Mercedes offers an early look at its AMG C63 Coupe

By Stephen Edelstein August 19, 2015

2017 Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupe teaser

Mercedes-Benz released a teaser video of its new C63 AMG Coupe yesterday, and now it’s got a photo to show ahead of the car’s public unveiling. Like the video, it dispenses with the usual camouflage and Photoshop trickery and actually shows the car.

It may be parked behind the standard C-Class Coupe unveiled last week, and headlight shine may obscure some details, but this is the best look yet at the 2017 Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupe. Like other AMG models, it will feature amped-up styling to match the amped-up powertrain underneath the sheetmetal.

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The biggest visual changes appear to include a new front fascia with gaping air intakes, larger fender flares, a hood with twin streaks that look like bulging veins, and larger wheels and tires. Of course, the transformation from regular C-Class to AMG C63 will be more than skin deep, though.

The coupe will almost certainly use the same 4.0-liter, twin-turbocharged V8 as the sedan. This engine, also shared with the AMG GT sports car, produces 469 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque in the “base” four-door C63, and 503 hp and 516 lb-ft in the C63 S model.

A seven-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive will be part of the package, along with performance hardware such as a locking rear differential and adaptive suspension. Performance figures will have to wait for the C63 Coupe’s official unveiling, but the C63 S sedan can do 0 to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds.

With two body styles available, Mercedes will be able to better compete with eternal rival BMW’s M3 and M4, as well as the Cadillac ATS-V. Both carmakers offer coupe and sedan versions of their small hot-rod luxury cars, and BMW offers an M4 convertible as well. The similarly-sized Lexus RC F coupe falls into this competitive set as well.

So when the Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupe arrives in U.S. showrooms next year, buyers will be offered not only with a choice of brand, but also whether to go for two doors or four.

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