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2017 Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupe Is the Sportiest C-Class Ever. Also, Fabulous

The new Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupe 21 photos
Photo: Mercedes-Benz
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Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupe has got to be the most eagerly anticipated AMG model of the year. Not only does it look absolutely stunning, but history shows us it's also the best-selling AMG vehicle and forms the backbone of the company's success.
Its latest iteration comes with a set of visual and technical advances that set it apart from the rest of the C-Class family as well as its competitors. The Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupe has a wider track, flared front and rear arches, bigger wheels -- all in the name of improved lateral and longitudinal dynamics.

On the outside, the Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupe only shares a few components with its Mercedes-Benz sibling: the doors, roof and boot lid. It is a case of form follows function, with the addition of the large V8 biturbo engine and the wider tracks calling for a redesign of the front and rear end, as well as the side walls. Thus, the AMG C63 Coupe is 64 millimeters wider at the front and 66 millimeters at the rear, helping the car better hug the road.

The good news is form followed function very nicely and the new Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupe is a gorgeous piece of machinery. The front end is dominated by the larger air intakes, the arrow-shaped twin-blade radiator grille and the two powerdomes on top of the 60 millimeter-longer bonnet.

The rear's resemblance to the S63 Coupe's is both striking and welcome. This completely redesigned part of the car features a diffuser insert which improves rear air flow, a set of two chrome-plated twin tailpipes perfectly integrated into the diffuser and a narrow spoiler lip in the form of a sharp blade that not only looks good, but also limits rear-axle lift.

Enough with the looks

Examining what the designers have done with the exterior, it would be a crying shame if the Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupe didn't go like stink. Fortunately, it does: it uses the same 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine as its sedan counterpart dishing out either 476 hp for the "standard" version, or 510 hp in the C63 S Coupe.

Unsurprisingly, performance figures are impressive, the Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupe managing to be 0.1 seconds faster than the sedan in the 0-100 km/h sprint. The gain remains the same for the S version. However, top speed remains electronically limited at 250 km/h, unless the AMG Driver's Package is specced, in which case it jumps to 290 km/h.

Power delivery is managed by an AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission with impressively quick response and high variability. Upshift or downshift times are significantly shortened compared to the previous generation regardless of whether the transmission is in auto or manual mode. This increased spontaneity is made possible by an even sportier set-up of the engine and transmission parameters.

The sporty character of the Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupe is further enhanced by a mechanical rear-axle limited-slip differential, while the top S version gets an electronic rear-axle limited-slip differential. Their main task is to reduce slip for the inside wheel during cornering without any intervention from the braking system, but they also improve stability at high speeds and give optimal traction when moving off. The electronic version that comes standard with the S offers faster reactions and a more detailed level of control. The driver is able to choose from three ESP settings: "ESP ON", "ESP SPORT Handling Mode" and "ESP OFF". Use them wisely.

Speaking of handling personalization, AMG DYNAMIC SELECT comes as standard on both Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupe versions. This system allows the driver to opt for a specific transmission set-up depending on situation. He has four modes to choose from, including an individual one that can be freely configured. In addition to these, the C63 S Coupe also has a "Race" mode which is really self-explanatory.

Another cool feature that comes equipped as standard on your new Mercedes-AMG C63 S Coupe are the dynamic engine mounts. Like in the Saloon or Estate, they help offer majestic comfort or supreme dynamic performances, by softening or stiffening the connection between the engine and chassis.

There's added stiffness to the chassis itself, while the suspension system has been completely redesigned for the C63 Coupe. A four-link front suspension with radial, racing-style brake connections is used. At the rear, there's a multi-link set-up that impresses with highly precise wheel control and increased stiffness.

Let's not get distracted

With all this geeky technology stuff, AMG did not forget about what made the brand what it is: downright hooliganism. Just like the other models in the range, the Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupe comes with a special exhaust system with flap technology. It can decide by itself how much you want to upset the neighbors by reading information like AMG DYNAMIC SELECT mode, engine speed and the power demanded by the driver. Mercedes-AMG are trying to sugar-coat it, but we've heard this exhaust system in action and it's absolutely outrageous.

But it suits the car like a glove. The Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupe certainly has a certain Jekyll and Hyde air about it: it's beautiful, but it can turn into a raging psychopath if you let your guard down. And you will let your guard down because you like it.
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About the author: Vlad Mitrache
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"Boy meets car, boy loves car, boy gets journalism degree and starts job writing and editing at a car magazine" - 5/5. (Vlad Mitrache if he was a movie)
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