Mercedes 
is debuting a ton of AMG products in New York this year, including the GLC43, E43, and CLA45. The latest addition to the roster is the new C63 Cabriolet, which follows hot on the heels of the C-Class Cabriolet and C43 Cabriolet that dropped in Geneva earlier this month. The range-topping C63 replaces the C43’s twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 with a twin-turbo V-8, offering even more speed in an equally aggressive AMG’d package.
Our spy photographers snagged a few shots of the upcoming drop-top as it ran its final test laps around the ‘Ring, giving us a sneak peek at what to expect when the camo comes off at the 2016 New York International Auto Show.
At this point, the AMG formula is pretty well established, and although official details are scarce, we have a good idea what to expect. Read on for the details.
Continue reading to learn more about the 2017 Mercedes-AMG C63 Cabriolet.
Exterior
Even with the black and white swirls laid across the test mule in the spy shots, the C63 Cabriolet’s aesthetics aren’t really a mystery. Essentially, the look will be nearly identical to that of the C63 Coupe, with all the pumped-up character you’d expect from a model at the top of the AMG totem pole.
Front and center will be the traditional three-pointed star, which will bisect a large, shiny diamond grille
Front and center will be the traditional three-pointed star, which will bisect a large, shiny diamond grille. Bookending this will be headlights set with scowling daytime running lights, both of which will use LEDs. Below will be an “A-wing” bumper, with large side intakes and a front splitter that juts off the chin. The hood will bulge with muscular lines leading the eye rearwards.
In the flanks will be flared wheel arches filled to capacity with plus-sized, thin-spoke AMG wheels and low-profile tires. The lower raked character lines will emphasize the more pronounced side skirts, and with the top up, the roofline will fall into the trunk at a fastback-esque angle.
In back will be slim taillights and a rounded tail. The quad exhaust tips will get a chrome finish, and come connected by a well-defined diffuser. Additional chrome and gloss black will be used for trim throughout the exterior.
Letting in the fresh air will be the same multi-layered-cloth top as the C43, which will be offered in a variety of colors.
Interior
Inside, expect the same C-Class layout and feel, but with a heady dose of AMG-ness where appropriate.
Basically, that means seat adjusters on the doors, three air vents placed below a freestanding infotainment screen on the center console, and tons of premium materials (leather, microfiber, aluminum) used throughout. The seats will be sporty and highly bolstered, the steering wheel will have three spokes and a flat bottom, and the gauge cluster will be unique to the AMG line. Red contrast stitching will be used as well.
Also expect a gamut of cabriolet-friendly features, such as AirScarf, which places heat outlets at neck level to keep you toasty while enjoying the extra headroom.
Drivetrain
There will be two performance levels to choose from when considering the C63 Cabriolet – the standard model, and the even-faster S model. Both will come with a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 engine, which also happens to be the same powerplant used in the C63 Coupe and AMG GT.
The standard model will pump out 469 HP and 479 LB-FT, while the S gets 503 HP and 516 LB-FT
The standard model will pump out 469 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 479 pound-feet of torque at 1,750 rpm, while the S gets 503 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 516 pound-feet at 1,750 rpm. Both engines will mate to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
As for acceleration figures, both Cabriolet models will be a bit slower to 60 mph than their hardtop equivalents, with the S model hitting the benchmark in four seconds flat, and the non-S getting there just a few tenths afterwards. Top speed for both will be electronically limited at 155 mph.
Chassis And Handling
Even with the extra weight that comes with a convertible body style and luxury-laden interior, the C63 Cabriolet should still be mighty quick, as evidenced by its test sessions at the infamous Nurburgring racetrack.
First and foremost, it’ll ride lower and wider than its non-AMG siblings, and come standard with three-stage adaptive damping and three-stage electronic stability control. The steering will be speed-sensitive, and there will be multiple driving modes for comfort, sportiness, and customizability. Under the AMG wheels will be huge disc brakes, and the S model will get an aggressive limited-slip differential.
Prices
The AMG C63 Cabriolet is expected to arrive in dealers sometime this summer. There is no official pricing numbers as of this writing, but since the hardtop costs around $65,000, we’re thinking the Cab will tack on an additional $10K for an MSRP of $75,000, give or take a few grand. That would place it right alongside the BMW M4 Convertible in terms of pricing.
Of course, that number is before you start digging into the options list, which will include a variety of packages for more performance (ceramic brakes, sport exhaust), a sportier look (upgraded aero, interior amenities), and trim (carbon fiber, glossy black).
Competition
BMW M4 Convertible
Probably the closest rival for the C63 Cabriolet is the BMW M4 Convertible. Under the hood is a twin-turbo 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Power hits the ground via an active differential, while adaptive suspension keeps it line. The 0-to-62 mph sprint is done in 4.2 seconds.
Read the full review here.
Audi RS5 Cabriolet
Before settling into the Merc, cross shoppers will undoubtedly need to take a look at the Audi RS5 Cabriolet. While a bit tamer than the AMG monster, the RS5 is no slouch, packing a 4.2-liter V-8 good for 444 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. Routed through a seven-speed automatic transmission and standard quattro AWD system, a run to 62 mph takes 4.9 seconds. There’s also optional dynamic suspension to help it turn.
Read the full review here.
Conclusion
It’s always amazing to see just how advanced the modern sports convertible has become, and this latest effort from Mercedes should be a solid indicator of where the new benchmark is when talking about performance. This is particularly important when you’re talking about handling. While extra output makes a boatload of straight-line speed, making it turn without the rigidity of a metal roof can be quite tricky. I’m excited to see what Merc has come up with when the C63 Cabriolet debuts in New York.