The 2014 Benz C63 Amg is renowned for its heart-pounding V8 engine, a feature that has captivated car enthusiasts since its introduction in 2008. The immediate responsiveness of this powerplant is truly remarkable. Even at low revolutions per minute (RPM), the throttle’s reaction is so direct it feels like an extension of your senses, creating an intimate connection with the engine’s mechanics. Imagine your foot acting as a direct link, delicately manipulating the valves and unleashing raw power.
Despite the C63 AMG’s impressive torque available at the lower end of the rev range, the engine character genuinely encourages drivers to explore its higher limits. It’s in this upper echelon of RPMs where the engine’s sound transforms into an unadulterated symphony of mechanical prowess. This auditory experience is a key component of the C63 AMG’s appeal, setting it apart from competitors focusing purely on performance figures.
In contrast, consider the approach taken by BMW M engineers with their turbocharged six-cylinder engines, like in the M4. While they’ve achieved commendable throttle response at high RPMs, especially for a turbocharged configuration, the M4 engine can feel somewhat less responsive and ‘doughy’ in the lower rev ranges when directly compared to the C63 AMG. It’s not a deficit in torque delivery, as the M4 certainly builds power quickly. However, the immediacy and visceral reaction from the engine upon even a slight throttle input aren’t quite on par with the naturally aspirated V8 of the C63.
The auditory signature also distinguishes these two performance vehicles. At lower RPMs, the BMW M4 engine operates with a quieter demeanor. While it does become louder as the revs climb, surpassing the Mercedes-Benz in volume, the quality of the sound is debatable. It lacks the creamy, melodious tone of, for instance, a BMW M235i’s turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six. Instead, the M4’s engine note leans towards a more strained and less refined sound profile – described by some as grainy and coarse.
It almost feels as though BMW’s M Division attempted to emulate the V8 rumble, or perhaps felt pressured to amplify the sound of the new turbocharged six to appease purists skeptical of the shift from naturally aspirated engines. However, the outcome can be perceived as somewhat forced or artificial, similar to the highly amplified four-cylinder engines found in models like the AMG A45 and CLA45.
From an external perspective, the M4 does sound impressive, especially when heard in passing. However, for the driver inside the cabin, the aural experience is significantly muted with the windows up, diminishing the sense of drama and engagement. One tester even likened the M4 engine to “a BMW six with a hurricane on top,” suggesting a powerful but perhaps less nuanced character.
The twin-turbo six in the M4 also navigates a delicate balance between delivering linear power and feeling somewhat flat in its delivery. BMW engineers have impressively allowed the engine to rev beyond 7500 RPM, a notable achievement for a turbocharged engine. Yet, despite this high-revving capability, the reward for pushing to these extremes is arguably limited. Peak power is achieved at 5500 RPM, and beyond this point, while throttle response remains sharp, the sensation of increasing acceleration diminishes.
Conversely, the 2014 C63 AMG offers a dramatic and engaging crescendo as the revs climb. The throttle control in the C63 is so precise that drivers can finely adjust the car’s cornering attitude through minute variations in throttle input. While the BMW M4 engine is undoubtedly excellent when considered independently, it’s arguably overshadowed by the almost ‘supercar-like’ engine found in the C63 AMG, an engine that many consider to be close to perfection in its class.
However, the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG is not without its minor drawbacks. The seven-speed semi-dual-clutch automatic transmission, while competent, is not as responsive in manual mode as the dual-clutch gearbox found in the BMW M4. Specifically, when using the steering wheel-mounted paddles in the C63, gear changes, particularly upshifts near the 7200 RPM redline, require a degree of anticipation. In contrast, the M4’s transmission allows for rapid and immediate paddle shifts, complementing its agile handling. Driving the C63 AMG Edition 507, in particular, demands a higher level of driver engagement and attentiveness to manage gear changes effectively at the limit.
