Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG arrival still up in the air

It has been suggested by those close to the source that the Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG will make its debut at this year’s Paris motor show. But when it comes to screwing down the details, it would seem that mum’s the word.

Speaking to motoring.com.au today at the European premiere of the regular C-Class, Mercedes-Benz head of sales and marketing, Ola Kallenius, gave little away, saying only that his colleagues at AMG are hard at work.

“We obviously brought the C-Class to its European premiere here in Geneva,” stated Kallenius. “Traditionally, the AMG version is not too far behind, but we have not yet communicated where we are going to show this car. But rest assured, our colleagues in Offenbach are working hard on this car.”

Recent spy photos impart almost as much information as Mr Kallenius, though we do know the new model will lose the naturally aspirated 6.2-litre V8 in place of a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre unit.

Estimates on output vary, though most indicate the force-fed V8 will have around 350kW and 620Nm driving the rear wheels via an updated version of Merc’s SpeedShift seven-speed auto. That ought to give it the upper hand on both the new turbocharged six-cylinder BMW M3 (317kW/550Nm) and V8-powered Audi RS 5 (331kW/430Nm).

It is further tipped that the C 63 AMG will not be offered with the AIRMATIC all-air suspension offered optionally on regular C-Class variants, but a firmer and lower version of the regular model’s multi-link steel arrangement with DIRECT CONTROL adaptive damping.

All will be revealed closer to the C 63 AMG’s launch... whenever that may be.

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