[TheBingoBalls]

Didn't see this posted so...

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...t-drive-review

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...3_first_drive/

First impressions are a hell of a lot better than those of the F8X M3/M4. Only negative seems to be the weight (close to 4000lbs!). Everything else seems to be bang on.

Oh...and there's this:

In any mode, the steering has direct feedback and reliably reports the distress of the Mercedes-spec rubber—a distinct advantage over the M3.

On paper, seems like the C63 AMG is the better package than the M3/M4.

Chris Harris video:

[ybbiz34]

The biggest improvement seems to be with the transmission, which was a major sore spot with reviewers on the previous generation car. The MCT has been completely reworked and can handle more torque than the Getrag DCT.

Here are some summaries and comparisons to the M3:

Car and Driver Review:

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...t-drive-review

"A thick-rimmed steering wheel swings a set of Michelin Pilot Super Sports that are attached to an AMG-exclusive front suspension. (The Michelins are fitted out back, too, of course.) Assist effort changes depending on which of the four driving modes are selected. In any mode, the steering has direct feedback and reliably reports the distress of the Mercedes-spec rubber—a distinct advantage over the M3.

Front-end grip is strong, even on track. The AMG’s front stance is wider than the standard C-class, and while the rear suspension retains the C-class architecture, it’s tuned specifically for the 63. (The rear end also features a limited-slip differential.) A three-mode electronically controlled suspension varies the damping in degrees that range from firm to harsh. But even on the 19-inch wheels that come on the S version, the ride is better than that of the old C63."

"On the outside, the AMG version has wider front fenders with subtle flaring and a menacing gape below the front bumper, yet it can’t match the aggressive look of the old C63 and its strakes, slats, and flares. But despite the old car’s meaner countenance, the new iteration is definitely angrier. Indeed, if the 2015 C63 attended any anger-management sessions, it only went to one, stayed for perhaps five minutes, threw a chair through the window, and stormed out. This makes us very happy."

Motor Authority:

http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1...-s-first-drive

On Track

"When it comes down to it, a performance sedan of the Mercedes-AMG C63’s caliber needs to be able to deliver on track; the BMW M3 and M4 duo certainly do, and the Cadillac ATS-V looks like it might just be the overdog. Audi’s S4 may do some battle with the base C63 (non-S-model), but it doesn’t really have a contender without an RS 4.

Fortunately for AMG, the C63 S delivers with an abundance of nearly everything. Power? Check. Rear-drive balance? Double check. Surprisingly good steering? We’re headed toward plaid.

Comparing the C63 S to its nearest natural competitor, the BMW M3, is perhaps one of the most enlightening revelations for the brand-agnostic performance enthusiast: where once the BMW would have had the superior ride quality, steering feel, and sport seats, the pendulum has swung completely to Mercedes-AMG’s side.

Where the BMW feels leaden and lifeless (read: anything below about 100 mph), the C63 S feels lithe and limber. Above 100 mph, both cars are a joy to drive, but the BMW still feels more like a surgeon’s laser scalpel, while the C63 S is a back-alley switchblade—in hoonistic respects, at least."

[ybbiz34]

And a written review by Chris Harris:

https://grrc.goodwood.com/road/drive...3-super-saloon

On power:

"The C63 S is monstrously potent from low revs – there’s torque limiting in the first three gears, but even then on a dry surface the car wants to break traction under full power.

And it keeps revving too. The torque management gives the sensation of thrust building through the rev-range, and the noise is so damn good you want to take it out between 6-7000rpm. Those last normally aspirated 507 edition cars were sensational, but this is a better engine. And it makes the C63 a much faster car.

It offers vast performance and the way it keeps pulling above 120mph makes me suspect that it’ll win the Autobahn outside lane competition against the other small German hotshots."

Regarding the revised MCT transmission:

"Well they’ve worked hard on it, and the result is a much sharper, more intuitive box of tricks. It also has a higher torque rating than the Getrag DCT, so you get 516 lb ft here in the S model, where the swoopy coupe makes do with ‘just’ 479lb ft. You can choose different shift-speeds, or just use the paddles. There’s a slight delay to shifts even in the fastest mode, but I just didn’t have a problem with it. Combined with that mighty engine it makes for a stunning road-car powertrain. In race mode, with the exhaust set to ‘noisy’ it is positively flatulent."

On a forthcoming comparison:

"And for those who think the M3’s contrived sound signature is too much to bear, this might well be the car for you. I wouldn’t want to call that comparison until I’d done a comprehensive back-to-back test. Either way, they’re both much more talented than any of the immediate competition."

[ybbiz34]

Regarding the weight, Chris Harris stated that the car weighed 1650 kg which translates to a tad over 3,600 lbs.

Only the Motor Trend review seems to be using the manufacturer claim of 3,900 lbs. All others are going by the Harris figure.

[TheBingoBalls]

I'm sure both are a blast to drive and are far more capable than what I can do behind the wheel of any of them so if I had the money, it would towards the C63. For every generation up to the current one, I always preferred the 3er to the C-Class because it felt better and/or it looked better. Well Mercedes just killed it with the W205; it looks too damn good for this price range.

[ybbiz34]

Originally Posted by TheBingoBalls

I'm sure both are a blast to drive and are far more capable than what I can do behind the wheel of any of them so if I had the money, it would towards the C63. For every generation up to the current one, I always preferred the 3er to the C-Class because it felt better and/or it looked better. Well Mercedes just killed it with the W205; it looks too damn good for this price range.

Well said. I completely agree. Some folks think I'm Merc/AMG-biased now because I have a few cars with the three-pointed star.

The reality is I've had far more BMWs (more than 2x as many) than I have Benzes and I respect and admire both brands equally.

Tobias Moers has just taken AMG in a completely new direction by making the cars more well-rounded and dynamic performers while retaining their signature AMG qualities and characteristics.

I've had the pleasure of driving the F8X several times now and it's a fantastic car. The C63 just has a few qualities I tend to prefer (e.g., raucous sound, V8 motor, luxurious interior). It's going to be an agonizingly difficult choice but the good thing is, one can't really go wrong with either choice.

The last year has been an incredible one for enthusiasts. Never have there been more outstanding choices. And now, performance and fuel-economy can go hand-in-hand.

[TheBingoBalls]

It's really unfortunate that the M3/M4 sounds the way it does. Sure you'll get more sound of a N/A engine but hearing the M177 in Chris Harris' video, it didn't sound as good as its predecessor but it sounded a hell of a lot better than what BMW was able to do with their straight-six. Kind of bummed out that BMW didn't work harder to make it sound better.

[8k3]

wow. great car it seems. however I still prefer the styling of the old model

[gtman]

I can't wait to see the C63 vs M3 vs RC-F BATTLE!

[1chanc3]

i wonder what price point they'll be selling at. If its around $65k, then its m3/m4/ and corvette c7 territory.

I have been really disappointed with the m3/m4 as of lately but it'll be interesting to see all three go at it.

[kyleb350]

Looks pretty nice. I imagine this is going to be quite pricier than an M3. Any pricing (rumors) yet?

[Anderw]

on looks alone kill it for me , maybe in a different color but looks to much like a baby s550 for my taste

[ybbiz34]

Originally Posted by 1chanc3

i wonder what price point they'll be selling at. If its around $65k, then its m3/m4/ and corvette c7 territory.

I have been really disappointed with the m3/m4 as of lately but it'll be interesting to see all three go at it.

Originally Posted by kyleb350

Looks pretty nice. I imagine this is going to be quite pricier than an M3. Any pricing (rumors) yet?

The C63 is supposed to be priced very similarly to the M3/M4. The W204 C63 (previous generation) coupe starts at $63,000 in the U.S.

As a further reference point, the W205 C300 4MATIC starts at $38,400 whereas the F30 328i xDrive starts at $39,500.

Originally Posted by kwsw

on looks alone kill it for me , maybe in a different color but looks to much like a baby s550 for my taste

What about white?





Or Iridium Silver?



Black:



Interior:

[Blksnowflake]

This gives me a bit of pause, boy do I love my M3 but if I waited another few months the choice between the M3 and the C63s would have been agonisingly difficult. The dealer experience and AMG interior would likely edge out the ///M for me.
Seems that AMG is more intrinsically still passionate about every detail of the AMG brand, i.e. changing the name of AMG models to Mercedes AMG, I mean look at the work they put into just the exhaust, while ///M seemed to make it an after thought almost and then nickel and dime you for an M Performance exhaust that's just marginally better. In my opinion, the car should have come with that exhaust from the factory.

Will have to see one of these Mercs in the flesh, but it looks like a job well done, except for the slightly tame styling(I prefer more aggression), colors and boring wheel combinations the car is otherwise looking to set itself apart....the interior is pretty wow.

[BMW269]

Now why choose an M3 over a C AMG? I see no reason. The M3 just doesn't have anything to make it better or more special.

Design is subjective.

[///MCFC]

that iridium silver is on point. love it.

[Year's_End]

I think the looks are the only hold back on the thing, and that's just an issue with the W205 sedan. It's so soft and rounded off in both proportions and detailing. I can't wait to see what the coupe will look like, especially if the S-Class coupe *cough*CL*cough* is anything to go by.

[TheBingoBalls]

Originally Posted by Year's_End

I think the looks are the only hold back on the thing, and that's just an issue with the W205 sedan. It's so soft and rounded off in both proportions and detailing. I can't wait to see what the coupe will look like, especially if the S-Class coupe *cough*CL*cough* is anything to go by.

If Mercedes continues the trend of taking cues from the S-Class and putting them in the C-Class (coupe), it's really going to change this segment. But I think we'll see what they did with the W204, keep everything more/less the same but take away two doors - similar with what they did with the W212 E-Class Coupe.

[Oh Captain My Captain]

Interesting take.
Thoughts?

[FSHNGRY]

-Love the fact that it's a TT V8.
-Hate that its not a Dual clutch transmission yet. Really Mercedes?
-Hate the Interior
-Jealous of those speakers
-Love the rims. Reminds me of the center lock wheels offered on the new Porsche Turbo.

Overall: I'm even happier I own an M4.

[SaMaster14]

I'm definitely still happy that I decided to go for the F80 (even though I don't have it yet, I know I'm going to fall in love with the car!).

I think this car looks too similar to the normal C class... and the interior really does not do it for me.

Going to be a great competitor, and I can't wait for Chris Harris (and others) to do a true head to head comparison of this an the M3!!
Definitely loud, and that TT V8 is AMAZING!

[M2wolf]

Credit to AMG.. fab of an engine....

BMW can learn a thing or 2 from Mercedes.. like options to spec M-performance parts during order!!