2019 Mercedes-AMG C63 S and C63 Gallery

The point of entry to the world of AMG ownership starts with the C-Class, but that's not to say Mercedes' hotter coupes and sedans are milquetoast versions of what we know the tuning company for best. Revamped for 2019 for a mid-cycle refresh, the potent 4.0-liter V8 bi-turbo engine is kept, delivering up to 503 horsepower under the hood of the C63 S. However now it's paired with a 9-speed transmission.

The result is, in C63 S form, 0-60 mph in 3.8 seconds. Factor in an extra tenth of a second for the C63. Both have the nine-stage traction control system from the AMG GT R, along with new tuning to the AMG Ride Control system. That combines steel springs with adaptive dampers, and an electronically controlled rear-axle limited-slip differential.

The result is a car as whimsical as – in sedan form, at least – it can be practical. Sticker pricing will be confirmed closer to the car's US debut in early 2019. Figure on from $70k for the C63 sedan and coupe, and from mid-$70k for the C63 S variants.