2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG C 63

Mercedes offers the C 63 sedan in two variants, the base, and the C 63 S variant. The base gets almost all the features and technology that is on offer with the V8 engine producing 469 hp as standard. The C 63 S variant gets a handful of additional features, while the V8 engine produces a whopping 503 hp. There are a few safety features and other interior and exterior option packages available for an additional premium.

Which trim should you buy?

Since most of the features are already on offer on the base trim itself and the available power and performance in the base trim is sufficient for almost all circumstances. The options packages and features also charge a premium and hence is better to just opt for the base trim and save some of your hard-earned money. 

The fuel economy of high-performance sedans is never really a big question of interest for most buyers. But that does not mean Mercedes compromises in this regard at all. Despite the staggering power output, the twin-turbo V8 engine manages to return a respectable 21 mpg in combined city and highway driving conditions in both states of tune. The large 17.4-gallon fuel tank means one can consistently get around 350 miles of driving range on a single tank of gas. 

The M3 struggles in this regard and has the highest fuel consumption amongst the cars present here. Both the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio and the Audi RS5 have very similar fuel economy figures which are a tad bit lower than what the AMG C 63 returns. The smaller tanks on all the other sedans also affect the driving ranges and together, the BMW M3 has to compromise the most in this department. 

The cabin quality of a Mercedes can never be pointed fingers at and the flagship C-Class is the prime example of that. The 12.3 digital driver’s instrument cluster is now standard this year, which together with the large infotainment system at the center of the dashboard and the 64-color ambient lighting, offers the ultimate luxurious experience. The tech-savvy interior with sophisticated designs offers a very pleasant experience for all the occupants.

The premium upholstered seats with multiple ways of power adjust and memory functions for all things around the driver offer one of the best experiences for the drivers. There is plenty of room for all the occupants, but the sloping roofline does impede on the rear headspace and might be a concern for taller passengers. The 12.6 cu-ft of trunk volume is on par with the segment and the rear seats can fold down to open up more space when needed. 

The BMW M3 is the class leader in this section too as it offers the most spacious front and rear seats with no compromises on the headroom either. The Audi RS5 feels the most cramped here as it offers the least amount of headroom and legroom for both front and rear occupants and also has a smaller boot. The Alfa Romeo Giulia has the best legroom at the front but has limited headroom on offer.

• 10-Way Power Heated Front Seats w/4-Way Lumbar Support
• 40-20-40 Folding Bench Rear Seat
• Perforated Nappa Leather Upholstery, Nappa Leather Door Trim Insert, and MB-Tex Leatherette Upholstered Dashboard
• AMG Performance Sport Nappa/DINAMICA Leather/Simulated Suede Power tilt/telescopic Steering Wheel w/Auto Tilt-Away
• Dual Zone Front Automatic Air Conditioning
• Memory Settings for Front Seats, Steering Wheel, Door Mirrors, and Head Restraints
• 12.3-inch Digital instrument cluster
• HomeLink Garage Door Transmitter

What’s there to keep you entertained?

Mercedes’ decision of holding back the far more superior MBUX infotainment system for the next-gen 2022 C 63 has hurt many purists and hence the 2021 model year makes do with the older touchpad-based COMAND infotainment system. Although the graphics are pretty neat and sharp, the interface isn’t very intuitive and is slow to respond on many occasions. Audiophiles would really enjoy the Burmester sound system along with a long list of technology on offer.

That being said, functions like navigation, Wi-Fi hotspot, and the wireless charging pad are all optional and need shelling out more money.

• 10.25-inch COMAND infotainment system
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
• Bluetooth technology for hands-free phone and audio streaming
• HD Radio and SiriusXM Satellite Radio
• 13-speaker Burmester Surround Sound System
• Turn-By-Turn Navigation Directions
• Mercedes Me connect Mobile Hotspot Internet Access and Tracker System

The exterior design of the Mercedes-Benz AMG C 63 gives out very few clues regarding the performance it hides underneath its hood. The looks are far too subtle for our liking as one needs a second look at the car to properly differentiate it from the lower C-Class sedans. The large blacked-out 18-inch on base and 19-inch wheels on the S variant with the slightly flared-out wheel arches are one of the giveaways.

There is also the Panamericana grille, a massaged hood alongside and LED lighting all around, alongside the fender badging that discloses its true personality. The rear features fake air vents, trapezoidal quad-exit exhaust tips, and an angry diffuser while the trunk-mounted lip spoiler gives it a sporty appeal. For the 2021 model year, Mercedes is offering the large panoramic glass sunroof as standard. 

The larger cabin space inside the M3 is due to the larger overall dimensions of the car, and BMW has done well to keep the weight pretty low which further aids it in the handling department. It also offers a very usable ground clearance, which is only marginally lower than the Audi RS5. The Mercedes AMG C 63 rides the closest to the ground with Alfa Romeo also offering a hunkered-down stance. 

• Automatic Projector Beam LED Daytime Running Lights Preference Setting Headlamps
• LED Brakelights, Perimeter/Approach Lights, and Rear Fog Lamps
• Power Close Trunk w/Lip Spoiler
• Rain Detecting Variable Intermittent Wipers w/Heated Jets And Reservoir
• Power Heated Side Mirrors w/Driver Auto Dimming, Power Folding, and Turn Signal Indicator
• Chrome Grille, Side Windows Trim, and Black Front Windshield Trim
• Express Open/Close Sliding And Tilting Panoramic Sunroof w/Power Sunshade
• 19-inch AMG Twin 5-Spoke Alloy Wheels

Similar to other low volume high-value cars, the AMG C 63 sedan hasn’t been tested by either the NHTSA or the IIHS, but the regular C-Class sedan on which it is based gets a “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS which should ensure the safety parameter of this car. The only downside is that Mercedes offers many features like lane change assist, adaptive cruise control, and other driver aids with a semi-autonomous driving mode as an option with its Driver Assistance package. The list of available safety and other driver assistance features has been listed below. 

• ESP w/Crosswind Assist Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• Active Brake Assist with Autonomous Emergency Braking
• Mercedes Me connect Emergency SOS
• Blind Spot Assist
• Back-Up Camera
• Tire Specific Low Tire Pressure Warning
• Optional Available adaptive cruise control with semi-autonomous driving mode

2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG C 63 vs Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio

The Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio may cost considerably more than the AMG C 63 sedan, but for that much money, it offers plenty more power and much quicker acceleration timings. It also offers superior braking performance and does not compromise much in terms of fuel efficiency as well. The cabin and trunk too are equally spacious and offer a tighter ride and handling which makes it more fun to drive. 

2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG C 63 vs Audi RS5

Although the Audi RS5 costs a lot more than the AMG C 63, the acceleration and braking performance is pretty similar for both. The Mercedes is also marginally more frugal and also offers a longer driving range, reducing the gas station visits. Audi’s cabin offers more technology and the infotainment system is far more superior, but the lack of space all around is a huge letdown for the Audi. Therefore, the RS5 does not feel worth the additional costs, and the AMG C 63 should be the preferred choice. 

2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG C 63 vs BMW M3

Priced very competitively against one another, the battle for supremacy in the compact European performance-oriented sedan cannot get any better than this. The availability of a manual gearbox with the BMW M3 and a stiffer chassis for superior handling makes the M3 more appealing for many. A muscular and distinctive exterior design and a premium, spacious, and feature-loaded cabin are other added attributes for the M3. If the lower fuel efficiency and stiff ride quality do not scare you, there is no way the AMG C 63 dethrones the M3 from its top spot. 

The 2021 Mercedes-AMG C 63 sedan offers everything that one might ever need from their performance-oriented compact luxury sedan. The car is comfortable and agile to handle, the powertrain is potent enough to give most of its rivals a run for their money, the cabin is spacious and luxurious with a striking exterior design. The trunk is large enough to fit luggage for a small family for the weekend while the higher fuel economy makes it practical for daily usage as well. What more could you ask for from one sedan?