finish on the rim flange, with 235/35 R 19 (front) and 255/30 R 19 (rear) tyres
AMGExterior Carbon-Fibre package
AMGrear axle differential lock
AMGtrim elements in carbon fibre/high-gloss black piano lacquer
Illuminated AMGdoor sill panels
Eleven new driving assistance systems already established in the S-Class and CLS

The C 63 AMGfeatures eleven new driving assistance systems which are already established in the S-Class flagship range and the trend-setting CLS. These assistance systems use the latest radar, camera and sensor technology and are designed to combat common causes of accidents, such as insufficient distance to the vehicle ahead, drowsiness and darkness. They raise the safety standard of the C-Class to a new level by warning the driver of a hazard, or, if necessary, taking active corrective measures.

Adaptive Highbeam Assist – standard
Active Lane Keeping Assist – optional
Active Blind Spot Assist – optional
ATTENTION ASSIST – standard
DISTRONIC PLUS – optional
Speed Limit Assist – optional
PARKTRONIC including parking guidance – standard
PRE-SAFE® Brake- optional
Reversing camera – optional
Lane Keeping Assist – optional
Blind Spot Assist – optional
New generation of telematics is the first to feature internet access

The C-Class sees the debut of a new telematics generation which will also be gradually introduced in other model series. Major new features include greater operating convenience, larger displays, telephone directory transfer via Bluetooth®, wireless music reproduction and a USB interface in the centre console.

The top-of-the-range COMAND Online system now provides internet access for the first time. When the car is stationary the customer can browse freely or surf to a Mercedes-Benz Online service whose pages load particularly rapidly. The integrated services include weather information and a local search function as well as the option of downloading a route that has been previously configured on a PC using Google maps and sent to the car. The navigation system of COMAND Online also has added functions. New features include a 3D display with virtual city views. Also new: routes covered can be recorded and repeated later, specific personal destinations can be entered and stored and three alternative routes can be displayed on the screen – one of them a particularly economical variant.

As a first in the C-Class, the Becker MAP PILOT makes a low-cost navigation function,. Its advantages over aftermarket solutions include integrated operation via the Central Controller dial and the Audio 20 display.

C 63 AMG – fast-track to best-seller status

Launched in summer 2007, the Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMGrapidly established itself as a real best-seller in the AMG model range. Customers all over the world appreciated this unique combination of a powerful and torquey naturally aspirated eight-cylinder engine, a distinctive sound, an agile sports suspension and expressive design. Over the past three and a half years more than 17,000 AMG enthusiasts have chosen the C 63 AMG, 88 percent of them opting for the Saloon (Estate: 12 percent). The AMG Performance package, which has been available since autumn 2009, is proving particularly popular: over 30 percent of all the C 63 AMG models delivered in 2010 were specified with this attractive option.

The new C 63 AMGwill go on sale in July, 2011, pricing and specification are still to be confirmed.