2020 Mercedes-Benz C 63 S AMG: The C-Class Most Powerful Sedan

Highlight: This high-performance C-Class produces a whopping 503-horsepower.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $89,065 (Base C 300 MSRP: $42,395)

Seating Capacity: 5-passenger

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; a rearview camera; a crosswind assist system; an electronic stability control system; a blindspot electronic system; a tire monitoring system; and rain sensing windshield wiper

Standard Equipment (C Class): 18-inch wheels; a 9-speed automatic transmission; an eco start-stop engine; a power sunroof, a dual zone automatic control system; power folding side mirrors; a keyless ignition starter system; a brake hold feature; a 10-inch infotainment screen; a keyless entry system; a power closing trunk; wood trim with an analog clock; and a dual zone ventilation system

Standard Equipment (AMG C 63 S): 4.0-liter Biturbo V8; an eco start stop system; a 9-speed automatic transmission; AMG driving modes; a high performance composite braking system; AMG specific grille; AMG ride control suspension with a 3-stage adjustment; red painted brake calipers; AMG 9-setting AMG traction control system; AMG performance exhaust system; ESP dynamic cornering assist system; power front seats with memory control; a 64 color LED interior /AMG front door sills; heated front seats; Nappa leather interior; a keyless ignition starter system; a keyless entry system; a power close trunk feature; a brake hold feature; SiriusXM radio; a Burmester surround sound system; an active brake assist system; race mode and race start function; silver seat belts; folding rear seats; a 10-inch infotainment screen; and AMG S instrumentation 

Options: a driver’s assistance package; a parking assistance package; an exterior lighting package; a multimedia package; a panorama sunroof; gloss black exterior mirror housings; AMG performance steering wheel; an AMG HUD (Heads Up Display) system; AMG carbon ceramic braking system; heated and ventilated front seats; AMG racing inspired seats; 19-inch AMG wheels; and metallic paint

Other Trim Levels:

C 300 4Matic

C 300 4Matic

AMG C43

AMG C63

Audio On Test Vehicle: a 5-speaker AM/FM/HD

Android/Apple CarPlay: Standard

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder /255-hp

Recommended Fuel: Premium

Standard Fuel Mileage: 23-city/33-hwy

What’s New: With the exception of Mercedes-Benz’s product planning team making a number of features standard, the C-Class is literally a carryover for the model year. The big news is that a 10-inch infotainment screen is now standard on all C-Class sedans.

Why: The popular C-Class is available as a coupe, convertible and sedan. During this review, we’ll focus on the sedan. 

The luxury brand’s entry-level rear-wheel drive sedan is a capable of seating up to five. The C-Class sedan, which is available in a variety of powertrains and trims, has a starting price of $42,395.

For those seeking an exciting driving experience, the sporty AMG C63 S should fit the bill. This trim is tuned for performance. The high-performance sedan was tastefully designed and trimmed out with the AMG gear.

The silky smooth, ultra-powerful AMG C63 S trim has a starting price near $78,000. Ironically, there is an AMG C63, which pushes out 469-horsepower. However, by adding the S designation to the AMG C 63, Mercedes-Benz engineering team upped the ante on the German sedan to 503-horsepower. The handcrafted engine has a displacement of 3982 cc. According to the engineering specs provided by Mercedes-Benz, the vehicle zooms from 0 to 60-mph in 3.8 seconds. And the vehicle has a top speed of 180-mph.

The well-crafted AMG C63 S model we reviewed was outfitted with the optional19-inch wheels, body forming AMG performance front seats and the latest semi-autonomous driving aids too.

Lastly, this mean looking machine, with its understated look, was a dream to cruise around on both the streets and the highways. Mercedes-Benz was able to find the perfect balance with the AMG-inspired suspension. Until one is behind the wheel, no one will know what's packing under the hood.

But: The pricing of this performance-oriented C-Class is within reach of S-Class pricing. If power is not top of mind, there are alternatives within the brand to consider.

Verdict: For buyers seeking the a performance-oriented entry level rear-wheel drive sedan, there are only two in the market place. There is the BMW M3 and the vehicle we reviewed. While the Mercedes-Benz starts at a higher pricing point than the BMW, because of the styling and ride quality, we prefer the Mercedes-Benz.

Competition: 2020 BMW M3 with Competition Package