Here it is – the all-new Mercedes-AMG C 63, the world’s best high-performance compact sedan which bows next week at the Paris Motor Show.
Power comes from the 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 engine from the Mercedes-AMG GT sports car and here are two versions – the regular C 63 with 350kW/650Nm or the awesome ‘S’ with 375kW/700Nm.
Drive is via an updated version of the AMG Speedshift MCT seven-speed automatic transmission – updated to provide even faster shift times. The ‘S’ model gets a ‘race’ mode for the transmission.
For zero to 100km/h you can chalk-up 4.0 seconds.
And better still, ‘Benz has confirmed the exclusive ‘Edition1’ model will be available from launch.
Estate (wagon) models will follow.
And just as impressive as the performance is the fuel consumption – 32 per-cent better than the outgoing naturally-aspirated V8 model – rated at 8.2l/100kms.
Underneath is AMG Ride Control sports suspension featuring a four-link front design with motorsport type radially mounted brakes.
The standard C 63 runs a mechanical locking differential while the ‘S’ steps-up to an electronic version.
It’s 18-inch alloy wheels for the C 63 and 19-inch alloys for the ‘S’.
The bodywork is a masterpiece with the C 63 running aluminium front fenders which are 14mm wider each side than the standard C-Class.
Aero features a front ‘A-wing’, flics and splitter while the rear sees a three-fin diffuser and bootlid spoiler for the sedan or tailgate wing for the estate.
We’re counting the sleeps until we get to drive this one.
