One of the year’s most anticipated new-model sports cars, the high-performance Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG saloon, has just had its Australian price confirmed. Priced from $139,500*, the high-performance C 63 AMG is set to thrill eager customers from this March.

Benchmark engine performance

The Mercedes-AMG designed and built 6.2-litre V8 engine in the C 63 AMG produces a peak output of 336 kW and a maximum torque level of 600 Nm. This high-revving, naturally-aspirated motor has been developed from decades of motor sport experience and delivers unrivalled performance in this segment. Perfect cylinder charging is ensured by the vertical arrangement of the intake and exhaust ducts, as well as the magnesium variable intake manifold with two integral throttle flaps. Other high-tech features include variable camshaft adjustment, four-valve technology with bucket-type tappets, a particularly rigid aluminium crankcase of closed-deck design and the low-friction TWAS coating on the cylinder contact surfaces.

Power transmission is in the capable hands of the AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC. Equipped with AMG steering-wheel shift paddles and featuring three drive programmes, the seven-speed automatic offers everything from a seriously sporty to a comfort-oriented driving style. The revving function when changing down is a completely new feature.

Perfect dynamics: chassis and brakes

The dynamic driving talent of the new C 63 AMG is apparent at first glance. The flared guards conceal a three-link front suspension system of a completely new-design along with a wider track and new speed-sensitive AMG sports steering for high-speed cornering and awesome agility. The firm spring settings and gas-filled shock absorbers on the all-new AMG sports suspension ensure optimum contact with the road and low body movement when cornering at high speeds.

The new front axle features a track width increased to 35 mm to reduce dynamic wheel load when cornering. A series of measures ensure substantially increased stability and precision in all driving scenarios.

The multi-link independent rear suspension has also been thoroughly re-engineered, with a 12 mm wider track and more camber leading to improved cornering performance. Reinforced drive shafts and drive joints increase fatigue strength and round off the improvements to the rear suspension of the C 63 AMG.

The C 63 AMG is appropriately fitted with new 18 inch AMG light alloy wheels in a five-spoke design. Painted in titanium grey, these high-gloss wheels in size 8.5 x 18 and 9.0 x 18 are fitted with wide base tyres in size 235/40 R 18 (front) and 255/35 R 18 (rear).

Internally ventilated and perforated disc brakes all-round reside behind the spokes of the AMG wheels. The front brakes have 360 x 36 mm discs with six-piston fixed callipers, while 330 x 26 mm discs with four-piston fixed callipers handle deceleration at the rear. The AMG high-performance brake system is characterised by precisely metered braking, the shortest stopping distances and high fade resistance.

Design and equipment: more distinctive than ever before

The quality of design and equipment in the new C 63 AMG is more than a match for its outstanding technology. This range leading AMG model differentiates itself from its 'siblings' more than ever before: in addition to AMG body styling, characteristic brand features include the unique bonnet with power domes, the distinctive AMG radiator grille, flared front guards, the AMG rear apron with a black diffuser insert, the AMG sports exhaust system with two chromed twin tailpipes and the AMG spoiler lip.

The interior is dominated by the distinctive AMG sports seats with integrated head restraints, the AMG performance steering wheel in a three-spoke design with a 365 mm rim diameter and a flattened lower section as well as the tubular design AMG instrument cluster with its AMG main menu.

The standard fitment soft nappa leather upholstery is fitted to the supportive AMG sports seats, door centre panels and door armrests and is available in three colours: black, reef (light) grey and combined black/sahara beige.

The combination of expressive design, a decidedly sporty interior and superb everyday practicality makes the C 63 AMG a unique high-performance vehicle.

Comprehensive standard equipment

In addition to the superlative Mercedes-AMG engine, the C 63 AMG gains a raft of standard equipment over the C 320 CDI, listed below.

• AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC 7-speed automatic transmission with downshift revving feature
• AMG sports suspension
• AMG 18 inch light alloy wheels in 5-spoke design with titanium paint finish
• AMG unique body styling
• AMG rear diffuser insert for rear apron
• AMG bonnet with dual powerdomes
• AMG sports seats with integrated head restraints and electric lumbar/bolstering adjustment
• AMG performance steering wheel with shift paddles and flat underside
• AMG 3-stage ESP® (ON, SPORT, OFF)
• AMG multi-function display in instrument cluster with RACETIMER
• AMG door sill panels
• AMG dark tinted headlamp housing
• Glass electric sunroof
• Active bi-xenon headlamps
• Harman/Kardon LOGIC7® surround sound system
• Alarm system with interior motion sensor
• Folding rear seat with through-loading
• Heated front seats

Factory-fitted optional equipment is minimal due to the extensive standard specification. These optional features are:

• KEYLESS-GO automatic lock/unlock and drive authorisation system
• AMG Carbon fibre interior trim elements
• Electric roller blind for the rear window
• Protective undershield for engine

The Mercedes-Benz 190 E 3.2 AMG from 1987 was the inspiration for the C 63 AMG

This all new V8-powered range leader is the fifth generation of the AMG C-Class. The family tree goes right back to the 1993 C 36 AMG – the very first vehicle to emerge from the cooperation between Daimler-Benz and AMG. But the first steps were taken six years before. The 190 E 3.2 AMG unveiled in 1987 marked the beginning of the successful career of the dynamic and exclusive mid-range model from Affalterbach.

It’s been an amazing time for the multiple award winning C-Class since its release last year. And now, with a new nigh performance edition on the way, Mercedes-Benz will continue to be foremost in the mind of many prestige car buyers.