Mercedes-AMG C63 vs. C63 S: 7 Differences & Which Is Best?
The Mercedes-AMG C63 and the C63 S are both absolutely stunning.
But you might be scratching your head, wondering about their differences.
And guess what? You’re not alone!
The main difference between the Mercedes-AMG C63 and C63 S is that the C63 has 469 horsepower and is cheaper, while the C63 S has 503 horsepower, bigger brakes, and an electronic limited-slip differential as standard.
But that’s not all! In this article, we’ll break down all the differences and tell you which is best for your needs.
Ready to dive in?
7 Differences Between The Mercedes-AMG C63 And C63 S
Let’s check out all the differences between these C-Class models!
1. Engine
Let’s start the engine.
The Mercedes AMG C63 already has an impressive 469 horsepower, which makes it a real AMG!
But the C63 S has an even more impressive 503 horsepower. It’s like Mercedes-AMG gave the engine an adrenaline shot!
Here is an overview of the engines of the C63 and C63 S and their performance:
| Mercedes-AMG | Engine | Power (hp) | Torque (lb-ft) | 0 to 60 mph | Top speed |
| C63 | 4.0-liter V8 | 469 | 479 | 3.9 seconds | 155 mph |
| C63 S | 4.0-liter V8 | 503 | 516 | 3.8 seconds | 180 mph |
But it’s not just about bigger numbers.
The C63 S is also equipped with a larger intercooler. It ensures the engine gets cooler, denser air, which helps it perform even better.
Plus, the C63 S comes with dynamic engine mounts, which, depending on your driving style, can give you a more comfy ride or ensure the engine’s weight is balanced perfectly for those edge-of-the-seat moments.
Reader’s tip: Mercedes C-Class: Regular Or Premium Gas? (2025 Guidelines)
2. Brake calipers
The next difference lies in the brakes.
For the Mercedes-AMG C63, the calipers come in a grey or black shade.
But on the C63 S, the calipers are available in red or yellow. Apart from their color, they’re also slightly larger at the front, giving you even better braking performance.
And if you’re the kind who’s always looking for the best of the best, the C63 S gives you an option to upgrade to carbon-ceramic brakes.
These aren’t just lighter; they also resist wear and tear much better, especially if you’re someone who loves pushing your car to its limits on, say, a race track.
3. Seats
The Mercedes-AMG C63 and C63 S also come with different seats.
The seats of the C63 are more comfortable and designed with daily drives in mind.
Meanwhile, the seats of the C63 S are bucket performance seats.
They’re designed to hold you in place, especially when you’re taking sharp turns or pushing the car’s limits.
While they look incredibly cool and give you that race car vibe, some might find them too firm for regular drives.
4. Differential
We’re about to dive into a topic that might sound super techy, but don’t worry, we’ll make it easy to grasp.
Ever heard of the differential? It’s a fancy word, but think of it like the brains behind how your car’s wheels move, especially when taking turns.
With the C63, we have what’s called a ‘mechanical differential’.
Without getting too jargon-heavy, this means that it uses gears to distribute power to the wheels.
Now, the C63 S comes with an ‘electronic limited-slip differential’. This system can dynamically change how much power goes to each rear wheel, adapting in real time.
This ensures better grip, especially when you’re driving more aggressively or in trickier conditions!
5. Wheel size
The C63 comes with 18-inch wheels as standard. They offer a smooth drive and are perfect for a mix of city and highway cruising.
On the flip side, the C63 S has larger 19-inch wheels as standard.
The larger wheel size doesn’t just give the car a more dominant stance but also enhances the driving experience.
6. Interior features
The Mercedes-AMG C63 S also has some extra features in the interior department!
On top of the standard C63 interior, you’ll find the AMG performance steering wheel that comes with a center indicator.
Then there’s the embossed AMG logo on the headrests, a subtle touch that constantly reminds you you’re in something special.
Add in the RACE driving mode and the grey Alcantara highlights, and you have an interior that screams ‘premium’ from every corner.
7. Retail price
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room – the price tag.
The Mercedes-AMG C63 already comes in at a premium price point, reflecting its performance and the wealth of features it offers.
But the C63 S gets all its additional bells and whistles, both under the hood and inside the cabin, so it has a heftier price tag.
The difference between the starting MSRPs of these two models is roughly around $10k.
What is the best choice? (Mercedes-AMG C63 vs. C63 S)
After walking you through all these differences, you might be wondering: Which of these is the right choice for me?
Let’s break it down.
- Purpose of purchase. If you’re in the market for a high-performance car that’s suited for daily drives and occasional spirited rides, the C63 might be your perfect match. However, if you’re an enthusiast who loves to hit the race track or someone who appreciates the pinnacle of engineering and luxury, the C63 S is best.
- Budget. Sure, the C63 S offers more, but it also has a heftier price tag. If you want the added features and performance boosts and are comfortable stretching your budget, the C63 S can be a great purchase.
- Resale value. Generally speaking, higher-end models like the C63 S might have a slightly better resale value due to their limited numbers and exclusive features.
- Comfort vs. performance. If comfort on daily commutes is a priority, the standard C63, with its plush seats and slightly softer setup, might be the one for you.
Related article: Mercedes C-Class: How Long Does It Last? (Research Results)
And as a last tip, if you ever want to get the power of the Mercedes-AMG C63 S in your C63, you can always consider getting a RaceChip.
RaceChip is a company offering Plug & Drive tuning box systems for many car models. They can be installed by yourself without needing any specialist knowledge or tools.
In fact, it will only take 10 to 15 minutes, and when you buy a RaceChip, you’ll receive car model-specific installation instructions!
Using a RaceChip, you can give your C63 a performance boost of up to 95 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque:
And the best thing is, a RaceChip is much more affordable than the upgrade from a C63 to a C63 S. You can check out RaceChip’s website here!
Conclusion
Ultimately, the decision between the C63 and C63 S boils down to personal preferences.
If every millisecond and detail counts for you, and budget isn’t a constraint, go for the C63 S.
But if you want to enjoy most of that thrill at a significantly lower price, the C63 might just be your perfect match.
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
And lastly, check out the best phone holders for the Mercedes C-Class here if you own one!
More comparisons
Not sure yet about these C-Class models? If so, check out our other comparisons here:
