Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe unveiled

The C63 AMG Coupe will be officially launched at the New York Motor Show in April, and its introduction finally gives the Stuttgart carmaker a proper competitor to BMW's M3, as well as going head-to-head with Audi's performance RS5 coupe.

Like the C63 AMG sedan and estate models, the C63 AMG Coupe will get the same 6.3-litre naturally-aspirated V8 engine that produces 457bhp and 600Nm of torque. This enables the C63 AMG Coupe to go from 0-100km/h in 4.5 seconds, and reach its electronically-limited top speed of 250km/h. Drivers wanting even more go can opt for the AMG Performance Package, which boosts the power output to 487bhp, and cuts 0.1 seconds off the century sprint time, to 4.4 seconds, while the electronically-limited top speed has been increased to 280km/h.

Both versions come with Mercedes-Benz's AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed automatic that offers several modes including the Controlled Efficiency "C", "S", "S+" and "M" modes, and are selected through the new the new rotary control borrowed from the SLS AMG supercar. Mercedes-Benz says that gear changes in the "S+" and "M" modes take just 100 milliseconds, while there's also a RACE START function that is said to allow "the driver to explore the vehicle's full acceleration capability".

Mercedes-Ben has modified the chassis of the C63 AMG Coupe, and the performance model now has a separate three-link front suspension, a reinforced multi-link independent rear suspension and a wider track at both ends, plus more negative camber all round and anti-roll bars with a larger cross-section. There is also a new high-performance braking system with composite front discs and the three-stage ESP, in On, Sport or Off modes.

Cosmetically, the C63 AMG Coupe features a new body kit that includes front splitter, rear diffuser and a carbon fibre boot lid spoiler along with a modified aluminium bonnet and AMG-specific LED daytime running lights, as well as 18-inch alloy wheels. The interior, meanwhile, gets a bespoke set of body-hugging sports seats with integral head restraints, unique trim and an AMG performance steering wheel with flattened top and bottom sections that was adopted from the CLS 63 AMG.

Mercedes-Benz will also launch a special Edition 1 variant of the C63 AMG Coupe, which features AMG sports seats, door panel centres and armrests upholstered in black Designo leather with contrasting porcelain seams on the sports seats, as well asa porcelain piano-lacquer look on some other trim pieces. The Edition 1 also has an AMG performance steering wheel has been given a two-tone wrap using black Nappa leather with the lower section in porcelain Designo leather, while Edition 1 badges are littered throughout the cabin. On the outside, the C63 AMG Coupe Edition 1 will have AMG 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels painted in matt black, while a matt finish paintwork in Designo Magno night black or diamond white metallic BRIGHT can be had as an option.