SYDNEY: Mercedes-Benz has launched launches 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 sports sedan AMG C 63 for $154,900 to set its old rival BMW M3 back in the race in Australia.
The pricing of the new W205-generation C-Class flagship undercuts its most obvious rival, the $156,430 BMW M3 as well as the farewell 507 Edition of the outgoing W204 naturally-aspirated 6.2-litre V8 sedan.
At the same time Merced-Benz Australia has confirmed it will only import the 375kW ‘S’ version of the new 4.0-litre biturbo V8 sedan, which significantly outpowers the 317kW biturbo six-cylinder BMW.
And while it’s only 2kW up on the 507, the new C 63 S has a 90Nm torque advantage, accelerates slightly faster to 100km/h and chews a heap less fuel.
The C 63 Estate will launch at the same time as the sedan in the third quarter with a $2500 surcharge. The now-traditional Edition 1 launch package that includes a bunch of dress-up items will also be available with a $7900 impost.
There has been debate within Mercedes-Benz about whether to offer the ‘standard’ 350kW C 63 in Australia as well as the S, but the odds were always against it because the overwhelming majority of local AMG buyers go for the top model available.
Australia is one of the Benz hot-shop’s most successful markets globally, with more than 10,000 sold here and a third of them C 63s (which first appeared in 2008).
Benz has also confirmed the fundamental equipment list for the C 63 S, including AMG Ride Control sports suspension with electronically controlled shock absorbers, an electronic rear locking differential and AMG Dynamic Select drive programs.
The C 63 S also comes standard with dynamic engine mounts – which Benz claims as unique in the class. As used by the Mercedes-AMG GT sports car, they can adapt their stiffness to suit the prevailing driving conditions. Softer mounts decouple noise and vibration while stiffer mounts aid handling agility.
Other confirmed standard equipment includes the latest version of the MCT 7 automatic transmission, 19-inch wheels, performance exhaust, Burmester sound system, Comand online controller system, head-up display, LED headlights, Nappa leather, a panoramic sunroof and metallic paint.
There will also be a bunch of AMG-specific interior features including illuminated front door sill panels, an instrument panel with TFT multi-function display and racetimer, a ‘night’ package, ‘performance’ seats with memory and an AMG steering wheel in black Nappa leather.
We’ve covered off the technical aspects of the new C 63 in depth here, but the basics are: 375kW@5500-6250rpm, 700Nm @ 1750-4500rpm, a claimed average fuel consumption of 8.6L/100km and 200g CO2/km emissions average (8.1 and 202 for the Estate).
The sedan accelerates to 100km/h in four seconds and the Estate 4.1. The sedan weighs in at 1655kg and the Estate 1725kg. The top speed is limited to 250km/h.
Mercedes-Benz Australia boss Horst van Sanden got pretty enthusiastic about the car in a statement issued to announce the pricing.
“The new C 63 S won’t just move the goal posts, it creates a new sports ground,” he claimed.
