Overview
The Mercedes-Benz range is always ever growing, not just globally but even locally as the brand is currently serving over 20 different classes in it’s menu lineup. But as with all car manufacturers, it is the thoroughbred dream range that always gets everybody excited about a particular brand. With Mercedes of course, they have the in-house skunkworks of AMG that has been given the liberty to put all their technological know-how to turn every car model in the range into a full blown performance car.
With AMG, everybody thinks that the most iconic model they have in the range would be the 2-door AMG GTR derived from the AMG GT. But I reckon that the most iconic model AMG makes is the C63S AMG. Because it was the W204 generation that brought forth the iconic 6.2-litre normally aspirated engine that everyone knows and love till today. Why? The exhaust note. The deep V8 rumble that makes every petrolhead’s ears tremor. Mercedes launched the W205 generation and we got our hands with the latest, ‘facelifted’ iteration that got us giggling all the way through!
The Drive
New dog, old tricks. The C63S AMG Sedan comes fitted with the 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 engine that has been a proven recipe across the whole Mercedes-AMG Range. Yes, it delivers 510bhp and 700nm with the disposal of your right foot, and the power figures may seem overwhelming when all is thrown to the rear wheels only. The engine is mated to a dual-clutch gearbox that’s been programmed to be rather crisp on shifts. Truth is behind the wheel, this thing feels just right for all kinds of fun under any occasion (except greasy and wet?).
I feel that modern performance cars tend to go a little crazy when it comes to feeding their brand new cars with technology. When to be honest, all a petrolhead asks for is for the unadulterated experience behind the wheel. The fact that cars like the Nissan GTR, though fast, gets a lot of hit and miss comments is because the whole tech system makes the car feel rather artificial. Must be said however that Mercedes have kept the rowdy characteristics in the C63S, and I love the fact that it doesn’t fall short in the experience department.
For a RWD saloon with more torque than it could possibly need, its surprisingly sharp and agile up. The fact that this new facelift version comes with the 9-stage traction control like the haloed AMG GT-R, it gives drivers the adjustability that one needs on a hard drive, be it on track or some twisty back road. And if you’re feeling brave, you can just have it completely turned off to pull some easy slides with just an extra pinch of throttle on the drive. Despite its kerb weight of 1730kg, the C63S sedan can be a rather sharp tool beyond just speed.
An experience can come in many forms, be it power, handling, or a combination of both that almost always brings a car near perfection. Thought perfection may be farfetched here, yet in all its flaws like the rather firm suspension (even on comfort mode) and the rather ugly fuel consumption that it makes on a town run, every time you step behind the wheel of the C63S, it feels like an event.
The Look and Feel
Much of the exterior modules remain unchanged. There are various areas in which the facelifted iteration excels here! The updated headlights, the ‘Panamericana’grill, and the rear diffuser to name a few, are bits on the exterior that makes the facelift C63S AMG sedan a handsome brute. The widened track delivers not a just a menacing outlook, but also a pratical purpose in giving that extra width on the front fenders and subtle arch all round. Although the sedan doesn’t get the expensive Magnesium option wheel like the Coupé version, the 19” wheels are more than fitting.
If the exterior doesn’t excite you enough, I’m happy to report that the interior definitely will. The combination of the dual-tone semi bucket seats, matched with a galore of Nappa leather, Alcantara and Carbon Fibre just pleases the eyes in the cabin. Now that this mid-life update comes with a digital cluster and a larger infotainment screen, the W205 is removed from the ageing feel.
It’s sad to think that the W205 generation is just about due for replacement very soon. This shape is probably the best C-Klasse generation there has ever been. Chasing perfection may always be farfetched but the C63S Sedan is a superbly well-balanced all-rounder that serves almost any needs you could possibly need. And beyond it being just a practical saloon, the powerful heart inside is able to give you giggles behind the wheel from point A to point B. Of course, it comes at a price. RM768,888.00 to be exact.
So for those that’s totally fallen in love with this (like me), the price tag will definitely hold you back. By all means, if you’re looking for a super saloon at that price tag, then this is the almost perfect all-round package in the range. But other wise, may we suggest a C43 AMG Sedan in Black? 😉
Written By | Qhalis Najmi
