New Mercedes-AMG C 63 makes Paris debut

This is the new Mercedes C63 AMG, although a slight name change means that it’s now called the Mercedes-AMG C 63. The car, which has been debuted in Paris ahead of the motor show, remains Mercedes' performance car rival for the BMW M3 and M4 twins. 

The new badge follows on from the Mercedes-AMG GT sports car, and it just so happens that the models share the same engine. It’s a 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbo unit that produces 469bhp in the standard C 63, but the newly introduced S model upgrade gives you 503bhp.

The performance figures are as brutal as you’d expect: 0-62mph takes 4.1 seconds in the standard car and 4.0 seconds in the S. Opting for an Estate version (pictured in gallery, above) – also available in standard or S trim – adds another tenth of a second to the time. The outgoing C63 AMG saloon took 4.5 seconds to do 0-62mph.

The Mercedes-AMG C 63 features a bespoke steering set-up, plus the front and rear tracks are wider than on the standard C-Class. New springs and dampers, larger brakes and stiffer anti-roll bars have all been fitted, too.

Buyers can choose to upgrade further with ceramic brakes, a firmer suspension set-up designed for track work and an AMG exhaust system to improve the sound of the twin-turbo V8. However, if the AMG GT is anything to go by, the standard version should sound special.

On the road, the newcomer is immediately marked out by its two-spoke grille, huge lower air intakes and wider wheelarches. More aggressive side sills are complemented by a new bootlid spoiler, quad exhausts and a new bumper at the rear.

The interior, meanwhile, is marked out by AMG Performance seats – available with a range of contrasting leather inserts – and a flat-bottomed AMG steering wheel which is available in leather or Alcantara. The centre console is finished off with an AMG badge and an IWC timepiece unique to this model.

Opting for the new twin-turbo V8 over the old naturally aspirated 6.2-litre hasn’t only improved low-down torque – there’s 650Nm between 1,750rpm and 4,500rpm – but has also boosted economy significantly. The standard C 63 saloon now claims 34.5mpg, with emissions of 192g/km – the outgoing car managed 23.5mpg and 280g/km.

Available to order from October, the saloon will arrive early in 2015, with the Estate following a couple of months later. We’re expecting Cabriolet and Coupe versions in 2016, too. The C 63 should cost just under £60,000, with the C 63 S starting at about £65,000. Estate models will carry a £1,000 premium.

See everything from the Paris Motor Show 2014 live here.