2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG C-Class Coupe C 63 S Review

In the high-performance coupe segment, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG C-Class Coupe C 63 S has always been a target model for many enthusiasts—after all, with the specifications of its 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine and AMG's tuning expertise, it's hard not to be tempted. This time, we got our hands on the car to verify whether its performance truly matches the title of a "violent gentleman," while also assessing whether its comfort and practicality as a daily driver are compromised.

Looking at the exterior, the overall lines maintain the smoothness of a coupe, and compared to the regular C-Class Coupe, the C 63 S's sporty attributes are more prominent. The single-slat AMG vertical-bar grille on the front has a very high recognition factor, complemented by the enlarged air intakes below, exuding aggression even before the engine is started. The side profile features a waistline that extends from the fenders to the tail, seamlessly blending with the fastback design. Paired with 19-inch multi-spoke wheels, the visual center of gravity is noticeably low, exuding a strong sports car vibe. The rear diffuser design and the quad round exhaust outlets on each side are signature AMG elements. The LED taillights illuminate into a familiar star pattern, making them highly recognizable at night.

Sitting inside, the exclusive AMG ambiance is very pronounced. The dashboard retains Mercedes' classic family layout, but the steering wheel has been replaced with a flat-bottom AMG Performance style, featuring a thick and solid grip. The three o’clock and nine o’clock positions have perforated textures, and the paddle shifters on both sides are made of metal, providing excellent tactile quality. The instrument cluster is traditional mechanical dials, but it incorporates a small display in the center that shows performance data such as RPM and turbo pressure. While the 10.25-inch central screen isn’t touch-enabled, the COMAND rotary knob operation is fairly intuitive. The Burmester sound system comes with 21 speakers, and its actual listening experience is outstanding both in terms of resolution and bass depth. The seats are AMG-exclusive sport seats, offering electric adjustment and memory functions for the front seats. The lateral support is excellent, providing sufficient hold during spirited driving, yet they remain comfortable enough for prolonged use without feeling harsh. For a rear passenger standing at around 175 cm, legroom has approximately a fist of space, but because of the fastback design, headroom feels a bit cramped—though short trips shouldn't be an issue. The rear seats support 60:40 split-folding, and the 400-liter trunk capacity can handle daily luggage or small-size carry-on cases.

The power performance is the core selling point of this car. The 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine delivers a maximum horsepower of 517 PS and peak torque of 700 N·m (data shows maximum torque is reached at 1750 rpm), paired with a 9-speed wet dual-clutch transmission. Switch to S+ mode and press the accelerator, and the power response is almost instantaneous. The moment you take off, you can feel a strong push-back sensation. The official 0-100 km/h acceleration time is 3.9 seconds. During actual tests, due to the rear-wheel-drive characteristic, if too much throttle is applied at launch, there is a slight slip. However, with proper control, the acceleration process is very linear yet aggressive. During mid-range acceleration for overtaking, the transmission downshifts actively, delivering a continuous push-back sensation. Its ability to accelerate again at high speeds is also very strong. For daily driving, Comfort mode smoothens the power delivery considerably. Gear shifts become seamless, with barely any jolts, making it as easy to drive as a regular family car.

In terms of handling, the steering wheel is precise with minimal play and clear directional feedback. At high speeds, the steering wheel becomes heavier, providing great confidence. The chassis features front and rear multi-link independent suspension, which is tuned on the firmer side but not uncomfortably stiff. When going over speed bumps or uneven roads, the suspension quickly absorbs vibrations without causing excessive bouncing. On mountain roads, the body roll is well-controlled, and even during fast cornering, the suspension keeps the car stable. The rear follows nicely, maintaining an overall stable stance. However, since it is a performance car, you can still feel fine road vibrations on rough terrain, which may take some getting used to.

As for fuel consumption, the official combined fuel consumption is 8.2L/100km, but if you frequently use the S+ mode, the fuel consumption can soar to over 15L. For daily commuting in Comfort mode, it is around 11-12L/100km. For a 4.0T V8 engine, this level of fuel consumption is fairly normal. The braking system also performs exceptionally well, with minimal nose dive during emergency braking. The braking force is strong and linear, and there’s no sign of heat fade even during continuous braking.

In terms of ride comfort, the sound insulation is quite decent, with road and wind noise well-controlled during normal driving. Only during rapid acceleration does the exhaust sound become deep and roaring, which aligns with the identity of a performance car. While the seat padding is on the firmer side, it provides good support, so your lower back won't feel fatigued during long drives. Features like the HUD head-up display, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, and rain-sensing wipers are very practical, adding to the convenience of daily use.

Overall, the 2018 AMG C 63 S Coupe is a car that balances performance and everyday practicality. Compared to other performance coupes in its class, such as the BMW M4, it boasts higher power figures, a more luxurious interior, and richer comfort features. The brand appeal of Mercedes-Benz is also more attractive. For those who love performance cars but need to occasionally handle daily commuting, this car is a great choice—it can unleash passion on the track or mountain roads while remaining tame as a "commuter tool" in the city. If you’re a consumer seeking the ultimate power experience without sacrificing too much comfort and practicality, this car is worth considering.