Mercedes-Benz isn't just a carmaker that embodies experience, history, and innate style, but also innovation and technology. For decades, it has been producing a long succession of models that, beyond being elegant and functional, have become status symbols for those who own them.
The Mercedes-AMG C63 S Cabriolet that you see here, on the other hand, is more than a status symbol. This isn't the sort of car that you'll buy with the head. It's the kind you'll probably be putting your money on because of your heart. And that's no bad thing, really, because with its outright force and on-road brutality, the topless C-Class isn't the kind that's suited for the faint-hearted.
Exterior
Clad in understated matte white, bulging arches, large air intakes and a carbon fibre decklid spoiler, the C63 S brings about the usual sporty touches that you would come to expect from Mercedes-AMG. Coupled with the chrome-finished quad tailpipes that protrude through the rear bumper like sawed off double-barrelled shotguns, the car doesn't ask for your attention. It demands them.
The Mercedes-AMG C63 S Cabriolet that you see here, on the other hand, is more than a status symbol. This isn't the sort of car that you'll buy with the head. It's the kind you'll probably be putting your money on because of your heart. And that's no bad thing, really, because with its outright force and on-road brutality, the topless C-Class isn't the kind that's suited for the faint-hearted.
Exterior
Clad in understated matte white, bulging arches, large air intakes and a carbon fibre decklid spoiler, the C63 S brings about the usual sporty touches that you would come to expect from Mercedes-AMG. Coupled with the chrome-finished quad tailpipes that protrude through the rear bumper like sawed off double-barrelled shotguns, the car doesn't ask for your attention. It demands them.
That said, the Merc doesn't come across as an obnoxious machine as oppose to how the BMW M4 is different from the regular BMW 4 Series. Instead, the Merc maintains its poise and posture as an elegant and mature adult who doesn't have the time to mess around with trivial matters.
From tip to tip, the car is longer, wider and lower than the regular cabriolet, which gives it the necessary stance and road presence to scare off road-hogging cars. Combine these with the car's appetite for speed and vulgar exhaust notes and you'll find yourself having a ball of a time intimidating other slower-moving road users.
From tip to tip, the car is longer, wider and lower than the regular cabriolet, which gives it the necessary stance and road presence to scare off road-hogging cars. Combine these with the car's appetite for speed and vulgar exhaust notes and you'll find yourself having a ball of a time intimidating other slower-moving road users.
Interior
While cars like the A45 AMG and the CLA 45 AMG make you want to put on a balaclava, a full-face helmet and a pair of racing gloves when you enter their cabins, the C63 S AMG Cabriolet just makes you feel utterly comfortable and sporty all at the same time.
Perhaps it has got to do with the top notch fit and finish as well as the high-quality materials used such as chrome inserts, abundance of leather and carbon fibre fitting on the centre console. Or, it could also be the fact that the gear lever isn't located at the centre console like how AMG cars have always been. Instead, like regular C-Class Cabriolets, the gear shifter is an electronically controlled switch mounted on the right of the steering column on our test car, with only the rotary dial taking centre stage.
Unlike Porsche cars where an array of buttons can throw you off guard, straightforward buttons and scrolls controlling the exhaust flaps, manual transmission override, adaptive dampers and five different driving modes surround the rotary dial, which make it relatively easy to manage even when you're on the move.
While cars like the A45 AMG and the CLA 45 AMG make you want to put on a balaclava, a full-face helmet and a pair of racing gloves when you enter their cabins, the C63 S AMG Cabriolet just makes you feel utterly comfortable and sporty all at the same time.
Perhaps it has got to do with the top notch fit and finish as well as the high-quality materials used such as chrome inserts, abundance of leather and carbon fibre fitting on the centre console. Or, it could also be the fact that the gear lever isn't located at the centre console like how AMG cars have always been. Instead, like regular C-Class Cabriolets, the gear shifter is an electronically controlled switch mounted on the right of the steering column on our test car, with only the rotary dial taking centre stage.
Unlike Porsche cars where an array of buttons can throw you off guard, straightforward buttons and scrolls controlling the exhaust flaps, manual transmission override, adaptive dampers and five different driving modes surround the rotary dial, which make it relatively easy to manage even when you're on the move.
More relevantly, the button controlling the roof is conveniently located at the tip of the centre compartment. Press and hold the button and the roof will tuck itself neatly in the boot in 20 seconds. Should the weather turn moody, you'll still be able to operate the roof at speeds of up to 50km/h.
Just beside this said button that operates the roof is another functional button that activates a rather effective Aircap wind deflector that will rise from the edge of the windshield frame to discourage wind turbulent from entering the cabin when the top is down.
While most four-seater two-door drop-top sports cars often come with rear quarters that are best left for kids, the C63 S is different. Rear benches are more than decent, with adequate leg and headroom for two grown adults. Plus, boot capacity of 360 litres and 285 litres with the roof in place and stowed respectively makes this a compact convertible that allows form to meet function.
Just beside this said button that operates the roof is another functional button that activates a rather effective Aircap wind deflector that will rise from the edge of the windshield frame to discourage wind turbulent from entering the cabin when the top is down.
While most four-seater two-door drop-top sports cars often come with rear quarters that are best left for kids, the C63 S is different. Rear benches are more than decent, with adequate leg and headroom for two grown adults. Plus, boot capacity of 360 litres and 285 litres with the roof in place and stowed respectively makes this a compact convertible that allows form to meet function.
The Drive
The C63 S Cabriolet isn't the kind of car that's all show and no go. Floor the right pedal and you'll be blessed with 510bhp and 700Nm of torque that come directly from the 4.0-litre V8 bi-turbo unit, accompanied by a mechanical symphony from the quad tailpipes that is raucously raw and absolutely alive.
On the straights, the vision of trees and mountains flashing by you will be permanently planted in your brain because all that power and torque, paired with a quick-shifting seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, will send the car sprinting to the 100km/h mark in a scant 4.1 seconds. This figure is nothing short of astonishing considering the weight of the C63 S Cabriolet is almost similar to the flagship S-Class.
Just as capable on clean straight roads, the AMG is a capable corner carver. This is best experienced when the car is set onto Race mode where the throttle responses are more sensitive, active dampers are stiffened a tad and exhaust flaps are opened.
The C63 S does feel a tad twitchy when you push the car out of corners hard but it's never to the point of losing control. Late braking is done with ample confidence while the accurate and well-weighted steering lets you plunge into the corner exactly where you want to. Of course, should you choose to disrespect the car, its tail will start swinging out ferociously.
Around town where it's best to have the car switched back to Normal mode and speed limits are low, you get the sense that the car is very well-bolted together.
The C63 S Cabriolet isn't the kind of car that's all show and no go. Floor the right pedal and you'll be blessed with 510bhp and 700Nm of torque that come directly from the 4.0-litre V8 bi-turbo unit, accompanied by a mechanical symphony from the quad tailpipes that is raucously raw and absolutely alive.
On the straights, the vision of trees and mountains flashing by you will be permanently planted in your brain because all that power and torque, paired with a quick-shifting seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, will send the car sprinting to the 100km/h mark in a scant 4.1 seconds. This figure is nothing short of astonishing considering the weight of the C63 S Cabriolet is almost similar to the flagship S-Class.
Just as capable on clean straight roads, the AMG is a capable corner carver. This is best experienced when the car is set onto Race mode where the throttle responses are more sensitive, active dampers are stiffened a tad and exhaust flaps are opened.
The C63 S does feel a tad twitchy when you push the car out of corners hard but it's never to the point of losing control. Late braking is done with ample confidence while the accurate and well-weighted steering lets you plunge into the corner exactly where you want to. Of course, should you choose to disrespect the car, its tail will start swinging out ferociously.
Around town where it's best to have the car switched back to Normal mode and speed limits are low, you get the sense that the car is very well-bolted together.
There is always a compromise of sound proofing as well as fit and finish when coupes have their roofs chopped off but not so in the C63 S. You could say part of the reason has to be the fact that the wondrous exhaust note overwhelms external noises. But when you're just up and about driving the car like a gentleman, wind and road noises are kept well at bay.
It rides surprisingly well, too. The sports car takes in bumps and broken tarmac in its stride. It's only when you hit a continuous stretch of beaten up tarmac will you feel a slight jiggle and wobble on the steering column.
Conclusion
When it comes to Singapore at the end of the year, the C63 S that you see here will cost about half a million bucks. Now, with that much amount of money, you may be thinking about how much better it'll be if you go for, say, a Porsche Boxster GTS or even top up a little more to get the 911 Carrera Cabriolet.
But make no mistakes. The Mercedes-AMG C63 S is not just any Merc that's about status symbol. It's the one car that you will not regret purchasing because there's a high possibility you'll buy this brutal beast with your heart, and not your head.
Just make sure you have a strong heart for it...
It rides surprisingly well, too. The sports car takes in bumps and broken tarmac in its stride. It's only when you hit a continuous stretch of beaten up tarmac will you feel a slight jiggle and wobble on the steering column.
Conclusion
When it comes to Singapore at the end of the year, the C63 S that you see here will cost about half a million bucks. Now, with that much amount of money, you may be thinking about how much better it'll be if you go for, say, a Porsche Boxster GTS or even top up a little more to get the 911 Carrera Cabriolet.
But make no mistakes. The Mercedes-AMG C63 S is not just any Merc that's about status symbol. It's the one car that you will not regret purchasing because there's a high possibility you'll buy this brutal beast with your heart, and not your head.
Just make sure you have a strong heart for it...
