It may not be quite as explosive compared with an M3 over the final 1500rpm, but the AMG blitzes the BMW for overall performance.
Blitzes? You’d better believe it. Despite the C63’s faintly amusing traction issues over the first few feet, it’s still quick enough to level with the M3 from 0-30mph (2.1sec). And by the time 150mph is registered it is a quite incredible 3.6sec further down the road than the BMW (22.9sec vs 26.5sec).
True, the AMG engine doesn’t rev with the same mania as the M3 (it’s all done by 7100rpm, whereas the M3 goes to 8500rpm), but that hardly matters when the potent flow of torque is available from the moment you fire the thing up.
Yet what really makes the C63 feel so rapid in a straight line is the gearbox.
Even in comfort mode the transmission works beautifully, offering swift upchanges that don't unsettle the car mid-corner. Use manual mode, though, and the C63 bares its fangs, blipping downshifts like the best professionals. Our only complaint is that upshifts could and should occur faster when you flick the paddle.
What’s not in doubt is the way this car steers, the way it stops or the way it handles. AMG has worked hard to make the C63 feel like a model in its own right, and the result is hard to argue against.
It has better steering than the M3, we feel, thanks to its crisper response just off centre. We’re also genuinely impressed with the way the car puts its power down so neatly. It’ll light up its rear tyres if you turn the ESP off and give it a bootful in a low gear, but with the ESP switched to sport mode the C63 is remarkably well mannered, whilst remaining sharp and pure in its handling.
Unfortunately, even on 18in wheels, the C63 feels too stiff on UK roads, feeling particularly harsh and uncomfortable on urban roads. We don’t imagine this will improve with the £3120 sports pack, which brings bigger wheels and even harder suspension. So don’t say you haven’t been warned.
