The other day at the mall, my wife and I were browsing perfumes. Being the considerate person she is, she let me take the lead in choosing her new scent, considering I’m the one who’ll be around it most. She picked up a bottle, gave it a spray, and instantly, I knew it was a no-go. It triggered a memory – an old flame from twenty years back used to wear that exact perfume; scents are powerfully linked to memory. This got me thinking about cars, because the moment I slid into the driver’s seat of the Mercedes C63 AMG – boom.
It was like stepping back into what Mercedes once represented.
2013 Mercedes C63 AMG: The Quick Verdict
Why You Should Buy:
Superior V8 engine compared to BMW and Audi offerings. Impressive modern performance. Timeless, aggressive styling. Excellent steering feel.
Reasons to Reconsider:
Lackluster transmission responsiveness. Stiff and somewhat unrefined ride quality. Driving experience not as engaging as an M3.
Soul Score: 8/10
It’s a testament to how good cars were a decade ago.
A Deep Dive into the 2013 Mercedes C63 AMG
When you hear “holy trinity,” supercars from a famous automotive TV show might come to mind. However, there’s another trio deserving of that title: the Audi RS 4, the BMW M3, and this very Mercedes C63 AMG.
V8 engines in compact sedans? It was an unprecedented concept. V8s were traditionally reserved for larger, more luxurious models. These weren’t just any V8s though; they were engines destined for automotive legend status a decade later. Each had its own distinct character, but Mercedes chose a bolder route, shoehorning a massive 6.3-liter engine under the C-Class hood. The result? Unquestionably more power and a truly remarkable soundtrack.
The C63 AMG maintained a specific formula: automatic transmission only and rear-wheel drive. It also carried a bit more weight than the M3 (around 4,000 lbs). Mercedes kindly offered both sedan and coupe versions to cater to different tastes.
Visually, it’s undeniably appealing, isn’t it? The chrome wheels and the distinctive Mercedes front end give it a commanding presence. Back when I was shopping for my E92 M3, the C63 wasn’t even on my radar. M3s were perceived as the choice for younger enthusiasts, while C63s seemed to attract a more mature demographic. But now, as a dad myself (and hopefully more objective), I’m revisiting the C63. Is it genuinely the misunderstood, slightly eccentric German cousin to the more precise M3 and RS 4? Let’s find out.
Performance Review: 8/10 – Raw Power and Audacious Sound
Driving this car completely reshaped my initial impressions, in both positive and negative ways. Mercedes still produces a C63 AMG today, but – and it’s almost painful to write this…
Deep breath.
The current C63 AMG is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a hybrid system. Seriously?
If the current model has lost its way, perhaps experiencing the essence of this 2013 C63 will transport you back to a golden era of AMG performance.
Engine: The Heart of the Beast
Those quad exhaust pipes announce its presence with authority. E9X M3 enthusiasts might hate to admit it (and I’m confessing this now, so keep it between us), but there’s always been a tinge of envy towards C63 owners. Especially when you hear one equipped with an aftermarket exhaust – pure auditory bliss!
The incredible thing is, even without modifications, the Mercedes 6.3-liter V8 delivers an intoxicating sound straight from the factory. It churns out 481 horsepower at 6,800 RPM, and a hefty 443 lb-ft of torque arrives at 5,000 RPM. This means you need to explore the upper reaches of the rev range to truly unleash its potential, which makes driving it incredibly engaging. While it might not rev as freely as the BMW S65 engine, its superior power output more than compensates for any perceived difference in eagerness.
The sheer power of this engine is undeniable. It dispatches the quarter-mile in a mere 12 seconds flat and hits 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds. The absence of turbochargers means instant throttle response and a seamless surge of power throughout the rev range. With 67 more horsepower than an M3 of the same era, the C63 AMG will quickly become a distant memory in the rearview mirror on a straight road.
The standard C63 AMG already boasts “only” 451 horsepower, but this particular model came equipped with the optional Development Package, incorporating performance enhancements borrowed from the flagship Mercedes SLS. Who in their right mind would skip that option? More horsepower is always welcome!
And the sound. Exhale deeply. It’s akin to Thor’s hammer striking Wolverine’s Adamantium claws – a raw, visceral symphony. While current AMG models like the SL 63 might be marginally louder, the C63 AMG, straight out of the box, offers one of the most captivating engine notes I’ve ever experienced, rivaling the sheer volume of a Dodge Viper at full throttle.
Sound the alarm, indeed!
Transmission: A Minor Letdown
This transmission holds back the C63 AMG’s full potential. Unfortunately, the love affair takes a slight detour here, as the transmission is where the C63 begins to show its age.
The seven-speed automatic is the sole transmission choice, and it performs adequately for everyday driving, keeping the V8’s ferocity subdued until summoned. However, when you do demand immediate acceleration, there’s a noticeable delay. It feels like you need to rub a genie lamp to get it to downshift – the response time is just a beat too slow when you floor the throttle.
Using the paddle shifters offers a quicker solution, providing more immediate gear changes. But, similar to the Lexus IS 500, constantly relying on paddle shifters in an automatic car defeats the purpose of having an automatic in the first place. Why can’t these transmissions just be inherently responsive?
Steering and Chassis: Firm and Direct, but Not Always Refined
When you think of Mercedes, V8, and a substantial weight like 4,000 lbs, you might envision a plush, comfortable cruiser. The C63 AMG is anything but soft.
In fact, it’s decidedly firm.
Let’s begin with the steering. It offers a similar initial sharpness to BMW’s steering racks but feels even more direct and, surprisingly for a Mercedes, heavier. This heft is appropriate for a car of this nature, and it arguably boasts the best steering feel among its German coupe rivals.
The ride quality is undeniably stiff. While this particular test car had 113,000 miles on the odometer, the owner had recently refreshed some suspension components prior to the drive. Despite this, the ride remains harsh across various surfaces – quite uncharacteristic of traditional Mercedes comfort. Both BMW and Audi achieve a much better balance between handling and ride comfort. Even with relatively tame tires (Continental ExtremeContact), and without any adaptive suspension option available, you’re stuck with the firm setup Mercedes engineered.
Adaptive suspension isn’t essential; a well-tuned fixed suspension can be just as effective.
The steering wheel itself is a highlight – heavy, direct, and features a flat bottom, a design element BMW later adopted in the M3 a decade later. Pushing the C63 harder in corners reveals the weight bias towards the front – a 54/46 weight distribution feels accurate. There’s a reason you see numerous E9X M3s at track days and significantly fewer C63s.
For the 2012 model year, Mercedes revised the suspension with updated shocks and bushings, aiming to improve handling composure. Regardless, the overall grip and body control still don’t quite match the levels found in an M3.
Brakes: Confident Stopping Power
The brakes are excellent – perhaps the best in its class. These cars predate the era of excessively large brake systems, but AMG clearly didn’t hold back. Six-piston calipers up front clamp down on cross-drilled rotors. While their actual performance might be comparable to the brakes in the M3 or RS 4, they certainly look more visually impressive. Keep in mind that the C63 is a substantial car, so oversized brakes aren’t necessarily the performance advantage you might assume.
This C63 AMG embodies the spirit and performance of a German muscle car, even more so than its rivals. It’s enjoyable in its own right, but the true star of the show is undoubtedly the engine.
Utility Score: 8/10 – Practical Coupe
The rear seats offer decent space for a coupe. The sedan version provides even more practicality. There’s no reason to rate the C63’s practicality significantly differently from its German counterparts. Starting with the rear seats, the roofline maintains enough height to avoid cramped headroom, and the sculpted seats offer sufficient legroom to comfortably transport passengers for shorter trips.
“Honey, should we take the Mercedes tonight?”
The front seats are exceptional, and surprisingly similar in design to those found in current Mercedes models. Excellent bolstering and ample thigh support provide superb comfort. The soft, supple leather has also held up remarkably well over time, a testament to Mercedes’ quality.
The trunk is also reasonably spacious. Given that the C63 Coupe possesses a slightly more stylish aesthetic compared to its sedan sibling, the two-door variant is arguably the more desirable choice.
Fuel Economy: 6/10 – Performance Comes at a Price
Be prepared to visit the gas station frequently. One unavoidable aspect is the fuel consumption. With 2.3 liters more displacement than both the Audi and BMW (and more power to boot), expect frequent stops at the pump. EPA estimates are 13 mpg city and 19 mpg highway. Even the larger BMW S65 engine is arguably more fuel-efficient in real-world driving.
But honestly, who cares?
Are you really going to avoid revving out that glorious C63 engine to save a few bucks on gas? An extra couple of trips to the gas station each month is a small price to pay for the exhilarating experience this car delivers. Mercedes did manage to improve the V8’s fuel economy in later iterations, and the new four-cylinder C63’s fuel consumption is yet to be officially rated. But you already know what I’m going to say, right?
If fuel costs are a primary concern, you’re definitely looking at the wrong car.
Features and Comfort: 6/10 – Performance Over Plushness
The interior isn’t particularly luxurious. Mercedes interiors of this era often feel a bit dated and less premium compared to modern standards. However, there are still some noteworthy aspects.
Sporting Wood Trim?
Buttons galore! Let’s start with the wood trim – its inclusion in a performance car like this is somewhat perplexing. Mercedes wasn’t alone in this; BMW also offered wood trim as an option on the M3. However, it looks rather unconvincing, artificial, and feels out of place on the dashboard of a performance-oriented AMG.
The amount of leather trim is less than you might expect, which is a shame considering Mercedes typically excels in leather quality. The dashboard and door panels are primarily hard, black plastic. Looking at the center console, you’re greeted by a sea of buttons. I’m not even sure what half of them do – many of the silver buttons appear to be blanks.
Didn’t we spend enough to eliminate dummy buttons in a Mercedes by 2013?
The HVAC controls also seem somewhat awkwardly placed and partially obscured by the gear shifter. Ergonomics are crucial, especially when driving aggressively, or even just driving in general.
The infotainment system is functional, but by 2013, BMW’s iDrive system was significantly more advanced in terms of interface and graphics – this is a 2013 model, not a 2008. It should have been more updated. Finally, look upwards – no carbon fiber roof here, instead, a large sunroof with a thin sunshade, practically guaranteeing a sunburn on a sunny day.
Stepping inside a current Mercedes (I realize I often review the more expensive models, but the point stands), you’ll immediately notice a vastly improved dashboard design and significantly higher build quality.
Chrome Overload
Chrome grille and accents. While the C63 AMG’s overall design has aged gracefully, the abundance of chrome trim does betray its age. I appreciate chrome in moderation. Here, it’s applied liberally, and while chrome might be fitting for a classic, luxurious Mercedes, this performance model would benefit from blacked-out trim for a more aggressive and contemporary look.
However, the chrome wheels are an exception – they should remain untouched. I personally love them.
The quad exhaust outlets at the rear clearly signal that this is the high-performance AMG model. The understated Steel Grey Metallic paint finish complements the car’s somewhat reserved appearance. If you’re seeking bolder exterior colors like Fire Orange or San Marino Blue, you’ll be disappointed. Mercedes primarily offered various shades of white or black, with a brown option occasionally available. Even Audi offered a more vibrant color palette during this era.
The 2013 Mercedes C63 AMG: A Modern Classic
It might seem premature to call it a classic, I know. But if you don’t consider it one already, just give it another decade. By then, electric vehicles and their batteries will have fully taken over, and we’ll all be reminiscing, “Remember when cars were like this?!”
Well, getting behind the wheel of this C63 AMG will certainly jog your memory. Oh yeah, Mercedes interiors used to resemble bathtubs! Oh yeah, their handling could be a bit unpredictable! And, oh yeah baby, that engine. With depreciation having run its course, you can now acquire one of these V8 rockets for under $30,000. Add an aftermarket exhaust, and you’ll instantly become the most envied (and possibly disliked) person in your neighborhood. It’s an unapologetically antisocial car, and for an antisocial individual like myself, that’s part of its charm.
Among the C63 AMG, Audi RS 4, and BMW M3, which one reigns supreme? It’s debatable, as they all score an 8 out of 10 in my book. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. Each car excels in different areas, with unique strengths and weaknesses. But before you blindly join the E92 M3 bandwagon, take a drive in this C63 and fully experience that naturally aspirated V8.
Guaranteed, it’ll put a smile on your face.
2013 Mercedes C63 AMG Specifications
VEHICLE TYPE
Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, four-passenger, two-door coupe
PRICE
Base: $62,330 USD / As tested: $67,280 USD
POWERTRAIN
6.3-liter naturally aspirated V8, 451 horsepower @ 6,500 RPM, 443 lb-ft of torque @ 5,000 RPM, Seven-speed automatic transmission
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 108.9 inches, Length: 185.3 inches, Width: 69.7 inches, Height: 54.6 inches, Curb Weight: 3,996 lbs
FUEL ECONOMY
14 mpg combined / 13 mpg city / 19 mpg highway
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