Just two days out from the official launch of the E92 BMW M3, in what can only be described as an astounding coincidence…Mercedes have released official images and details of their new C63 AMG. Make no mistake, there is no doubting that this is one very special and very quick BMW M3 competitor.
It appears to us that the C63 should really have been the C62 but the chaps in charge of engine capacity and badges got on the schnapps and developed a new method of rounding-up. To quote the press release:
The new bonnet with its prominent power domes conceals the independently developed AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine, which develops a fulminating 336 kW/457 hp at 6800 rpm from a displacement of 6208 cubic centimetres.
Hmmm…isn’t 6208 cubic centimeters 6.2-litres… Anyway, we will continue to refer to it as a 6.2-litre engine as that is clearly what it is. You can check out the C63 AMG European press release by clicking on the link or stay tuned for a rundown of the basics.
The C63 comes equipped with a slightly detuned version of the 6.2-litre V8 found under the hood of the CLK63. In C63 tune it produces 336Kw/600Nm which is enough to see it accelerate from 0-100km/h in 4.5 seconds and go on to an electronically limited 250km/h.
This all means that the C63 AMG will be more powerful and ultimately quicker in a straight line shoot-out than BMW’s soon to be released E92 M3. The next generation M3 is expected to be sporting a 309kw/400Nm 4.0-litre V8 and an approximate 0-100km/h sprint time of 4.8 seconds.
We expect the eventual road-tests and comparisons to confirm that while the AMG C63 is quicker out of the hole the E92 M3 will be sharper through the twisty bits and a more focussed drive.
Don’t cash in those Telstra shares just yet as the C63 is not due to make an appearance until 2008 and no doubt Australia will wait while Europe and the USA have first bite at the apple. Australian pricing and availability is not yet known but we will remain vigilant.
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Thank you for clearing the 6.2 verses 6.3 liter. I read in the car and driver magazine September issue about C63 written by Aaron Robinson, and he fails to explain in paragraph three about the 6.2 liter and it looks like it was a print error.
I recently bought my wife a C350 and she loved it. I have an Audi RS6 and my question to you is, do you advise me to buy the C63 or keep my RS6?
Thank you
Ramzi Osseiran
Hey Ramzi - What a question…!
If you want to own the ‘king of the hill’ then I’d wait until the new twin-turbo V10 RS6 comes out and buy that.
Otherwise if it was me I’d trade on the C63. Well, actually if it was me I’d probably get an RS4 Avant - I reckon the current RS4 is Audi hitting their ’sweet spot’. Not overkill - just the right amount of everything.
I hope I didnt confuse the issue more for you…
Ok the Mercedes Benz might be slightly Quicker than the new M3.But look at the size of the engine Mercedes produces to do so ,a 6.2 litre v8 as opposed to a 4 litre in the M3.As usual Mercedes cant produce a smaller engine with maximum performance like Bmw can.I,ve compared the models ,Bmw’s options far outweigh mercedes Benz as usual.Myself and my fiancee have test driven the new m3 and are highly impressed and will purchase the 2008 version with 315kw of power ,in the four door model.BMW automobiles are far superior in all aspects to Mercedes Benz.
well look i have to say that this merc is something. The 6.2 V8 in this baby is faster then any RS4 or M3, this thing is what a car is and should be.
Hey Matt… do you also wear yello sunglassses and a blue tooth ear piece..? What is it with BMW drivers and their stubbornness…? reminds me of the earlier days of Volvo drivers… ..did the sales reps move from Volvo to BMW ??? Does anyone know?
Hey Matt you left the same comment on cardrive. What about the C32 AMG smaller motor not 4-0 litre not V8. Advertising executives buy BMW’s because they can’t spell Porsche. Wait for the four door pay more get less, get wasted by the C63 and become a total loser. The new M3 not for me.Got beaten by the ordinary C class for wheels car of the year in australia, no match for the C63
Can’t wait for mine to arrive.
Guys - Look, it all comes down to this… If you want brutal off the mark performance, and you want a car that gets noticed for it’s stunning good looks (and I must say, its indulgent use of chrome finishes), go for the C63. You will not be disappointed. I’ve just spent a day driving one, it’s unbelievable - simply no other way to put it. If on the other hand you want a more ‘refined’ drive, that still has plenty of eye-popping performance in both a straight line and around the bendy stuff, then go for the M3. It’s a much more civilised sort of car (strange really, almost as if MB and BMW have changed seats, normally it’s the MB that’s much more civilised!). I think we should all celebrate the fact that we are able to buy cars like this, when only a few years ago, this sort of performance was the sole domain of ultra fast supercars that cost five times as much as these cars do. Thank God for great cars I say!!
Guys
Just taken the c63amg for a test drive and i can only describe it as UN BLOODY believable. I am not a Mercedes or for that matter a BMW fan, i was looking for a car to buy and took both the c63 and the BMW m3 for a test drive both cars are magnificent vehicles, however i after driving the C63amg i was sold the amount of torque and power this car generates is incredible and the steering was so responsive that i knew i had to have this car. If anyone hasn’t taken this car for a test drive i recommend you do so you wont be disappointed. Looking at pictures doesn’t justify how it looks in real life the car looks like a monster ready to devour anything in its way….Great job from AMG!