Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance vs BMW M3 Competition xDrive
Historically, the Mercedes-AMG C 63 and BMW M3 have had an intense rivalry. Now with the all-new hybridized Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance on sale in South Africa, the battle for supremacy is as intense as it’s ever been. Take a look at how these high-performance sedans stack up against each other!
Are you looking to buy the new Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance or is the BMW M3 Competition xDrive winning your heart?
The all-new BMW M3 Competition arrived in South Africa in the first quarter of 2021 (the M3 competition xDrive arrived later) and despite its polarising appearance, its impressive performance credentials have meant that it’s been fairly well received by South African M fans. When it arrived, the outgoing V8-powered Mercedes-AMG C63 S was left looking and feeling a bit old.
Then, news broke that the new C63 would drop its V8 power for a 2.0-litre hybrid powertrain. AMG fans cried while BMW fans had a giggle. Now, with the new locally-assembled, Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance going on sale in South Africa, the jokes are over and the stage is set for yet another epic battle.
For buyers planning on purchasing either of these high-performance machines, it’s worth looking at some key differences in terms of performance, interior execution and technological features.
Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance vs BMW M3 Competition xDrive
Performance and Efficiency
| Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance | BMW M3 Competition xDrive | |
| Engine | 2.0-litre turbopetrol engine + rear electric motor + 400V, 6.1 kWh battery | 3.0- litre twin-turbocharged, 6-cylinder |
| Power | 500 kW | 375 kW |
| Torque | 1 020 Nm | 650 Nm |
| Transmission | 9-speed multi-clutch automatic | 8-speed ZF automatic |
| 0-100 kph | 3.4 seconds | 3.5 seconds |
| Top Speed | 280 kph | 290 kph |
| Fuel consumption | 10.5 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Kerb Weight | 2 111 kg | 1 820 kg |
The new Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance delivers staggering outputs and its performance is mightily impressive despite lacking the much-loved soundtrack of the previous-generation V8.
With a fully-variable all-wheel drive system (including Drift Mode) and active rear-axle steering, the new C63’s handling is sharper and more dynamic than the model it replaces. It’s worth noting that it has gained weight, 291 kg in fact, and now weighs 2 111 kg. While it’s more dynamically capable than its V8 sledgehammer predecessor, we’re not convinced it’s as nimble as the BMW M3.
It’s performance, however, defies the confines of its dimensions and with a zero to 100 kph sprint time of 3.4 seconds, it’s fast and feels faster than this claim suggests. Yes, times have changed and this is an electrically-assisted AMG C63, but it’s an entirely special package in its own right.
Read our latest launch review for further insight into the performance of the new Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance
The BMW M3 Competition xDrive goes toe-to-toe with the new AMG C63 S E Performance, but unlike the Merc, it foregoes any electric trickery and unleashes raw 6-cylinder goodness from its twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre petrol engine. Yes, the Merc has bigger power and torque muscles, but the M3 Competition is a strong performer and, importantly, lighter!
BMW M cars have long been praised for their dynamic handling ability and the current generation M3 is formidable in this regard. In fact, from a dynamic handling perspective, the M3 is a sharper weapon in the corners.
Despite the vast differences in powertrains, the M3 Competition holds its own with a claimed zero to 100 kph sprint time of 3.5 seconds!
The only thing left to do is stage a drag race! Which one of these high-performance sedans do you think will cross the finish line first?
Note than an updated BMW M3 is expected to reach South Africa in 2024.
Interior execution and features
| Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance | BMW M3 Competition xDrive | |
| Infotainment | Tablet-style, 11.9-inch MBUX with AMG and Hybrid specific displays | 10.25 inch BMW Live Cockpit Professional |
| Instrument cluster | 12.3-inch configurable display | 12.3-inch configurable display |
| Drive modes | 8 drive modes: Electric, Comfort, Battery Hold, Sport, Sport+, Race, Slippery and Individual | 3 M Modes: Road, Sport, Track |
| Seats and Upholstery | AMG sport seats (AMG Performance seat optional). Leather/Nappa | M sports seats in Merino leather (M carbon bucket seats optional) |
| Steering wheel | AMG Performance steering wheel | M Performance steering wheel |
With technology trickling down from the new S-Class, the new AMG C63 S E Performance inherits its interior bits from the new C-Class, both of which are built right here in East London, South Africa. The interior of the new Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance looks like a technological tour de force.
In comparison, the BMW M3 looks far more understated. In South Africa, both the M3 and M4 are sold with a carbon interior package as standard which includes carbon-fibre trim spread liberally around the cabin, adding additional performance appeal to match the M3’s intentions.
Let’s talk money: What does the new Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance cost in South Africa?
The price of the new Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance starts from R2 500 810 (before options) and buyers can also opt for the limited edition F1 Edition for R2 808 310 as of June 2024. The Merc is sold with a 2-year/unlimited km warranty and a 5-year/100 000km maintenance plan.
Comparatively, pricing for the BMW M3 Competition xDrive starts from R2 098 002, so it’s significantly cheaper than its newer rival. But… on paper at least, the BMW matches the Merc in straight-line performance and dynamically excels in dynamic handling. The M3 is also sold with a 2-year / unlimited km warranty and a 5-year / 100 000 km maintenance plan.
Many purists can’t fathom how the AMG 63 S went from a V8-burbling monster to a partially electrified 2.0-litre Bahn stormer. Still, regardless of how each marque arrived at this point, both these machines offer undeniable performance brilliance.
Let us know which one of these high-performance machines you prefer and perhaps more importantly, which one do you think will win in a quarter-mile drag race? It’s bound to be very close…