The 2019 Mercedes-AMG C63 S Coupe mid-life facelift has arrived in Affalterbach’s attempt to keep their most popular performance coupe ahead of the pack, so what’s changed? The main external difference making the facelift instantly recognisable is the ‘Panamericana Grille’ borrowed from the new GT63, combine this with added fins in the front apron, updated headlights, larger exhaust tailpipes plus a new rear diffuser and the C63 S is looking meaner than ever. Mechanically the C63 S has 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 can’t improve on perfection” springs to mind, with class-leading power, huge smooth torque delivery and one of the best exhaust notes of the turbocharged era, it really is no wonder this engine is appearing in more and more cars across the Mercedes range.

Inside there is an all new steering wheel with the addition of some rather high-tech touchscreen button hanging between the spokes, these allow control of a whole host of existing and all-new performance settings on the new C63 S. In front of this is 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 include a welcome ‘Slippery’ setting for AMG Dynamics and also another layer of control targeted at the rear differential, giving the options of Basic, Advanced, Pro & Master to control how much the rear differential locks and ultimately how sideways you go. In addition to this the traction control now has 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 is an ‘Individual’ mode which can set up everything just as you like at the touch of a button. The ride quality and compliance in the chassis has 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. Overall the new facelift C63 S has brought in some fairly significant changes which together place it firmly at the front of the pack as the super coupe to beat.