Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Coupe vs BMW M4

The battle between the Mercedes-AMG tuning arm and BMW’s M Division has raged for decades. Both performance brands specialise in ramping up the ability of cars from the regular ranges, so with its latest offering AMG has shoehorned its bonkers twin-turbo V8 underneath the curvaceous bonnet of the stylish C-Class Coupe to create this C 63 S model.

Just as BMW’s 4 Series Coupe rivals the regular two-door C-Class, the M4 is the M Division’s ultimate expression of performance in the compact executive coupe class. The recipe is similar to that of the C 63, too: an engine breathed on by the company’s in-house tuning department, stuffed into the nose of a pumped-up coupe body. But these cars’ wheelarch extensions and aerodynamic tweaks have substance as well as style.

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Enhanced chassis technology features on both models to ensure that there’s enough grip to harness the prodigious levels of power on offer. However, thanks to their conventional rear-wheel-drive layouts, engaging and adjustable handling is available if you’re in the mood.

It’s a fine line to tread in order to become the best high-performance coupe on the block, so which model serves up a better combination of explosive straight-line pace with concessions to usability? Let’s find out. 

Head-to-head

Engines

Cars such as these are all about their engines, but these two high-performance models are the first wave of hot coupes to move from large, naturally aspirated motors to downsized turbos.

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The Mercedes makes the more effective transition to forced induction, because its V8 is incredibly urgent at low revs with fantastic mid-range punch that gives it the feel of a large, non-turbo unit. While it doesn’t rev with the same gusto higher up, the C 63 still gains speed with a lovely linearity, accompanied by a scintillating soundtrack.

AMG has worked hard on this exhaust system to keep the characteristic V8 rumble, despite the pair of turbos doing their best to sap the sound. With big cracks and bangs adding to the experience, it feels like a European muscle car.

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The BMW’s engine is just as explosive, but some might argue it’s lost a little in the way of noise by moving to turbocharging. While the snarling exhaust gives the M4 an aggressive appeal, in day-to-day driving the straight-six turbo drones more because enhanced engine noise is pumped into the cabin through the stereo.

By comparison, the Mercedes’ melodious V8 burbles away in the background and romps round to the rev limiter at full chat. One thing’s for sure; moving to forced induction has made both cars’ performance even more ferocious.

Verdict 

First place: Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Coupe

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The C 63 S is just shaded by the M4 for outright performance, but it has a more fun personality – and that’s what these cars are about. The AMG is more approachable thanks to its transparent handling balance, while it’s got a richer character due to that V8. However, it also blends this with decent cruising refinement, and while it’s pricier to buy, you get more for your money.

Second place: BMW M4

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The BMW remains a brilliant performance car that’ll easily give the Porsche 911 a run for its (extra) money. However, compared with the C 63, at this level the price gap could be less important for buyers, and the M4 doesn’t quite offer the same rounded ability as the AMG. It’s still a scalpel-sharp car on your favourite road, but it doesn’t feel as fluid or involving to drive.

Other options for similar money...

New: Lexus RC F

Price: £59,995Engine: 5.0-litre V8, 470bhp

If you don’t like the idea of a turbocharged two-door performance car, the RC F’s high-revving naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8 is hi-tech and powerful. This and its bulk mean it’s not as fast, but it’s an appealing alternative.

Used: Maserati GranTurismo 4.7 Sport

Price: £63,000Engine: 4.7-litre V8, 454bhp

Splitting the difference between the C 63 S and the M4 for price, a used GranTurismo Sport combines effortless four-seat coupe looks with the rich sound of a non-turbo V8. It won’t handle as well as the AMG, but it’s still lovely.

Figures