Perhaps even more so than its performance car rivals, interesting times lie ahead for Mercedes-AMG. Because while its V8 hybrids have proved to be absolute monsters, retaining an iconic configuration with a useful hit of electrification, its four-cylinder equivalents haven’t hit the mark in quite the same way. Perhaps because they’ve been used in place of V8s, rather than being bad PHEVs per se. But they certainly aren’t loved. The pure ICE four-cylinder engine is superb, and makes for a great hot hatch, while the entirely electric AMGs are yet to convince. The mild hybrid 3.0-litre straight six in the 53 models is brilliant.
It’s all a bit of a muddle, basically, AMG obviously capable of developing some mighty powertrains - but not quite sure what should go where. It never used to be so challenging, of course, because back in the good old days of, well, less than a decade ago, a V8 would go in wherever it would fit and that was that. While some cars didn’t necessarily need the 4.0-litre hot-v turbo (GLC 63 S Coupe, anyone?), it wasn’t hard to be charmed by the silliness.
And some cars were of course elevated to hero status by the V8, the previous C63 being one of them. Now we know what you’re thinking, that this is just another old 4.0-litre used to bash the new era of C63. Been there, done that - let’s move on. This one is a little different, however. Because while it’s no longer possible to buy a 74-plate C-Class from Mercedes with a V8 under the bonnet, you can purchase one that’s box fresh and as-near-as-makes-no-difference new from the classifieds.
Say hello to the 31-mile AMG C63 S Coupe. You read that right, look at the dash - just 31 miles, somehow, since 2019. It’s not nearly new, or ex-demo, or anything like that; this C63 is as close to a new V8 AMG C-Class as it’s now possible to get. And really, really interesting as a result. Naturally, everything is perfect, from the unworn Alcantara wheel to those gorgeous forged rims. Elements of the interior perhaps now look a tad dated against the latest and greatest AMG cabins, plus you might want to budget for fresh tyres and a service, but the appeal shouldn’t need a whole lot of explaining.
Especially as this is arguably the optimum spec for the previous ‘63, with the much improved nine-speed auto as a facelift model and the coupe spec that brought the bespoke rear axle. An estate is cooler, sure, but the coupe undoubtedly delivered the best driving experience of all four variants of the ‘205 generation C-Class. As happy on the autobahn as it was the track, the car represented AMG at its very best.
Now it’s available with £20,000 off. When PH tested a C63 in March 2019 it was £78,000 for an S Coupe before any options were added; this one is now for sale at £57,995. Which is CLE300 money a few years down the line. And there really is nothing comparable; while there are later, low-mileage C63s around, they inevitably have more miles on them and cost a bit extra thanks to the newness. A 73-plate, 5,000-mile car that’s MB Approved Used feels a very different prospect to one that’s barely rolled down the road, particularly when that’s another £10,000 on top of this. Old school enough to charm every single day while perhaps still with a faint whiff of new car smell, this C63 looks like an opportunity not to miss.
SPECIFICATION | MERCEDES-AMG C63 S COUPE (W205)
Engine: 3,982cc twin-turbo V8
Transmission: 9-speed auto with lock-up clutch (MCT), rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 510@5,500-6,250rpm
Torque (lb ft): 516@2,000-4,500rpm
MPG: 25
CO2: 230g/km
Year registered: 2019
Recorded mileage: 31
Price new: £78,023
Yours for: £57,995
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