Mercedes C63 facelift revealed

By Jack Rix

28th January 2011

The C63 AMG is freshening up! Set to be unveiled at next month's Geneva Motor Show, these leaked images are the first official pictures of the facelifted hot-rod. And the changes aren't purely cosmetic either, there's a series of mechanical and chassis tweaks, too.

Up front it gets the same L-shaped headlights as the standard facelifted C-Class, as well as the more upright grille and LED lights incorporated into the front bumper. Redesigned 18-inch wheels fill the wheel arches, and there's upgraded brakes too.

The big news though is is that Mercedes has opted to keep the 6.2-litre V8, instead of fitting its new 5.5-litre biturbo engine, so power output stays at 445bhp, although the optional performance package takes that to 474bhp and removes the limiter for a 174mph top speed.

New for the C63 is the MCT seven-speed sports transmission, which reportedly reduces fuel consumption by up to 10 per cent, but still allows the saloon to travel from 0-62mph in 4.4 seconds and the estate in 4.5 seconds - with the performance pack fitted, that is.

Expected to go on sale this summer, we'll have more details on the newcomer following its Geneva debut.