2019 Mercedes-AMG C63 Cabriolet Review
The C-Class has been the Mercedes-Benz's most popular AMG model for a while now, by virtue of its usable performance and relatively low cost of entry to the AMG brand. While the sedan and coupe variants represent serious performance machines, the C63 Cabriolet takes on a slightly different role, pairing an AMG-developed twin-turbo V8 experience with a power-operated soft-top roof to give you a more direct line of auditory enjoyment and a more lifestyle-focused demeanor. But there's little sacrificed in the way of performance, and in C63 S guise, 503 hp and 516 lb-ft will still send the C63 cabriolet rocketing from 0-60 mph in less than four seconds. Core rivals number in the single digits, with the C63 Cabriolet duking it out against BMW's own M4 Convertible.
What's the Price of 2019 Mercedes-AMG C63 Cabriolet?
For 2019 the Mercedes-AMG C63 Cabriolet carries a starting MSRP of $76,100, while for the C63 S Cabriolet, prospective buyers can expect a starting MSRP of $83,800. Prices exclude tax, registration, licensing, and Mercedes' delivery, handling, and processing fee of $995. Independent dealers may offer dealer-specific incentives and pricing structures, and options quickly add to the overall price tag.
2019 AMG C63 Convertible Exterior
Dimensions
| Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 187.1 in | 111.8 in | 55.3 in | 73.9 in | 64.4 in | 62.7 in | 4,242.0 lbs |
2019 AMG C63 Convertible Performance
Handling and Driving Impressions
Liken the C63's power output to that of Senator Palpatine's lightning fingers from Star Wars Episode III, and you'll find yourself jeering "UNLIMITED POWER!" with every incremental input of the throttle. But there's more to the C63 than just power, as the chassis is highly capable too, striking a fine balance between performance and lifestyle driving.
Although on the firmer side, its sport-tuned suspension still manages to soak up lesser road imperfections and undulations pretty well; it's not the best for comfort driving, but adequate and reasonable enough for daily drivability. However, it's not the most adept performer when things get twisty. While the coupe doesn't suffer for its additional weight, even more weight coupled with the lack of torsional rigidity brought about by removing the roof, sees the Cabriolet lose its edge. It's not floppy, but the chassis is more readily overcome by the power on tap, and when in the midst of a corner, the forces of nature work that much harder trying to pull you off the side of the road. For that reason, you're unable to access the C63 Cabriolet's full potential, leaving it a somewhat frustrating experience.
However, with the soft-top stowed away, it becomes an exceptionally gifted lifestyle cruiser with a turn of pace and a melodious soundtrack as the V8's roar echoes off the passing scenery. With the top up, it's a serene experience, with road and wind noise almost completely suppressed by the multi-layer ragtop.
2019 AMG C63 Convertible Interior
2019 AMG C63 Convertible Trunk and Cargo Space
Warranty
| Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Roadside Assistance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles |
Verdict: Is The 2019 Mercedes-AMG C63 Cabriolet A Good car?
The C63 Cabriolet is a strange mix of luxury and performance but somehow struggles to excel at either. While the open-top experience might enable you to enjoy the V8's growl, the excess weight and reduced rigidity that accompany it compromise the C63's sporting intentions. Not only is straight-line performance hampered, but the weight and body flex when cornering means you're never able to access the full potential of the V8 under the hood. As a luxury open-top tourer, the weight and the overly-firm ride aren't as luxurious as one might expect. Yes, the C63 Cabriolet is highly equipped and luxuriously decked out with the finest materials and latest technology, but it's neither a true performance car nor a wafting GT car. Instead, it's overpowered for what it is, making it difficult to recommend over the softer, real-world performance offered by the cheaper C43 Cabriolet.
What Mercedes-AMG C63 Cabriolet Model Should I Buy?
Here's the thing - you shouldn't really buy a C63 Cabriolet at all, instead, go for the C43 Cabriolet. But, if you insist on getting your fix of drop-top V8 noise, we'd recommend opting for the base C63. There's really no noticeable difference in performance between the base and the S, and the $7,000 savings will enable you to equip optional niceties like ventilated front seats, 64-color ambient interior lighting, wireless charging, and an AMG head-up display. These add to the already extensive amount of equipment which includes AIRSCARF, dual-zone climate control, and the COMAND infotainment interface, but forgoes the performance-focused extras equipped to the C63 S like RACE mode and dynamic engine mounts.
2019 Mercedes-AMG C63 Cabriolet Comparisons
2019 Mercedes-AMG C63 Cabriolet vs Mercedes-AMG C43 Convertible
It's not often that a junior model is better than the halo of its range, but it's almost certainly the case for the Mercedes-AMG C43 Cabriolet. It might boast two fewer cylinders and nearly 100 hp less than the C63, but it's this softer semi-AMG persona that makes the C43 Cabriolet such an exceptional luxury cruiser. It may weigh around the same, but with standard all-wheel-drive and less power on tap, the power is more usable, and there's never the same sense that you'll overwhelm the chassis. The suspension is softer, too, making the ride more comfortable on a day to day basis, and with a price tag some $13,000 less than the base C63, the C43 is a true bargain and the sensible lifestyle option.
2019 Mercedes-AMG C63 Cabriolet vs BMW M4 Convertible
A tale as old as time, BMW vs Mercedes-Benz, M vs AMG, but in this case, the M4 and C63 have had their teeth blunted by the removal of their roofs. It evens out the battle substantially as no, neither are particularly suited for track-day use. In the real-world, the C63 still feels more luxurious, and with more power and a better soundtrack, it's still the more evocative of the pair. But the BMW's ace up its sleeve is the retractable hard-top roof, which although adding weight, sees it being stiffer with the roof closed, and as a result, it's the more dynamically talented of the two. It's generally more pliant as well, largely due to less weight than the C63, while the power deficit also weighs in its favor, making it more usable with less fear of imminent death around every turn. It may be slower, but the M4 suits the Convertible body style much better than the AMG.