It's been a long period of time since we last saw signs of prototypes of the future 2013 GL 63 AMG on streets, but now the awaiting is over, as new spy shots captured on the Nurburgring circuit surfaced on various car websites over the internet. Like any other model tuned by the Affalterbach-based firm, the beefy SUV is undergoing a series of trials which includes a testing phase on the famous German track, where the engineers can get an accurate read to tweak the car for achieving top-of-the-range driving experience. A prominent grille with the big Mercedes-Benz star in the centre, powerful LED headlamps, an aggresive air intake, wider door sills, large AMG-design alloy wheels and quad exhausts will visually contribute to the overall muscular presence of the car. Outlined to follow right after the new GL-Class bows during the summer of 2012, the first-of-the-series GL 63 AMG is tipped to use the 5500cc twin-turbo V8 powerplant, available in the traditional two output stages: a standard 544 hp choice and boosted 571 hp AMG Performance Package variant. Despite of the outstanding dimensions of the 4x4, the sports-oriented chassis and the additional dynamics solutions installed by AMG should do the right tricks and transform the future GL 63 AMG into one very agile SUV.

Check out further spy shots after the jump!

For an easy reach of all the articles related to the "The new Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Coupé" subject, we have compiled all the useful links in a single post. Enjoy!

1. The new Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Coupé - I

2. The new Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Coupé - II


3. The new Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Coupé - III

4. The new Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Coupé - IV

5. The new Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Coupé - V

6. The new Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Coupé - VI

7. The new Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Coupé - VII

Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

Affalterbach, Germany, May 17, 2011

Active and passive safety: Exemplary levels of safety, inspired by the S-Class and the CLS

The new C 63 AMG Coupé also offers numerous safety systems to protect its passengers. New assistant systems reduce the burden on the driver in critical situations.


The safety concept for the C 63 AMG Coupé has been optimised based on the analysis of real-life accidents. As part of the standard specification, seven airbags, belt tensioners, belt force limiters and NECK-PRO crash-responsive head restraints on the front seats offer the occupants an extremely high level of protection, should an accident occur. The body structure has been designed to ensure that, in the event of a frontal collision, the impact forces are distributed over a wide area and on four independently acting impact levels, meaning that the passenger compartment remains largely intact. Around 70 percent of all the bodyshell panels are made from state-of-the-art, high-strength steel alloys that minimise weight and maximise safety.

The C 63 AMG Coupé also features the anticipatory occupant protection system PRE-SAFE® as an option. This Mercedes-Benz innovation uses the time between detection of a potential accident situation and a possible collision to initiate preventive protective measures, thus reducing the loads exerted on the occupants in the event of a crash by up to 40 percent.

Preventing accidents and minimising the consequences thereof: this is the holistic approach taken by those working in Mercedes-Benz safety research, which the company terms “Real Life Safety”. The basis of this is formed by what the in-house engineers know as “driver-fitness safety”, alongside ride and seating comfort, plus quiet-running characteristics, such as effective headlamp and windscreen wiper systems and simple and safe operation. Safe handling with no nasty surprises in store comes courtesy of the newly-developed AMG sports suspension in conjunction with the 3-stage ESP® system deployed exclusively by AMG. In addition to this there are the PRE-SAFE systems which can warn, support and protect the driver when a concrete risk of accident has been detected.

An important anticipatory role is increasingly being played by a large number of assistance systems which ease the burden on the driver – especially in critical situations. This is where Mercedes-Benz uses its unique position in the segment of luxury vehicles as a spearhead of technological development. New technologies are then integrated into the high-volume model series as quickly as possible. The best example of this process of democratisation is the new-generation C-Class. It is now offering no less than ten new assistance systems, familiar to many from the S-Class and the CLS.

Warning and intervening: the new driving assistance systems

With a total of ten new driving assistance systems ranging from ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection to DISTRONIC PLUS proximity control, the C-Class reaches a new level of safety. The assistance systems are based on the latest radar, camera and sensor technology, and cover frequent accident causes such as driving too closely, fatigue and darkness. The new assistance systems, some of which only warn and some which actively intervene in hazardous situations, at a glance:

- ABS anti-lock braking system (standard)
- Adaptive Highbeam Assist (optional)
- Active Lane Keeping Assist (optional)
- Active Blind Spot Assist (optional)
- ATTENTION ASSIST (standard)
- DISTRONIC PLUS including BAS PLUS (optional)
- 3-stage ESP® (standard)
- Headlamp Assist (standard)
- Speed Limit Assist (optional)
- Intelligent Light Systems ILS (optional)
- PARKTRONIC including Parking Guidance (optional)
- PRE-SAFE® (optional)
- PRE-SAFE® Brake (optional)
- Lane Keeping Assist (optional)
- Cruise control with SPEEDTRONIC variable speed limiter (optional)
- Blind Spot Assist (optional)

Electronic helpers: the new assistance systems in the C-Class

Adaptive Highbeam Assist: When vehicles are detected ahead of or approaching the vehicle, this system automatically dips the beams and adjusts the range of the headlamps appropriate to the distance. This means that main beam can be used more frequently.

Active Lane Keeping Assist: The system kicks into action if the Mercedes-Benz vehicle inadvertently drifts over a solid line to the right or left of a lane. In such a case, a warning sign in the instrument cluster and vibration of the steering wheel give the driver warning. If the driver does not heed the warning in the case of the solid line, Active Lane Keeping Assist can use the ESP® to brake the opposite wheels and thereby prevent the vehicle from crossing the solid line. The Lane Keeping Assist, which warns but does not actively intervene, is available as a favourably priced alternative.

Active Blind Spot Assist: It warns the driver by means of the appearance of a red triangle in the exterior mirror if, when changing lanes, a risk of collision is detected due to another vehicle in the neighbouring lane being in the blind spot of the exterior mirror. If the driver ignores the warning and nevertheless initiates the lane-changing manoeuvre, the Active Blind Spot Assist intervenes. By applying braking force to the wheels on the opposite side of the vehicle, a yaw movement is created which counteracts the collision course. The Active Blind Spot Assist was recently awarded the “Yellow Angel” prize for being a pioneering innovation by a jury of experts from the ADAC, the German automobile association and the biggest of its kind in the world. The favourably priced alternative is the Blind Spot Assist; it warns the driver but does not actively intervene.

ATTENTION ASSIST warns drivers when it detects that they are over-tired. Studies have shown that around a quarter of all serious motorway accidents are caused by drowsy drivers, making this factor an even bigger cause of accidents than drink-driving. With ATTENTION ASSIST, Mercedes-Benz is therefore making another important contribution towards helping to avoid accidents: it employs high-resolution sensors to observe driver behaviour and can recognise whether the driver is tired or not paying attention, based primarily on steering wheel movements.

Brake Assist PLUS: This system is able to recognise an impending rear-end collision using radar sensors. It calculates the necessary degree of braking assistance and makes it available immediately when the driver presses the brake pedal.

DISTRONIC PLUS: The radar-based proximity control supports the driver at speeds between zero and 200 km/h by automatically adjusting the distance to the vehicles in front. In doing so it is able to apply the brakes to bring the vehicle to a complete standstill and also accelerate it again. As a result, the system is also particularly convenient in stop-and-go traffic. If the system detects that the distance is being reduced too quickly, it warns the driver with both visual and acoustic signals. The control system has also been refined even further through the inclusion of information from digital maps.

Speed Limit Assist: A camera fitted behind the windscreen detects speed limit signs at the roadside and compares this data to information contained in the GPS system. The relevant speed limit is then displayed in the instrument cluster.

PARKTRONIC including Parking Guidance: Ultrasonic sensors measure the length of parking spaces as the car drives past; the cockpit display provides a schematic representation of the recommended parking manoeuvre. Ultrasonic sensors then support the driver whilst parking and warn the driver if the car is getting too close to another car.

PRE-SAFE® Brake: Autonomous braking if acute danger of an accident is detected. At first the driver is given both an acoustic and an optical warning if the system identifies that there is a danger of collision. If the driver does not react to this, the system brakes the vehicle autonomously. This occurs in two stages: around 1.6 seconds before the calculated impact point the system decelerates the car with around 40 percent (approx. four m/s²) of the maximum braking power, gives the driver an additional, haptic warning of the impending impact and as a precaution activates the reversible PRE-SAFE® occupant protection systems. If the driver still fails to react, the PRE-SAFE® Brake activates the maximum braking power around 0.6 seconds before the now unavoidable collision – this emergency braking can greatly reduce the severity of the impact. The system therefore acts like an “electronic crumple zone”, offering the car occupants even greater protection.

The PRE-SAFE® Brake is active at speeds of between 30 and 200 km/h when moving vehicles are detected in front of the car. The system also reacts if the car approaches a stationary queue of traffic, providing its speed is below 70 km/h.

Further aids which are fitted as standard:

ADAPTIVE BRAKE: The AMG high-performance braking system offers assistance functions for greater safety and comfort, such as a HOLD function when waiting at traffic lights, and Hill-Start Assist which can help prevent rolling backwards when moving off on a downhill gradient.

Headlamp Assist: A sensor on the windscreen registers the lighting conditions. As a result, the headlamps can be turned on automatically when darkness falls.

Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

Affalterbach, Germany, May 17, 2011

Individualisation: Exclusivity and sportiness tailor-made – AMG Performance Studio and designo

Attractive appointments and fittings are available from the AMG Performance Studio and designo to enable vehicle owners to express their own individual style. Both the engineering and the interior appointments can be configured to suit individual requirements.


The AMG Performance package is a true highlight; it comprises:

- Output increased by 22 kW (30 hp) thanks to forged pistons, connecting rods and the lightweight crankshaft from the SLS AMG
- Variable intake manifold, in a titanium grey finish
- AMG high-performance braking system with composite front discs and red painted brake callipers on all wheels
- Carbon-fibre spoiler lip on the boot lid
- AMG Performance steering wheel in nappa leather with the grip area in Alcantara®

Other appealing optional appointments are also exclusively available for the C 63 AMG Coupé from the AMG Performance Studio:

- AMG five-spoke light-alloy wheels, painted in titanium grey with a high-gloss finish, with 235/40 R 18 (front) and 255/35 R 18 (rear) tyres
- AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels, painted in titanium grey with a high-gloss finish, with 235/35 R 19 (front) and 255/30 R 19 (rear) tyres
- AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels, painted in matt black with a high-gloss finish on the rim flange, with 235/35 R 19 (front) and 255/30 R 19 (rear) tyres
- AMG rear axle locking differential with 40 percent locking action
- AMG Exterior Carbon-Fibre package (AMG spoiler lip and exterior mirror housing in carbon fibre)
- AMG carbon-fibre trim elements
- AMG door sill panels for the front, illuminated in white using LED technology
- AMG floor mats

designo leather in a multitude of colour combinations

Interior appointments from designo, available as optional extras, give an even greater air of exclusivity: the AMG sports seats, rear seats, armrests, centre console and the door centre panels can be upholstered in designo leather from a range of four single-tone or three two-tone combinations. The colours available are: black, porcelain, sand, classic red; and porcelain/black, sand/black and classic red/black. With the "extended range of appointments in black designo leather", the upper section of the instrument panel is covered in leather.

Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

Affalterbach, Germany, May 17, 2011

Telematics: Internet for the first time, plus a more attractive look

The most important new features of the new telematics equipment from Mercedes-Benz include more convenient operation, larger displays, new functions and internet access for the first time. They are celebrating their premiere in the new-generation C-Class before being gradually introduced in other models.


The standard specification includes the Audio 20 CD system with a twin tuner and CD player plus an Aux-in and USB connector. The connectors are now within easy reach in a compartment in the centre armrest. The colour display has been enlarged and now has a diagonal of 14.7 centimetres. Thanks to a new “Cover Art” function, the title images of the music albums currently being played are shown if their data are stored in the audio file.

A new top line in the Audio 20 CD’s menu navigation makes orientation easier and can be operated via the controller. The settings for the air conditioning are also displayed on the telematics screen when in use. The Bluetooth functions have also been extended: the mobile’s phone book can now be automatically transferred en bloc when connected, and wireless music reproduction is possible from Bluetooth-capable terminals. Plus text messages can also be displayed. As an optional extra the Audio 20 CD can be combined with a 6-disc CD changer, Media Interface, surround sound system (please see below for details), Convenience Telephony in the armrest, digital radio (DAB) and the new Becker® MAP PILOT entry-level navigation solution.

COMAND Online with internet access

The optional COMAND Online multimedia system offers internet access for the first time. Customers can either surf freely on the internet when at a standstill or to a Mercedes-Benz online service while driving; the latter’s pages can be called up particularly quickly and it is simple to operate. The integral services planned include Google™ Local Search and further online services from other suppliers such as the weather. It is also possible to send individual destinations and routes to the vehicle via Google Maps. More Mercedes-Benz online services will be introduced gradually and then all customers will be able to use them.

The high-resolution colour display measures 17.8 cm. Photos can be shown on the large screen and turned over manually, as in a slide show. Where the audio equipment is concerned, too, new types of representation bring a fresh look and more convenient operation. The new Cover Flow function, for instance, sorts the title images of the music albums stored in a carousel-like form, so that the C-Class driver can easily leaf through their music collection – even if it is rather on the large side: the memory for compressed audio files (mp3, wma and aac formats) now comprises as much as 10 GB. As an option COMAND Online is available with a 6-disc‑DVD changer.

Greatest convenience is afforded by the Music Search function, which enables drivers and passengers to search the hard disc, SD memory cards, USB sticks, CDs and DVDs for specific music tracks and artists. The search can be according to various criteria, for instance artist, album or genre. If a name needs to be entered, the software will also tolerate spelling mistakes. The driver is therefore able to devote their full attention to the traffic. As a further advantage, the occupants are able to search all the connected media and devices simultaneously.

Up-to-date maps of Europe are provided without charge for three years

The fast hard-disc navigation system of COMAND Online also has added functions. New features include a 3D display with plastic city views. Also new: routes covered can be recorded and repeated later, specific personal destinations can be imported via an SD card and four alternative routes can be displayed on the navigation map, one of them a particularly economical variation. Mercedes-Benz customers in Europe receive the current cards for their COMAND Online multimedia system free of charge for three years. The authorised Mercedes-Benz dealers upload the updates for navigation data in 39 European countries into the navigation system when the customer visits their premises.

In Europe COMAND Online also comprises the Speed Limit Assist, which receives its information for traffic sign recognition via a camera and navigation database. COMAND Online also includes the LINGUATRONIC voice-operated control system for audio, telephone and navigation. The new “One Shot” input for the navigation is particularly convenient, whereby the place and road can be said directly after one another.

As a first in the C-Class, the Becker® MAP PILOT makes a low-cost navigation function, which can also be retrofitted, available for the entry-level Audio 20 CD radio. Its advantages over aftermarket solutions include integral operation via the central controls and the Audio 20 display, a concealed location in the glove compartment and updating via an internet portal.
Mercedes-Benz developed the “Logic7” surround sound system together with the audio specialist harman/kardon®. Based on technology never before seen in a car, this high-end system delivers three-dimensional sound as a natural 360-degree musical experience for all passengers. The audio signals are distributed via a 450-watt amplifier connected to twelve high-performance loudspeakers. In conjunction with COMAND Online a multi-channel listening experience with Dolby Digital 5.1. and DTS is possible.

Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

Affalterbach, Germany, May 17, 2011

Design and equipment: Classic Coupé style – with added performance

Assured and athletic, dynamic and desirable: the new Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Coupé is compelling, not just from the point of view of its engineering, but also because of its appearance. The powerful two-door Coupé awakens the desire to be powering ahead even when standing still. This sporty look is continued in the interior, emphasising the unique character of the new high-performance vehicle from AMG.


The design of the C 63 AMG Coupé fits seamlessly into the C 63 AMG model family, which includes the classic Saloon as well as the practical Estate. The top-of-the-range AMG model differentiates itself from the Coupé in the C-Class model series through specific modifications to its appearance. The front, rear and side view are typically AMG in style. Many design elements will be familiar from the high-performance SL 63 AMG Roadster, the front view, for example: the new, strikingly arrow-shaped AMG front apron has lower cross-struts finished in high-gloss black as well as LED daytime driving lamps exclusively created for AMG. Large air intake openings with black grilles and side air outlets ensure efficient air flow over the engine oil and water cooling systems.

The clear glass headlamps, in particular in combination with the Intelligent Light System (ILS) as an optional extra, are true eye-catchers, as is the large Mercedes star: it is positioned on a wing-shaped horizontal grille slat in the new, distinctive radiator grille. The new engine cover, made of aluminium as a result of weight considerations, is also designed to underline the masculine feel of the vehicle. Two distinctive powerdomes unambiguously draw attention to the powerful AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine.

Wide AMG-specific wings with the "6.3 AMG" logo on them hint not only at the powerful drive system but also at the front axle specific to the C 63 AMG Coupé within. The side view is also characterised by the AMG 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels: finished in titanium grey and with high-gloss rim flanges, they bestow a markedly sporty feel to the two-door Coupé. Size 235/40 R 18 tyres are mounted on the front axle, size 255/35 R 18 on the rear. The filigree lines of the spokes allow a free view of the generously-dimensioned AMG high-performance braking system.
Special AMG side skirts connect the front section stylishly to the new AMG rear apron.
LED tail lamps, the characteristic, black diffuser and the two chrome twin tailpipes for the AMG sports exhaust system round off the rear fittingly. The AMG spoiler lip, which has been integrated harmoniously into the boot lid, reduces the lift on the rear axle and thus further optimises stability at high speeds.

AMG design in perfect harmony with the exciting style of the Coupé

All AMG-specific design characteristics go together perfectly with the compact proportions of the excitingly-designed C-Class Coupé: the C 63 AMG Coupé excites with its low-line profile and slimline C-pillar in typical three-box-design. The short overhangs at the front and rear combine assuredly with the long engine cover, powerful shoulder-line and short, sporty rear end. The steeply sloping windscreen and long, low roof stretching out to the flatly-inclined rear window are also striking elements of its overall style. Other design elements which are typical for a Coupé include the feature line along the flanks which slopes upwards towards the rear and the beltline on the C-pillar.

Interior uses fine materials and exudes a dynamic atmosphere

Sporty, dynamic, classy – the interior of the C 63 AMG Coupé inspires as much after a long journey as it does on first sight. The underlying reason for this is the combination of appealing design, fine materials, first-class quality and AMG-specific appointments. The attractive instrument panel has a large integral screen and three sportily-designed round dials in a tube design with striking lettering and red pointers. The speedometer displays a scale up to 320 km/h and sports AMG lettering, the rev counter a "6.3 V8" logo. A high-resolution, three-dimensional colour display is positioned centrally in the speedometer. When the car is unlocked, the monitor displays a full-colour AMG as greeting. The main AMG menu, with its three modes "Warm up", "Set up" and "RACE", can be found in the central display. "Warm up" shows the engine oil and coolant temperatures, "Set up" shows which ESP® mode is currently switched on and whether the transmission mode is set to "C", "S", "S+" or "M". In "RACE" mode the RACETIMER is on standby: the driver can use it to calculate circuit times on a racing circuit.

The driver can navigate the AMG main menu using twelve multifunctional buttons on the three-spoke AMG Performance steering wheel in nappa leather, with high-quality finishing already familiar from the CLS 63 AMG. The steering wheel rim, flattened at the top and bottom, and the specially-formed grip areas which are covered in perforated leather allow perfect control of the vehicle. The three-dimensional airbag cover, with the chromed Mercedes star mounted on it, is embedded in a metallic, "Silver Shadow" trim, whose lower spoke has a cut-out design. Aluminium shift paddles are provided to give manual gear selection.

AMG sports seats with EASY ENTRY system

All the surface areas of the controls are trimmed in "Silver Shadow". The impression of high quality that permeates the C 63 AMG Coupé is additionally heightened by the AMG-specific trim in high-gloss black piano lacquer look which can be found on the instrument panel and the door linings. The rotary switch for the transmission modes "C", "S", "S+", "M" and "RACESTART" is next to the selector lever on the centre console, which is finished in the high-gloss black piano lacquer look.

The new AMG sports seats offer first-class comfort over long journeys and a high degree of lateral support for sporty driving as well. Fitted with integral, adjustable, crash-active NECK-PRO® head restraints, as well as AMG badges in the seat backs and the EASY ENTRY system for convenient access to the rear of the vehicle, they make time spent on board the C 63 AMG Coupé extremely pleasant.

New ARTICO/DINAMICA upholstery combination

The ARTICO/DINAMICA black upholstery combination is the standard specification for the AMG sports seats. DINAMICA is an innovative, breathable artificial fibre which distinguishes itself not just because of its low emissions and high light-fastness: the breathability of this easy to grip and skin-friendly material means it is perfect for use in cars, too. While the DINAMICA can be seen in the centre panels of the AMG sports seats, the ARTICO man-made leather can be seen on the side seat bolsters. The sporty design is characterised by the horizontal seamlines in the centre panels, which can also be seen on the rear seat bank. The C 63 AMG Coupé is a true four-seater: the rear seat backs can be conveniently folded down in 1/3:2/3 proportions to increase variability and expand the room available in the boot.

The extensive standard specification also includes (selection):

- AMG door sills in brushed stainless steel
- AMG sports pedals in brushed stainless steel with rubber studs
- Audio 20 CD radio with double tuner, colour display, Bluetooth® interface, hands-free function, USB interface and eight loudspeakers
- Headlamp Assist
- ISOFIX
- THERMATIC automatic climate control
- Tyre pressure loss warning system
- Cruise control with SPEEDTRONIC variable speed limiter
- Front seats with electrical height and backrest adjustment and mechanical seat squab angle adjustment

Other optional extras include (selection):

- Memory package for the front seats, front head restraints, steering column and exterior mirrors including 4-way lumbar support for the driver and front passenger and PRE-SAFE® positioning function for the front passenger seat
- Intelligent Light System
- KEYLESS-GO
- Electrical panoramic sliding sunroof
- Reversing camera
- Tinted side/rear windows
- Rear sidebags on the left and right
- Heated front seats
- Dark brushed aluminium trim
- Matt brown ash wood trim

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

Affalterbach, Germany, May 17, 2011

Chassis and braking system: Responsive, dynamic and safe

It is not just the engine and power transmission that add that touch of flair to the driving dynamics of the new C 63 AMG Coupé: the AMG sports suspension and the AMG high-performance braking system also play their part in delivering scintillating responsiveness and even better cornering performance while at the same time providing the comfort on long journeys that is so typical of Mercedes.


The AMG sports suspension is an entirely new design: compared to the less powerful models in the C-Class Coupé range, the top-of-the-range AMG has its own axles, which have more negative all-round camber and their own kinematics. The result is greater lateral acceleration; and tangibly and measurably greater grip when driving in a sporty manner. The three-link front suspension has a track width which is wider by 36 millimetres – this can be seen from the widened wheel guards. The wheel location has been stiffened by 100 percent and gives significantly grater stability and precision in all driving situations. It not only leads to greater steering precision, but also to an immediate response from the brakes in high-speed, dynamic driving situations.

The multi-link rear suspension has a reinforced drive shaft and joints. The track width has been widened by twelve millimetres to give greater stability: as with the front axle, it too has greater negative camber. New stabilisers with a larger cross-section reduce the inclination to roll as well as the roll angle when cornering at speed.

The completely newly developed spring and damper rates optimise both the response characteristics of the springs as well as the ride comfort – the C 63 AMG Coupé thus not only provides the highest standards of responsiveness and driving dynamics, but also the long-distance comfort
so typical of Mercedes.

Steering system helps to reduce fuel consumption

The steering response has also benefited from the axle kinematics developed specifically for AMG: thanks to the shift in the so-called instantaneous centre, the AMG sports speed-sensitive power steering with steering ratio of 13.5 : 1 is now more direct overall. And if that were not enough: the modified steering parameters and a stiffer rubber blend used in the Hardy disc in the steering column tangibly increase steering precision. A new power steering pump helps to reduce fuel consumption. The reason behind this: the steering assist only requires energy when the driver is actually steering.

3-stage ESP® with Sport function

The 3-stage ESP® with Sport function continues to be an exclusive technical speciality: it was first deployed in the C 63 AMG in 2008 and is part of the standard specification of the new AMG Coupé. Three individual control strategies are available at the touch of a button: the ESP® button allows the driver to choose between “ESP ON”, “ESP SPORT HANDLING MODE” and “ESP OFF” - the activated mode is shown in the display in the AMG instrument cluster. In "ESP ON" mode, if driving starts to become unstable the brakes are applied on one or more wheels and the engine torque is reduced.

The "ESP SPORT HANDLING MODE" is activated as soon as the driver briefly presses the ESP® button. In this mode the braking intervention to counter oversteer or understeer as well as the accompanying reduction in engine torque allow a higher dynamic threshold and, for instance, corresponding drift angles. The driver benefits from significantly enhanced driving enjoyment. Operating the brake pedal restores all the normal ESP® functions. Prolonged pressure on the ESP® button activates "ESP OFF". There is no intervention to control the handling dynamics and generally no reduction in engine torque – with the result that driving enjoyment is increased even further. "ESP OFF" should only be used by experienced drivers on dedicated racetracks. In this mode too, operating the brake pedal restores all the normal functions of ESP®.

The system's traction logic is active in all three ESP® modes. If one of the drive wheels starts to spin, specific brake pressure is applied to virtually create the effect of a mechanical differential lock. This means that the engine power is transferred to the road even more effectively. To increase traction further still, AMG rear axle locking differential with 40 percent locking action is available as an option from the AMG Performance Studio.

AMG high-performance braking system featuring composite technology (optional extra)
The AMG high-performance braking system complements the highly efficient AMG sport suspension perfectly. Short stopping distances, perfect sensitivity and excellent fatigue strength are amongst its outstanding features. It has 360 millimetre-wide, internally ventilated and perforated brake discs mounted on six-piston fixed callipers on the front wheels: their counterparts on the rear axle measure 330 millimetres in diameter.

The AMG high-performance braking system, with composite front discs and red painted brake callipers on all wheels, gives even greater fatigue strength, particularly when racing. It forms part of the AMG Performance package.

The HOLD function, for when the vehicle is waiting at traffic lights, and Hill-Start Assist, which can help prevent rolling backwards when moving off on a slope, both form part of the standard specification.

Overview of brake data:


The C 63 AMG Coupé is fitted as standard with titanium grey-painted wheels featuring a high-sheen finish and a new 5 twin-spoke design. The 8 x 18 format front wheels are fitted with wide-based tyres in size 235/40 ZR 18, while the 9 x 18 format rear wheels come with 255/35 ZR 18 tyres. Available as an optional extra from the AMG Performance Studio are AMG light-alloy wheels in a 5-spoke design and painted in titanium grey with wide-based tyres in size 235/40 ZR 18 (front) and 255/35 ZR 18 (rear) as well as AMG light-alloy wheels in a multi-spoke design with wide-based tyres in size 235/35 R 19 (front) and 255/30 R 19 (rear).

Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.