2017 Mercedes-AMG C63 Cabriolet Is Here and It's Unapologetically Fun

A lot of companies say they have something for anybody, but very few can actually back that claim as well as Mercedes-AMG can with the C-Class. The latest to join the ranks is the C63 Cabriolet, available as standard with a toned-down version of the superb 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine developing 476 hp, or under the S guise where the same engine gives 34 more horsepower.

No surprises here, then, but nobody was really expecting any. For all the excitement AMG can pack into its products, it's a pretty predictable company, especially so in later years - well, maybe dropping the AMG Sport line after just one year did manage to shock everyone a little. Fortunately, this conformist attire means that we can expect great things from the C63 Cabriolet, just like we can with any other future AMG product.

So, we know the power output is the same as in the rest of the AMG cars, but how do performance figures stack up? Not that bad, actually, especially when you consider the Cabriolet is 200 kg (about 440 lb) heavier than the Coupe. So, if the AMG C63 S Coupe can reach 100 km/h (62 mph) in supercar-defying 3.9 seconds, the Cabriolet needs 0.2 seconds more. The difference remains the same for the non-S version (4.0 versus 4.2 seconds).

Ok, but how does it do against its main rival?

You mean the BMW M4 Cabrio? Very glad you asked. Even though the BMW is 60 kg (132 lb) lighter than the C63 S Cabriolet, its inline-six with just 431 hp is no match for the mighty V8, posting a considerably slower 0-100 km/h (62 mph) acceleration time of 4.4 seconds (with the optional automatic gearbox, 4.6 seconds without it). Top speed is limited to 250 km/h (155 mph), but the AMG Driver's Package pushes that to 280 km/h (174 mph)

The Mercedes-AMG C63 Cabriolet is equipped with the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission that promises to offer lightning fast shifts, and the convenience of the paddles mounted behind the steering wheel. Performances are further boosted by the AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension system with adaptive damping and a specially designed rear-axle.

At the back, the new cars have two types of limited-slip differentials: a mechanical one for the C63, and an electronic version for the S model. Both improve traction and handling, especially during corners, allowing the driver to press on the accelerator earlier and in a safer manner. There are three different settings for the ESP that can be summed up like this: "I just want to get home," where the ESP is fully on; "I know I'm no Stig," where the ESP allows a certain amount of fun; "I've got life insurance," where the ESP is completely (at least that's what Mercedes-AMG says) switched off.

The AMG DYNAMIC SELECT is a system that allows the choice between four transmission settings: Comfort, Sport, Sport Plus, and RACE. They all do what says on the box, but the Comfort position has a new feature called "sailing function" that can decouple the engine from the powertrain at speeds between 60 and 160 km/h, reducing mechanical friction and thus increasing the vehicle's efficiency.

Eye of the beholder

Visually, the C63 Cabriolet brings the usual sporty touches: wider tracks, flared wheel arches, bigger wheels, larger air intakes, the lot. The same sporty theme can be found inside where there's plenty of high-quality black and dark-colored materials and aluminum inserts. The AIRCAP feature - a small deflector wing that pops out from the top of the windshield when the roof is down to push air over the cabin - is present here as well, extending the number of months in which the vehicle's owners can enjoy open-top driving.

"The C-Class is a decisive factor in our company's success. The new combination of intensive open-air ambience and powerful V8 engine is unique in the segment and perfectly supplements our large C-Class range," says Tobias Moers, CEO of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

After the New York official presentation, the Mercedes-AMG C63 Cabriolet will get its market launch in August 2016. We don't know what you think, but we feel there's something in the combination between an AMG exhaust and a convertible that's simply irresistible. And we're pretty sure that, come the first tunnel, you'd agree with us too.