Published:
3 May 2019Were you to sit blindfolded in the driving seats of both a regular C-Class Coupé and a Mercedes-AMG C63, and then attempt to figure out which was which on touch alone, the microfibre-clad steering wheel and firmer, torso-hugging seats would give the AMG away in an instant.
Past these points of immediate contact, though, the two very different strains of C-Class remain largely identical in terms of their interior topography. Three circular air vents sit just below a dashtop-mounted screen, and the central fascia still houses the controls for the climate controls and shortcut buttons for navigating the infotainment. The rotary control wheel for the infotainment also remains where it was, positioned just behind a large storage compartment on the transmission tunnel.
The C63 S Coupé comes equipped with Mercedes’ older Comand infotainment set-up, only with a new 10.25in display replacing the old 8.4in unit, and a high-resolution 12.3in digital cockpit instead of traditional analogue dials.
Satellite navigation, DAB radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are all included as standard, and it uses a layout that has won plaudits before. Ergonomically speaking it works well enough today, although it is beginning to feel in need of a comprehensive update to the overall architecture.
Maps aren’t quite as detailed as they are on newer systems, and there’s a more noticeable amount of lag when switching between menus – particularly on start up. That said, the new 12.3in digital cockpit is clear and easy to read and easily customisable thanks to touch-sensitive thumb pads on the steering wheel.
