Big engine, small car. It worked well for Shelby and so many others. Mercedes-AMG is doing it, too, with their C63 S Cabriolet. It’s the smaller chassis packed with the “good” engine.
It’s not a Miata alternative. Or, really, even something that would be considered against the latest Z4. The AMG C63 S Cabriolet is kind of its own animal: a very fast, very loaded convertible that’s not too big and features all of the usual touches from the brand.
First, yeah, you’re going to pay for all of that. Our car stickered five grand shy of six figures. But for an AMG-branded convertible, that’s not crazy.
What is crazy–or at least is impressive–is the forward thrust. The twin-turbo, 4.0-liter V8 puts down 503 horsepower along with 516 lb.-ft. of torque. The gearbox–yes, an auto–features nine forward speeds. It all happens without any hesitation. Mercedes claims a zero-to-60 time of 3.9 seconds.
And then add in the rest of the experience. With the top up, it’s nearly silent–although a press of the button adds just the right amount of exhaust note. The steering wheel and seats feel perfect. Flip it into Sport, and it’s perfect.
The controls will feel normal to anyone who’s spent time in a recent Benz. Yes, it has the column shift. It works. It’s just part of the Benz experience, and I don’t mean that as a jab. The infotainment is, likewise, all standard Benz.
What’s not to like? It’s not as pretty as the S-class convertible. But the C-class is also half the price. And only half a second slower to 60.
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