The 2019 Mercedes-AMG C63 S Coupe mid-life facelift arrived in Affalterbach’s attempt to keep their most popular performance coupe ahead of the pack, so what changed? The main external difference that made the facelift instantly recognizable was the ‘Panamericana Grille’ borrowed from the new GT63. Combined with added fins in the front apron, updated headlights, larger exhaust tailpipes, and a new rear diffuser, the C63 S looked meaner than ever. Mechanically, the C63 S received one major update in the form of a new 9-Speed TRONIC PLUS gearbox lifted straight from the E63 S, allowing for increased mid-range acceleration and improved cruising fuel economy in 8th and 9th. In terms of the engine, the phrase “you couldn’t improve on perfection” sprang to mind, with class-leading power, huge smooth torque delivery, and one of the best exhaust notes of the turbocharged era. It was no wonder this engine appeared in more and more cars across the Mercedes range.

Inside, you could find an updated steering wheel with the addition of some rather high-tech touchscreen buttons hanging between the spokes. These allowed control of a whole host of existing and all-new performance settings on the new C63 S. In front of this was a fully digital and configurable instrument cluster nestled into the dash, as well as a wider and slimmer infotainment screen sitting above the centre console. The new performance settings and technology included a welcomed ‘Slippery’ setting for AMG Dynamics and also another layer of control targeted at the rear differential. It gave the options of Basic, Advanced, Pro & Master to control how much the rear differential locked and ultimately how sideways you went. In addition to this, the traction control now had a 9-stage tweaked version of that found in the flagship AMG GT-R. Thankfully, to help navigate your way through this tech-fest, there was an ‘Individual’ mode which could set up everything just as you liked at the touch of a button. The ride quality and compliance in the chassis had been retuned, making for a softer ride and much better day-to-day usability in comfort mode, with the harder suspension settings of Sport, Sport+, and Race for greater control when required.