2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class AMG® C 63 S
2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class AMG C 63 S Review
- Seemingly endless amount of power
- Comfortable and highly adjustable sport seats
- Interior is impeccably crafted
- Steering aids sometimes fight driver inputs
- Suspension feels extremely stiff at low speeds
- Excessive tire noise
- Unintuitive touchpad infotainment interface
- A few previously optional features are now standard
- Part of the fourth C-Class generation introduced for 2015
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a versatile small luxury car available in a wide variety of body styles and powered by a diverse range of engines. At the top of the performance heap is the AMG C 63 S. Driven by a burly twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8, the rear-wheel-drive AMG C 63 S produces roughly double the horsepower of the entry-level C 300.
But the upgrades to this vehicle are far more extensive than a mere engine swap. Both it and the slightly detuned AMG C 63 add an electronic limited-slip differential and a specialized version of the nine-speed automatic to reduce shift times. But only the C 63 S comes with active engine mounts and additional settings for fine-tuning the traction control system. Going with the S also adds features that are optional for the "standard" C 63, such as a sport steering wheel wrapped in faux suede and a track data recorder.
The AMG C 63 S is the pinnacle of the C-Class lineup, and its direct competition this year is limited to the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio. For 2021, however, it will also go toe-to-toe with the redesigned BMW M3/M4 and Audi RS 5 Sportback. While tough rivals are on the horizon, for now, this ultimate C-Class remains one of our best picks if you're looking for a small luxury sedan, coupe or convertible.
Our verdict | |
The C 63 S is a beguiling mix of power, brutality and finesse all wrapped up in a relatively low-key sedan body. With 503 horsepower and 516 lb-ft, the C 63 S has more power than anything in the class yet offers the same day-to-day usability and conveniences of a more ordinary C-Class. We can forgive the stiff ride and high levels of road noise, but the older, less intuitive infotainment system, especially at this price point, is difficult to understand. | |
How does the C-Class drive? | |
The C 63 S carries on the AMG tradition of monstrous, if not delightfully scary, performance. Power from the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 is immense, and we clocked a scant 4.2 second to 60 mph and blitzed through the quarter-mile at over 120 mph. There's so much power that a completely sideways moment is never really out of the realm of possibility. Handling is similarly impressive thanks to prodigious grip and an advanced stability control system. The C 63 S delivered 1.02 of lateral g on our skidpad, but its stiff ride will make it difficult for you to maintain traction on bumpy roads. The optional carbon-ceramic brakes were relatively quiet in everyday use and offered good feel during enthusiastic driving. This AMG's stopping distance of 112 feet from 60 mph is respectable, but other high-performance sedans do better. We were less pleased with the steering, which at times felt artificial and sometimes fought our inputs even with lane keeping assist disabled. That's clumsy and unexpected from the likes of Mercedes-Benz. | |
How comfortable is the C-Class? | |
If you know what you're getting into, the C 63 S is actually a fairly comfortable place to spend some time. The optional AMG performance seats are almost worth their $2,500 price tag and offer excellent comfort and support. They do lack power ventilation. The climate control system has good command over the interior, and the slick air vent design remains one of our favorites. The ride, especially at low speeds, borders on too stiff. Once you get out of the city, the ride improves dramatically, but the firmer suspension modes are best left alone — they're simply too much on anything expect an absolutely perfectly smooth road. Even for drivers used to high-performance cars, the tire noise is almost too much — especially in a Mercedes-Benz. At times, it can even drown out the burly exhaust note. | |
How’s the interior? | |
Getting into the high-performance C 63 S isn't that much different than a standard C-Class, even with the heavily bolstered optional AMG performance seats. Once inside, the driver will be met with a mix of old and new tech, something we find slightly disappointing at this price. The older infotainment system lacks a touchscreen, and the touchpad on top of the control knob is easy to trigger into a wrong selection. Thankfully, the driving position is spot-on and provides a good sense of control. Visibility is also generally good in all directions. And while the interior isn't exactly spacious, it's more snug than it is cramped. Only the bulky rear headliner is likely to bother passengers. | |
How’s the tech? | |
The C 63 S uses an older infotainment system that's been patched up to look like the newer MBUX setup but without the advanced functionality and ease of use. The optional Burmester audio system does well at low or high volumes, but never both without a few tweaks. Voice controls were disappointing. The system required fairly specific language and used a highly synthesized voice. At least the 10.25-inch screen is crisp, as are the various graphics. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both standard. However, due to the ultra-letterbox design of the screen, Android Auto users lose about a third of the screen's functionality to formatting issues. Rear passengers get two charge ports, but they're hidden behind a cheap-feeling hard plastic cover. The largely optional driver aids worked without much complaint from us. But the hands-free steering could be lax, leading us to grab the wheel to stop ping-ponging in a lane or make sure the C 63 S didn't stray over a line. | |
How’s the storage? | |
The C 63 S is still a C-Class at heart with the benefit of a relatively spacious 12.6 cubic feet of cargo space. The 40/20/40-split folding rear seats help accommodate larger items. For comparison, vehicles of similar size — but without mind-bending levels of performance — such as the Audi S4 and BMW M4 offer 12 and 11 cubic feet, respectively. Interior storage isn't especially strong, but there's enough room for the basics. The hidden cupholder does have anti-tip measures for narrow bottles but can't hold anything much bigger than a set of keys if you want to close it. The felt-lined bin under the driver's right arm can hold a few personal effects so long as they aren't too bulky. Car seat anchors are clearly marked and easy to access, and tethers are located behind the rear seat headrests. Larger car seats should fit without too much issue thanks to the relatively flat rear seats. | |
How’s the fuel economy? | |
The EPA estimates the C 63 S returns 21 mpg in combined use (17 city/26 highway), but we think those numbers might be a touch optimistic. We struggled to hit 22 mpg during extensive highway driving, and the C 63 S only managed 17.5 mpg over our 115-mile evaluation loop. If you're light of foot and can somehow resist the temptation to dip into the oh-so-readily available 503 horsepower, you might fare a bit better. But if fuel economy is a concern, you're better off with the more sedate and sane C 300 sedan. | |
Is the C-Class a good value? | |
Starting around $76,000, the C 63 S (the standard C 63 starts about $8K less) looks to be priced about right for its size and mega-performance. But our test car was optioned up to a whopping $94,540 with what we thought were necessary options, including carbon-ceramic brakes, performance seats and driver assistance packages. That prices the C 63 S close to its larger, more powerful and more modern sibling, the E 63 S. Build quality is generally very good, as expected, but bits of hard plastic and the older tech interface are disappointing at this price. Warranty coverage lags a bit behind the competition. Mercedes offers only four years/50,000 miles for both bumper-to-bumper and powertrain warranties. Roadside assistance also runs for four years/50,000 miles. Scheduled maintenance is not included, but prepaid plans can be purchased. | |
Wildcard | |
Remember when an AMG-tuned Mercedes-Benz was a well-built and subtly styled car with monstrous performance? Mercedes-Benz never forgot that and the AMG C 63 S is living, barking, power-sliding proof. But thanks to the understated styling of the AMG C 63 S, no one's likely to know what an animal this compact Benz can be. It combines a lot of new-school technology to produce absolutely old-school tail-out thrills. It might just be the definitive modern, upscale muscle car. | |
Which C-Class does Edmunds recommend?
Mercedes-Benz C-Class models
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a compact luxury car sold in sedan, coupe and convertible body styles. Trims are available in increasing levels of performance — C 300, C 300 4Matic, AMG C 43, AMG C 63 and AMG C 63 S. The C 300, AMG C 63 and AMG C 63 S are rear-wheel-drive, while the C 300 4Matic and AMG C 43 are all-wheel-drive. All use a nine-speed automatic transmission.
2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class AMG C 63 S pricing
in Ashburn, VA
2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class videos
2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Review
NOTE: This video is about the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, but since the 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is part of the same generation, our earlier analysis still applies.
2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class AMG C 63 S Features & Specs
- Base MSRP
- $77,500
- MPG & Fuel
- 17 City / 26 Hwy / 20 Combined
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 17.4 gal. capacity
- Seating
- 4 seats
- Drivetrain
- Type: rear wheel drive
- Transmission: 9-speed shiftable automatic
- Engine
- V8 cylinder
- Horsepower: 503 hp @ 5500 rpm
- Torque: 516 lb-ft @ 1750 rpm
- Basic Warranty
- 4 yr./ 50000 mi.
- Dimensions
- Length: 187.1 in. / Height: 55.2 in.
- Overall Width with Mirrors: 79.4 in.
- Overall Width without Mirrors: 73.9 in.
- Curb Weight: 4134 lbs.
- Cargo Capacity, All Seats In Place: 10.5 cu.ft.
Safety
Our experts’ favorite C-Class safety features:
- Active Brake Assist
- Warns the driver audibly and applies the brakes if it senses a front collision.
- Surround View System
- Gives a 360-degree view of the car for tight parking lots and spaces so you can avoid striking objects or pedestrians.
- Active Blind Spot Assist
- Senses when a vehicle enters one of your blind spots. Can warn the driver and even help steer the C-Class.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs. the competition
2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2020 BMW 3 Series
Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs. BMW 3 Series
The BMW 3 Series is one of the most popular compact luxury sedans on the market, but we're not sure its latest redesign hits the mark. We like its overall performance, and the base four-cylinder engine is quick and responsive. We're less enthralled with the finicky infotainment system and harsh ride when you opt for the M Sport package.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs. Audi A4
Audi's bread-and-butter sedan is lightly refreshed for this year. The front end gets new styling cues that make it look a little more aggressive, it comes with a few more standard features, and the infotainment display is now a touchscreen. Otherwise, it's business as usual for Audi's excellent four-door.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs. Mercedes-Benz A-Class
Mercedes' last budget-friendly small sedan — the CLA-Class — was a pretty poor effort that was unworthy of the three-pointed badge. The new Mercedes-Benz A-Class is essentially its successor and very nearly rights all of the CLA's wrongs. The ride is more comfortable, the interior is positively upscale, and the transmission's kinks have been worked out. Unless you absolutely need the room afforded by the C-Class, go with the A-Class.
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FAQ
Is the Mercedes-Benz C-Class a good car?
What's new in the 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class:
- A few previously optional features are now standard
- Part of the fourth C-Class generation introduced for 2015
Is the Mercedes-Benz C-Class reliable?
Is the 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class a good car?
How much should I pay for a 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class?
The least-expensive 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is the 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class AMG C 63 S 4dr Sedan (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 9A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $75,700.
Other versions include:
- AMG C 63 S 2dr Coupe (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 9A) which starts at $77,500
- AMG C 63 S 4dr Sedan (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 9A) which starts at $75,700
- AMG C 63 S 2dr Convertible (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 9A) which starts at $84,900