Stepping into the 2013 Mercedes C63 AMG is like being transported back to a golden era of motoring. It evokes a powerful sense of nostalgia for a time when Mercedes-Benz was synonymous with raw power and visceral driving experiences. This car isn’t just a mode of transportation; it’s a statement, a throwback, and a reminder of what driving passion truly feels like. Let’s dive into what makes the 2013 C63 AMG a standout even a decade after its release.
The 2013 Mercedes C63 AMG Overview
When you think of iconic performance sedans of the early 2010s, the “holy trinity” of German engineering immediately comes to mind: the Audi RS 4, the BMW M3, and of course, the Mercedes C63 AMG. These weren’t just luxury cars with a bit of extra power; they were game-changers. The idea of stuffing a large-displacement V8 engine into a compact sedan was revolutionary. While V8s were traditionally reserved for larger, more stately models like the S-Class or E-Class, these performance variants democratized V8 power, making it accessible in a smaller, more agile package.
Among these titans, Mercedes took a slightly different, and arguably more audacious, approach. While its rivals opted for high-revving V8s, Mercedes dropped a massive 6.3-liter naturally aspirated V8 under the hood of the C63. This wasn’t just about horsepower; it was about torque, sound, and sheer presence. The result was an engine that wasn’t just powerful, but also deeply characterful, setting the C63 apart from its contemporaries.
Continuing the theme of raw, unapologetic performance, the 2013 C63 AMG is strictly rear-wheel drive and comes exclusively with an automatic transmission. Weighing in at a hefty 4,000 lbs, it’s a substantial machine, available in both sedan and coupe forms to cater to different tastes and needs.
Visually, the C63 AMG exudes a muscular elegance. The chrome wheels and the assertive Mercedes front end give it a distinct presence. Back in its day, the BMW M3 might have been seen as the choice for a younger crowd, while the C63 might have been stereotyped as a “dad’s car.” However, with time and a more objective perspective, the 2013 Mercedes C63 AMG reveals itself as a truly compelling and perhaps misunderstood performance machine, deserving of consideration alongside the more frequently lauded M3 and RS 4. Let’s delve deeper to see if this German muscle car truly lives up to its reputation.
Performance Score: 8. Rough, Loud, and Proud
Driving the 2013 Mercedes C63 AMG is an experience that dramatically shifts your perception of the car. It’s a visceral, engaging, and sometimes challenging machine that leaves a lasting impression. In a world where Mercedes-AMG now offers a C63 with a gasp 2.0-liter four-cylinder hybrid powertrain, revisiting this V8 beast is a welcome reminder of a different era.
Engine: The Heart of the Beast
The soul of the C63 AMG lies in its thunderous 6.3-liter V8 engine. Those iconic quad exhaust pipes aren’t just for show; they announce the arrival of serious power. While BMW E9X M3 owners might hesitate to admit it, there’s always been a tinge of envy directed towards the C63’s soundtrack, especially when equipped with an aftermarket exhaust. Even in its stock form, the C63’s engine is a symphony of V8 muscle.
Mercedes generously endowed this engine with plenty of character straight from the factory. It delivers 481 horsepower at a lofty 6,800 RPM and 443 lb-ft of torque at 5,000 RPM. This high-revving nature means you need to work the engine to extract its full potential, making the driving experience more engaging and rewarding. While it might not spin quite as freely as the BMW S65 engine, the C63’s sheer power output more than compensates for any perceived lack of eagerness at the very top end.
The raw power is undeniable. The C63 AMG can demolish the quarter-mile in just 12 seconds flat and sprint to 60 mph in a mere 3.7 seconds. Being naturally aspirated, the engine offers instant throttle response, delivering smooth, linear power across the rev range. With 67 more horsepower than the contemporary BMW M3, the C63 leaves its rival in its rearview mirror in a straight line.
The model tested here is even more potent, thanks to the optional Development Package. This package, borrowing components from the legendary Mercedes SLS flagship, bumps the horsepower from the standard 451 to the aforementioned 481. It begs the question: why would anyone opt for a C63 without this extra dose of performance?
And then there’s the sound. It’s a visceral, earth-shaking roar that’s often compared to Thor’s hammer meeting Wolverine’s Adamantium claws. While modern AMG models like the SL 63 might offer incrementally more volume, the 2013 C63 AMG delivers an out-of-the-box auditory experience that rivals even cars like the Dodge Viper in terms of sheer loudness and drama. It’s an engine that demands to be heard and celebrated.
Transmission: A Missed Gear?
The transmission is where the 2013 C63 AMG starts to show its age. The seven-speed automatic is the only gearbox available, and while it’s perfectly adequate for everyday driving, keeping the V8 subdued when you need to cruise, it’s less impressive when you demand rapid acceleration.
When you put your foot down, there’s a noticeable delay before the transmission kicks down and unleashes the V8 fury. It’s not an egregious lag, but it’s enough to detract from the otherwise razor-sharp responsiveness of the engine. Using the paddle shifters improves things, offering quicker gear changes. However, much like the Lexus IS 500, the question arises: why isn’t the automatic transmission simply better in its automatic modes? It’s a capable gearbox, but it doesn’t quite match the engine’s eagerness or the standards set by its rivals.
Steering and Chassis: Firm and Direct
Despite its Mercedes badge and V8 engine, the 2013 C63 AMG is far from a soft, luxurious barge. It’s a car that prioritizes performance and driver engagement, sometimes at the expense of outright comfort.
The steering is a highlight. It offers a similar level of initial responsiveness to BMW’s systems but feels more direct and noticeably heavier, which is fitting for a car with this level of performance. It’s arguably the best steering feel in its class of German coupes, providing ample feedback and a reassuring weight in your hands.
The ride, however, is undeniably firm. While this particular test car had 113,000 miles on the clock and had some suspension components refreshed, the underlying firmness is inherent to the C63 AMG’s character. It’s harsh, especially by Mercedes standards, lacking the balanced ride quality offered by both BMW and Audi. Even with relatively tame Continental Extreme tires and the absence of adaptive suspension, the ride is unapologetically stiff.
While adaptive suspension might have offered some relief, a more refined standard suspension tune could have struck a better balance. Pushing the C63 harder reveals its front-heavy nature, with 54% of the weight over the front axle. This contributes to a noticeable sensation of the nose pulling through corners. It’s perhaps a reason why you see far fewer C63s than BMW E9X M3s at track days.
Mercedes did attempt to address some of these handling criticisms with a 2012 suspension revision, incorporating new shocks and bushings. While these updates likely improved things marginally, the C63 still doesn’t quite match the outright grip and body control of an M3. It’s a different flavor of performance – more muscle car than precision instrument.
Brakes: Stopping Power to Match
The brakes on the 2013 Mercedes C63 AMG are excellent, possibly the best in its class. Before the era of oversized brake systems became commonplace, AMG equipped the C63 with serious stopping power. Six-piston calipers up front clamp down on cross-drilled discs, providing confident and consistent braking performance. While they might not offer a significant performance advantage over the brakes in an M3 or RS 4 in terms of outright stopping distance, they certainly look the part with their red calipers and внушительный size. Given the C63’s weight, the robust braking system is a welcome and necessary feature.
In essence, the 2013 Mercedes C63 AMG is a German muscle car in both spirit and execution. It’s less about finesse and precision than it is about raw power and visceral thrills. The engine is undoubtedly the star of the show, overshadowing some of the car’s dynamic shortcomings.
Utility Score: 8. A Coupe That Cares
Despite its performance focus, the 2013 Mercedes C63 AMG Coupe remains surprisingly practical. The rear seats are usable for adults, with a roofline that doesn’t excessively impinge on headroom and sculpted seats offering decent legroom. It’s perfectly capable of accommodating four adults for shorter journeys. The sedan version, of course, offers even more rear passenger space.
The front seats are a highlight, closely resembling the excellent seats found in contemporary Mercedes models. They offer ample bolstering, a long seat base, and are upholstered in supple, high-quality leather that has proven to be durable over time.
The trunk is also reasonably spacious, benefiting from the C-Class’s sedan underpinnings. While both the coupe and sedan offer good practicality, the coupe’s slightly more stylish design might make it the more desirable choice for those who don’t prioritize rear passenger space above all else.
Fuel Economy: 6. Power is Pain
Unsurprisingly, fuel economy is not a strong suit of the 2013 Mercedes C63 AMG. With its 6.3-liter V8, it consumes significantly more fuel than its rivals with smaller displacement engines. EPA estimates are 13 mpg city and 19 mpg highway. Even the larger, more powerful Mercedes S65 AMG can be more fuel-efficient in certain driving conditions.
However, fuel economy is likely not a primary concern for C63 AMG buyers. The sheer joy of unleashing the V8 and experiencing its performance arguably outweighs the pain at the pump. As the saying goes, “if you’re worried about paying for fuel, you’re in the wrong car.” While Mercedes did improve the V8’s fuel efficiency in later iterations and the current four-cylinder C63’s fuel economy remains to be seen, the 2013 model is unapologetically thirsty.
Features and Comfort: 6. Plastic Performance
The interior of the 2013 Mercedes C63 AMG, while functional, doesn’t quite live up to modern luxury standards. Mercedes interiors of this era can feel somewhat dated and, in places, a bit cheap compared to newer models.
Sporting Wood (and Plastic)
The wood trim, surprisingly present in a performance car like the C63 AMG, looks out of place and somewhat artificial. BMW offered a similar option in the M3, but it doesn’t enhance the sporty character of the car.
Leather upholstery is less extensive than one might expect in a Mercedes, with hard plastics dominating the dashboard and door panels. The center console is cluttered with buttons, many of which are blanks, giving a somewhat unfinished impression.
The HVAC controls, while functional, are somewhat awkwardly placed and can be partially obscured by the gear shifter. Ergonomics could be better, especially in a performance car where quick and intuitive access to controls is desirable.
The infotainment system, while still usable, lags behind BMW’s iDrive system of the time in terms of interface design and graphics. Considering this is a 2013 model, the technology feels a generation behind. Instead of a sporty carbon fiber roof, the C63 AMG Coupe features a large sunroof with a mesh sunshade, potentially leading to increased heat buildup in hot climates.
Compared to current Mercedes models, the interior of the 2013 C63 AMG feels less luxurious and refined. Modern Mercedes interiors boast significantly improved design, material quality, and technology integration.
Chrome Overload
The exterior styling of the C63 AMG has aged reasonably well, but the excessive use of chrome trim is a telltale sign of its era. While chrome can add a touch of classic elegance, it feels somewhat out of place on a high-performance machine like the C63 AMG. Black trim would arguably enhance its menacing appearance.
However, the chrome wheels are a standout design element and should be left untouched. The quad exhaust pipes are a classic AMG signature, and the subtle Steel Grey Metallic paint of the test car suits the C63’s understated aggression. Mercedes offered a relatively limited color palette for the C63 AMG, focusing on shades of white, black, and silver, with fewer vibrant or adventurous options compared to Audi or BMW.
The 2013 Mercedes C63 AMG is a Classic Car with Modern Day Performance
It might seem premature to call a 2013 car a classic, but the 2013 Mercedes C63 AMG is rapidly approaching that status. In another decade, as electric vehicles continue to dominate the automotive landscape, cars like the C63 AMG, with their naturally aspirated V8 engines and raw driving experience, will be viewed with even greater nostalgia and appreciation.
Stepping into a 2013 C63 AMG is like stepping back in time to an era of unapologetic performance. It reminds you of a time when Mercedes interiors were less opulent, handling was less refined, but engines were truly special. With depreciation having run its course, these V8 rockets are now available for relatively affordable prices, making them an enticing proposition for enthusiasts. Adding an aftermarket exhaust further amplifies the auditory drama, creating a truly antisocial but undeniably thrilling driving experience.
When comparing the 2013 Mercedes C63 AMG to its rivals, the Audi RS 4 and BMW M3, each car has its strengths and weaknesses. They all score an “8” in their own right, excelling in different areas and appealing to different driving preferences. Before automatically gravitating towards the ubiquitous BMW E92 M3, taking a spin in a C63 AMG and experiencing its V8 might just change your mind.
It’s a car that’s guaranteed to 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
As tested: $67,280
POWERTRAIN
6.3 liter naturally aspirated V-8
451 horsepower @ 6,500 RPM
443 lb-ft @ 5,000 RPM
Seven-speed automatic transmission
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 108.9 in
Length: 185.3 in
Width: 69.7 in
Height: 54.6 in
Curb Weight: 3,996 lbs
FUEL ECONOMY
14 combined / 13 city / 19 highway
