2019 Mercedes-AMG C 63 get gearbox and gadgets upgrade
Mercedes-AMG has given its C 63 family a revamp for New York, bringing along the latest V8 biturbo-powered Sedan, Coupe, and Cabriolet with their extra-aggressive styling. The 2019 C 63 Sedan, Coupe, and Cabriolet keep the 4.0-liter, handmade AMG engine of before, now tuned for 469 horsepower in "regular" form and 503 HP in perkier "S" configuration.
They're paired with an AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9-speed transmission, which has a wet start-off clutch. It's the first time the gearbox has been used in the C 63 family, and the decision to replace the torque convertor not only saves on weight but, so AMG promises, makes for a more responsive car. A multiple downshift function is joined by a double-declutching system in Sport and Sport+ modes.
Moving off, AMG promises, always happens in first gear for maximum performance. As for Manual mode, that gets a dedicated button on the center console, though the paddles will override the transmission when in Auto mode. When you hit the red line, meanwhile, the C 63 will stick there, rather than upshifting automatically.
The design has been finessed for the 2019 model year, with a new radiator grille that has vertical louvers in high-gloss chrome. The front bumper has been tweaked as well, and there are new side skirts and redesigned AMG light-alloy wheels. They're not just for looks, either, with AMG promising that they also do better in the aerodynamics stakes too.
At the back, the twin tailpipe trim has been remodeled; finished in high-gloss chrome, it's accompanied by a new diffuser. The C 63 S versions get a diffuser board. There's a lip-spoiler, too, while the C 63 Coupe can have an optional AMG Aerodynamics package which changes the front splitter, adds an integral Gurney flap to the spoiler lip, throws on broader side skirt inserts, adds flics to the rear bumper, and has a high-gloss black diffuser insert.
Inside, MB-Tex/DINAMICA microfiber seats along with natural grain black ash wood and brushed aluminum are standard. Options include grey oak and walnut wood, or carbon fiber and aluminum. There are also various leather finishes, with Magma Grey/Black with yellow contrasting topstitching being added for the 2019 model year.
Optional AMG Performance seats throw in new side bolsters and have integrated headrests. New for 2019, they not only support heating but now cooling, even if you go for the leather option. The C-Class Cabriolet gets neck-level heating as standard.
As per the regular cars, the AMG models have a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel as an option, with custom graphics for the various drive modes. A special AMG menu has metrics like lap times, track pacing – which can be shown in the optional head-up display – and g-force, among other things. A 10.25-inch center display for the COMAND infotainment is standard.
The AMG steering wheel has been redesigned, with galvanized paddles and a flattened bottom section. It adds Touch Control Buttons, as we've seen from the E-Class and S-Class, for navigating COMAND and the adaptive cruise control. Optionally, the AMG Drive Unit round controller seen on the 2019 AMG GT 4-Door Coupe can be added, with its integrated display and two color display buttons.
Both cars get electromechanical speed-sensitive power steering, and a electronically controlled rear-axle limited-slip differential. If you have the "regular" V8 you get 469 HP and 479 lb-ft. of torque; the "S" version gets 503 HP and 516 lb-ft. 0-60 mph is an estimated 3.8 seconds in the C 63 S.
As for how much the trio will set you back, Mercedes-AMG isn't saying quite yet. Those details will come when the three cars arrive in dealerships early in 2019.