DRIVEN + VIDEO: Is The BMW M3's Stranglehold OVER? Mercedes-AMG's C63 Gets Sorted Out On Road + Track!

Ever since the launch of the BMW M3 and M4, the Bavarians have essentially owned the practical sports car class. Is the car perfect, no. But what buyers do get is one screaming fast vehicle that is a hoot on track and off.

So, who's going to step up and challenge BMW?

It appears that the Mercedes-AMG C63 is the first to do so. Now equipped with a 4.0-liter, forced induction V8 mill, it produces an astonishing 500 horsepower. And, might I add, it gives you some aural excitement. Given the three-pointed star's history though, how does it drive?

From what I can tell in the Autocar review below, it looks like it can be a handful but it's not as predictable and tossable on track. Sure you can hang the ass-end out but it doesn't look so eager and well controlled as the Ms. Check out how its butt snaps back.

On road, however, it seems like this may be the perfect blend that can make an owner's heart soar while masking itself as an executive sedan when necessary.

That said, WATCH the review below and judge for yourself.

Do YOU think that the BMW M3 and M4's reign may be challenged thanks to Mercedes' all-new C63? What say you, Spies?

The new Mercedes-AMG C63 offers drivers up to 503bhp from its twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine. Matt Prior tests the new super saloon in Portugal.

Read Article

cidflekken - 3/10/2015 2:31:38 AM

+3 Boost

I want this car worse than I want clean underwear. Holy crap. It looks like a million bucks and, based on this drive and Chris Harris' drive, it goes like a million bucks. Track handling? I didn't really hear any complaints from this or Harris' review. And Harris' video didn't seem to have as much "handfulness" as this video did. They were the same car driven (based on the license plates, I'm assuming).

Agent00R - 3/10/2015 2:55:14 AM

+1 Boost

Yeah, I was wondering how much was the driver myself.

Would have much rather seen Steve Sutcliffe take it around. Where's Tiff when you need 'em?

runninglogan1 - 3/10/2015 3:42:26 AM

+1 Boost

This reviewer is so boring. I couldn't watch the whole thing. He had all the enthusiasm of someone taking a blender for spin.

Car4Life - 3/10/2015 10:00:38 AM

+3 Boost

Right...and its a shame because the C63 is THE TOTAL PACKAGE, I wish Jeremy Clarkson would give it a spin

DTMFan - 3/10/2015 9:07:53 AM

+1 Boost

Not a fan of the Silver trim on the front bumper, doesn't work on Audi's, doesn't work here either. Other than this it is a great looking car.

C63S is 10k more expensive than the M3, but it's got quite a bit more power, and is lighter than I thought it would be.

If BMW do a Competition Pack for the M3, could be a good match.

Agent00R - 3/10/2015 10:39:57 AM

+1 Boost

When you say it's $10k more expensive, is that apples to apples or is that a C63 S vs. a base M3? If you're using the latter to make the statement, that's simply not fair.

Most M3/M4s are trading hands at $75-80k per unit from what I understand.

DTMFan - 3/10/2015 11:15:22 AM

+1 Boost

Base list to base list, I'm talking punds sterling though. With a couple of useful options AND Carbon Ceramic brakes the M3 comes up to C63S prices, but £6k of that is the brakes. The C63S comes with some nice options, but even just the premium pack takes it up to £69k.

Agent00R - 3/10/2015 11:55:19 AM

+1 Boost

I am pretty sure there will be a C63 and C63 S as seen in other Mercedes-AMG products. Comparing the C63 S to the base M3 is not apples to apples.

DTMFan - 3/10/2015 12:07:19 PM

+1 Boost

Well the car in the test video was the C63S, and the headline of the news articles brought the M3 into the discussion, so I assumed it that was the comparison you were making.

Agent00R - 3/10/2015 12:44:57 PM

+1 Boost

Considering I don't control Autocar's test fleet, I expect users to use critical thinking before coming to conclusions.

Apparently I need to get the Glen Beck style chalkboard...

DTMFan - 3/10/2015 1:21:17 PM

+1 Boost

You post a review of the C63S, and ask people if the M3's reign is over, I identified the differential between the car you asked about and the car in the video you posted, (without stating a bias or preference I might add) and then you ask ME if it's an apples to apples comparison?

No need for a chalkboard, just more concise article headlines that perhaps bare closer relation to the content of videos posted within.

autopal - 3/10/2015 10:12:11 AM

+3 Boost

Not only is the M3 in trouble, but the entire 3 series range is under siege. I think both cars will be close to each other in speed and handling, but when you spend that kind of money on a sports car, it must not only be fast, it must also sound like a sports car, and that alone, put the C63 in a different league. AMG have the best sounding engines in the class. Even the upcoming C450 amg sports seems to have the 335 m sport number. The fact that the Benz have a way nicer interior, is just the icing on the cake.

Agent00R - 3/10/2015 10:41:46 AM

+4 Boost

Completely agreed.

The 3-Series has been under siege and, arguably, losing since the end of the E46. Why? BMW abandoned the principles that made its vehicles unique to have in your driveway. Now they're nothing more than slightly sportier than the competition.

And, as I've noted in my brief notes on the C400, it is every bit better than the current-fen 3'er. Bigger review to follow VERY soon...

autopal - 3/10/2015 12:17:09 PM

+2 Boost

I'm anxious for more videos on the C450 AMG, my aging E90 335i M sport needs replacing, and Whilst the C63 would be nice to have, (maybe well worth the price) it might not be practical for me here in Canada, with 5 months of winter, the C450, with its rear bias AWD, might just be the perfect daily driver, and a reasonable compromise

Agent00R - 3/10/2015 12:46:59 PM

+2 Boost

Having just driven the C400 I'd say the C450 will likely be an excellent choice.

It's like an Audi S4, just better. MUCH better.

It will eat up the 335i all day long and make your E90 feel ancient.

Just my two cents.