This is it! The 'new' Mercedes-AMG C63 S Coupe.
The biggest noticeable different is the addition of the Panamericana grill as seen on the Mercedes AMG GT R, and other flagship AMG models. As it appears the trend now, AMG 43 and 53 models get the twin-winged louvre and round quad pipes out back, while AMG 63 models get the Panamericana grill and 'rectangular' shaped quad pipes.
Other key changes are reworked fenders for added aero efficiency, larger, more pronounced air vents up front, and a revised diffuser at the rear. On the interior front, it gets the latest generation 'Smart' steering wheel, and much like the regular C-Class, gains a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an infotainment system with a 10.25-inch display.
The C63 will be once again powered by the 4.0-litre V8 biturbo in two states of tune, 350kw/650nm in the C63 and 375kw/700nm in the C63 S. The biggest change is that the AMG SPEEDSHIFT 7G-Tronic transmission has been replaced by the new AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9G transmission which promises even shorter shift times. This ensures a 0-100kph sprint time of 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 290kph in the C63 S.
The coupe is expected to be unveiled at today's New York International Auto Show, and is expected to arrive in South Africa before the end of 2018.
Also worth a look: the Mercedes-AMG A Class and the Mercedes-AMG G Class.
FAQ
Q: What does the Mercedes-AMG C63 S Coupe cost in South Africa?
The Mercedes-AMG C63 S Coupe is expected to start around R1,850,000 when it arrives in South Africa, making it a proper premium performance coupe that'll have you explaining to your bank manager why you need 375kW of German fury.
Q: Is the Mercedes-AMG C63 S Coupe worth buying?
If you've got the cash and want one of the last naturally aspirated V8 AMG coupes before everything goes hybrid, then absolutely yes, the C63 S Coupe delivers 375kW of pure automotive theatre that'll make every trip to the shops feel like a racetrack experience.
Q: How fast is the Mercedes-AMG C63 S Coupe?
The C63 S Coupe rockets from 0-100kph in just 3.9 seconds and tops out at 290kph, which means it's properly quick enough to embarrass most supercars at the traffic lights whilst still being civilised enough for daily driving.
Q: What's different about the new Mercedes-AMG C63 S Coupe compared to the old one?
The biggest changes are the iconic Panamericana grille from the AMG GT R, a new 9-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT transmission for faster shifts, plus updated interior tech with a 12.3-inch digital cluster and 10.25-inch infotainment screen.
Q: Should I wait for the Mercedes-AMG C63 S Coupe or buy something else?
If you want the last hurrah of AMG's twin-turbo V8 in the C-Class before electrification takes over, wait for it, but if you need something now, the BMW M4 Competition at around R1,650,000 offers similar performance thrills.
Should You Buy It?
The best high-performance coupe under R2,000,000 in South Africa is absolutely the Mercedes-AMG C63 S Coupe at an expected R1,850,000. This is your last chance to own one of the final naturally aspirated V8 AMG C-Class models before the brand goes full hybrid, and with 375kW, 700Nm, and that intoxicating AMG exhaust note, it's worth every rand for enthusiasts who want German engineering at its most dramatic. Buy it if you can afford it, because once these are gone, they're gone forever.
