Mercedes AMG C-Class Coupe

Watch out, BMW M3. Mercedes is readying its new C-Class Coupé – and going back to black with the performance flagship version.

The three-door line-up is due to be unveiled next summer. And our exclusive images show how a top-spec C63 AMG Black Series, following in 2012, is shaping up.

The newcomer resurrects the sensational CLK Black Series, first launched in 2007. As our pictures show, it will feature wildly flared wheelarches, carbon fibre vents and a deep front splitter. The firm will add a rear diffuser inspired by the Mercedes Formula One team’s racer, along with a small bootlip spoiler. Multi-spoke alloys complete the aggressive look, and conceal lowered, adjustable suspension and larger brakes.

Inside will be an abundance of carbon fibre trim, plus AMG sports bucket seats and the instrument cluster from the SLS supercar. Under the bonnet, instead of the latest 5.5-litre twin-turbo V8, the Black Series will use the same hand-built 6.2-litre V8 as the standard C63 AMG saloon. 

But power will rise from 451bhp to 513bhp – the same as in the C63 DR520 special. Torque also increases to around 650Nm, slashing the 0-62mph time to about four seconds. The engine is mated to Mercedes’ 7G-Tronic automatic gearbox, controlled via steering wheel paddleshifters.

The C-Class Coupé range will replace the ageing CLC, which has remained popular thanks to its high spec, competitive price and sporty AMG bodykit.

Although Mercedes’ other mid-size two-door, the E-Class Coupé, is focused on luxury, the C-Class model will be a sportier proposition. 

It also features the kind of equipment that should increase its appeal to younger buyers – from the big alloys to an upmarket Harman Kardon stereo with MP3 connectivity and a wide choice of options for personalisation. Auto Express has learned that, to reinforce the point, there won’t be an AMG 

version of the E-Class Coupé.

That will leave the stage clear for a ‘standard’ AMG-tuned C63 Coupé with 451bhp, and the more powerful, hardcore C63 AMG Black Series you see here. 

An all-new C-Class debuts in 2013, so this car is tasked with signing off the existing model in style. With prices expected to start from around £100,000, the C63 Black Series certainly won’t be cheap, but it should provide plenty of fireworks.

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