By NITISH S. RELE, nitishrele@gmail.com
It can take off from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.8 seconds. And top speed is set at 180 mph. Impressed? You ought to be. After all, the 4.0-liter bi-turbo V-8 engine in the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C63 S Coupe isn’t just a run-of-the-mill. It was specially hand built by the AMG division in Affalterbach, Germany.
Step on the throttle of rear-wheel-drive luxury coupe and the V8 bi-turbo engine blasts off 503 horsepower at 6200 rpm and 516 pounds-feet of torque at 4500 rpm. Mated to a 7-speed automatic gearbox, the C63 is equipped with an electro-mechanical rack-and-pinion steering, which is razor sharp. Front suspension is handled competently by an independent multi-link system. Both ends have gas shocks and coil springs to improve ride quality and comfort. Bringing the speed demon to a halt are 14.2-inch front/rear caliper discs. To vary the driving experience, Mercedes comes in individual, comfort, sport, sports+ and race modes, the latter best suited for the speedway.
Walk up to the C63 and the first element that will grab your attention is the AMG badge embossed in the arrow-shaped ‘twin-blade’ grille with the familiar three-pointed star, flanked by wraparound LED headlamps and daytime running lights. Equipped with dual-zone auto a/c, 40/20/40 rear seat, Burmester sound system, panoramic sunroof, steering wheel-mounted shifters, open/close power trunk and head-up display. The dash, doors and center console are covered in rich Nappa leather upholstery.
The previous rotary knob for the Command system has been replaced with a touchpad to control the audio, navigation and phone infotainment on the 8.4-inch display screen. Base-priced at $75,000 and topping at $93,885 with options, the performance-oriented C63 comes with abundant power, exceptional handling and a cabin packed with high-tech luxury items. And if you have the dough, we can only encourage you to be pompous. After all, who says flaunting is a crime? Test drive at Mercedes-Benz of Tampa, 4400 N Dale Mabry Hwy. in Tampa. Visit www.mboftampabay.com.
