The BMW M4 and Lexus RC F will soon be battling the new Mercedes-AMG C 63 Coupé, which will launch in the UK in March 2016. A price is yet to be announced.
Two models will be available, a C 63 and C 63 S. Both powered by the same 4.0-litre V8 biturbo mated to a AMG Speedshift MCT seven-speed transmission but with differing levels of horsepower and torque.
In S form there’s a sizable 503bhp and 516lb/ft (700Nm) of torque on tap, an increase of 23bhp and 74lb/ft on the old 6.2-litre V8 lump found in its revered first-generation predecessor when fitted with the optional Performance Package. That’s more torque than the AMG GT S.
That makes it the most powerful in its class by some margin. The M4 is, for example, 78bhp and 11lb/ft off the pace. The Audi RS5 is 59bhp and 199lb/ft less powerful. In terms of weight, it is 70kg lighter than its predecessor at 1,725kg.
Push the German-built accelerator pedal to the floor and 0-62mph comes and goes in a remarkable 3.9 seconds and then the AMG C-Class blasts onto an electronically limited 155mph, or 180mph if you pay extra for the Driver’s Package.
In standard form the AMG C 63 Coupé has a more ‘modest’ 476hp and 479lb/ft (650Nm), but the 0-62mph time is only a tenth of a second slower at four seconds. CO2 emissions for both models come in between 200 and 209g/km.
Just the roof, boot lid and frameless doors are shared between the old and new car. Mercedes-AMG has added flared wheel arches, adding 64mm to the overall width. The bonnet, meanwhile, is 60mm longer and sits above AMG’s three-dimensional A-wing front spoiler.
AMG’s Dynamic Select transmission mode is able to adjust the sound of the exhaust system by using a flap. Opt for the Performance exhaust option and you can change how quiet or loud it is at the touch of a button. A fifth ‘Race’ transmission mode is unique to the S.
AMG Ride Control is present, offering three different levels of suspension, ranging from soft and comfortable to sporty and less forgiving. Both models also benefit from a limited-slip differential, which is mechanical on the standard car and electronic on the S.
Standard equipment includes Attention Assist, a system that monitors whether you are tired, and Collision Prevention Assist Plus, which is designed to prevent rear-end collisions.
No word on a price just yet, but expect the class-leading power and those elegant lines to cost more than the competition.
You can read about the non-AMG C-Class Coupé here.
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