• Fitted with the all-new and hand built 3,982 cc, biturbo V8 engine

• New engine, codenamed M177, is more powerful, smaller, lighter and 32 per cent more efficient than the engine it replaces

• Mercedes-AMG C 63 comes in two guises – as standard with 476 hp reached at 5,500-6,250 rpm and 650 Nm of torque delivered at 1,750-4,500 rpm or, in C 63 S form, developing 510 hp at 5,500-6,250 rpm and 700 Nm of torque at 1,750-4,500 rpm

• The fastest AMG C-Class variant yet – the C 63 S Saloon accelerates from rest to 62 mph in 4.0 seconds (Estate: 4.1) and can reach a limited 155 mph (Estate: 155 mph). The Standard C 63 Saloon hits 62 mph in 4.1 secs (Estate: 4.2 secs) and has a limited top speed of 155 mph (Estate: 155 mph)

• The new cars are available to order in the UK next month: the Saloon will arrive first, in early 2015 – the Estate follows a few months later

• Mercedes-AMG C 63: new name takes its lead from the Mercedes-AMG GT

The all-new Mercedes-AMG C 63 Saloon and Estate are revealed for the first time today.

Using the 205 series aluminium and steel chassis structure as its basis, the new C 63 adds an all-new 4.0-litre biturbo engine to endow it with phenomenal performance while unique, three-stage adjustable dampers and a bespoke steering set-up allow it to retain the agility that made the model it replaces the most popular AMG ever created.

The technology applied to the new Mercedes-AMG C 63 is focused on enhancing the performance of the car – to make it as exhilarating as possible yet viable to be used every day. The dynamic engine mounts fitted to the C 63 are a good example. They reduce unwanted vibration from the engine and gearbox by softening during normal driving conditions – when greater agility is required, they stiffen to improve responses through the speed-sensitive, electromechanical steering and limit unwanted movement in the drivetrain.

Likewise, the C 63 uses a unique suspension set-up. At the front it uses four-link suspension, independent steering knuckles and a wider track to improve stability, while at the rear the multilink system uses independent mounts and an increase in negative camber. Both are linked to AMG RIDE CONTROL system, operating through electronically-controlled three-stage dampers – ranging from comfort through to track settings. Useful for when the latter is engaged, a mechanical locking rear differential for the standard C 63 and an electronic version for the C 63 S.

As standard the C 63 is fitted with 245/40 R18 (front) and 265/40 R18 (rear) tyres while the ‘S’ model gains 245/35 R19 (front) and 265/35 R19 (rear) tyres.

At the heart of any AMG is its hand-built engine. The Mercedes-AMG C 63 uses the M177 engine – a sister unit to the M178 found in the new Mercedes-AMG GT – displacing 3,982 cc and equipped with twin turbochargers neatly packaged in the ‘V’ of the cylinder banks and cooled via a special duct built in the bonnet of the car. Developing 476 hp in standard form and 510 hp in the C 63 AMG S, it’s nearly a third more efficient than the engine it replaces yet, in ‘S’ form, produces more power and emits less CO2 – from 192 g/km of CO₂. The combination makes it the most efficient performance engine of its kind.

A heavily revised version of the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed transmission features on the C 63 – now with significantly quicker shift times to improve responses.

In Saloon form, the C 63 AMG weighs from 1,715 kg while the Estate weighs from 1,785 kg (including fuel and the driver).

Matching the changes under the skin are extensive changes to the appearance of the car – both outside and in. New front bumpers with deep airdams to feed the intercoolers are joined by the unique AMG grille and a new bonnet with subtle power domes. Unique, wider front wings (to clear the wider front track) feature a subtle ‘V8 biturbo’ badges above a set of similarly discreet sill extensions. The rear bumper is also new, designed to house the new quad exhaust pipes below a small wing mounted on the bootlid and above the tailgate glass on the Estate.

Inside, the changes are immediately apparent, with deep, contoured seats set behind a small, unique AMG wheel and recalibrated AMG dials. The option of AMG sports seats can be specified along with a range of different leather treatments and trim finishes – from piano black to carbon and aluminium. The buttons for the AMG RIDE CONTROL, the optional active AMG performance exhaust system and the three-stage gearbox modes are grouped around the standard Touchpad controller, above which is an AMG badge and an IWC timepiece.

The Mercedes-AMG C 63 Saloon and Estate are both available to order in the UK from next month, with prices and specifications set to be announced when ordering opens. First deliveries are expected to take place in Spring 2015.