Official details of Mercedes' 2011 C63 AMG

We brought you news and pictures of Mercedes’ new 2011 C63 AMG last week, after a minor slip at Mercedes HQ let the news out a little early. What we didn’t have at that time were the prices and technical details of Mercedes’ most-compact ‘bahnstormer.

As a reminder from last week’s news, power and performance figures remain the same, although the C63 is now around 10 per cent more economical recording 23.54 mpg on the combined cycle (22.97 mpg for the C63 Estate), this is mainly due to a new power steering pump and the AMG speed-shift MCT 7-speed sports transmission which now offers a standard “Controlled efficiency” driving programme.

The C63’s 6.2-litre engine continues to offer 451 bhp but the optional AMG Performance Package lift this to a more appealing 480 bhp, reducing the C63 Saloon’s 0-62 mph acceleration time down to 4.4 seconds (4.5 seconds for the C63 Estate). The AMG Performance Package gain comes from more than just a remap – forged pistons, connecting rods and a lightweight crankshaft from the SLS AMG are deployed in delivering the 30 bhp boost.

Agility, grip and ride comfort have been enhanced as a result of numerous measures to optimise the AMG sports suspension. The AMG sports suspension with a special front axle, reinforced rear axle and wider track all round has undergone thorough modification – more negative camber all round and the new rear-axle anti-roll bar with a larger cross-section result in higher agility and greater lateral acceleration. New spring and damper rates have optimised both the responsiveness of the suspension and noise and vibration, resulting in a smoother and quieter ride.

The AMG speed-sensitive sports steering with a direct ratio (13.5 : 1) has a newly developed power-steering pump which plays a decisive role in reducing the fuel consumption. This is because the power assistance for the steering only requires energy when the driver is actually making steering movements. Mercedes assure us that this variable input power steering system doesn’t diminish ‘feel’ and remains natural and fluid – one of the qualities we like most about the outgoing C63 AMG.

Interior

Designo leather appointments, available as an option give the interior of the C 63 AMG an exclusive lift in character: four single colours and three two-tone combinations are available. As a further option, these can be complemented with “extended black designo leather appointments” for the top section of the dashboard and the upper section of the door linings.

Other options exclusively available from the AMG Performance Studio include:

• AMG five-spoke light-alloy wheels, painted in titanium grey with a high-gloss finish, with 235/40 R 18 (front) and 255/35 R 18 (rear) tyres
• AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels, painted in titanium grey with a high-gloss finish, with 235/35 R 19 (front) and 255/30 R 19 (rear) tyres
• AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels, painted in matt black with a high-gloss finish on the rim flange, with 235/35 R 19 (front) and 255/30 R 19 (rear) tyres
• AMG Exterior Carbon-Fibre package
• AMG rear axle differential lock
• AMG trim elements in carbon fibre/high-gloss black piano lacquer
• Illuminated AMG door sill panels
• AMG velour floor mats

New telematics and driver assistance systems for 2011

The first question any car buyer should be asking when reviewing the new 2011 C63 AMG is, “…is it worth buying a new 2011 car, or would I be better looking at a nearly-new 2010 model?”

Without driving the car we cannot as yet comment on the changes made in the suspension, steering and the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission, but we can identify some of the completely new features available on the 2011 model – of which there are many.

The C 63 AMG features eleven new driving assistance systems which are already established in the S-Class flagship range and the trend-setting CLS. These assistance systems use the latest radar, camera and sensor technology and are designed to combat common causes of accidents, such as insufficient distance to the vehicle ahead, drowsiness and darkness. They raise the safety standard of the C-Class to a new level by warning the driver of a hazard, or, if necessary, taking active corrective measures.

The list includes:

• Adaptive Highbeam Assist
• Active Lane Keeping Assist
• Active Blind Spot Assist
• ATTENTION ASSIST
• DISTRONIC PLUS
• Speed Limit Assist
• PARKTRONIC including parking guidance
• PRE-SAFE® Brake
• Reversing camera
• Lane Keeping Assist
• Blind Spot Assist

The C-Class sees the debut of a new telematics generation which will also be gradually introduced into other models within the Mercedes range. Major new features include greater operating convenience, larger displays, telephone directory transfer via Bluetooth, wireless music reproduction and a USB interface in the centre console.

At a Glance

Key model details:

* with AMG Performance package; ** electronically limited

The new 2011 C63 AMG will go on sale this summer, following its debut at the Geneva Auto Salon in March. Whilst we have details of German market pricing (C 63 AMG Saloon:€ 71,340.50, C 63 AMG Estate:€ 73,899.00), exact pricing for the UK will not be finalised until April, however we’ve received a ball-park figure from Mercedes UK who say to expect a price of between £54-56k for a C63 AMG when it eventually goes on sale.

Photo Gallery

Here are a few more pictures in addition to those we brought you last week.