Performance options
When it comes to performance sports sedans, there are only two options: you can choose the Mercedes AMG C63 or the BMW M3. These two titans have been battling each other for decades, bringing their biggest and best drivetrains to the fight. In recent times, AMG have angered their fan base by downsizing the monstrous engine in its flagship C63 to a 2.0-litre, but it has added a new high-tech hybrid drive system that elevated the machine into a new stratosphere. BMW has yet to answer with its hybrid drive system.
Related: Mercedes-AMG C63S E-Performance (2024) - Review
It seems almost unfair to pit the old tech vs the new as the Mercedes currently trounces the BMW in nearly all categories, but let's see just how much the BMW has to do to catch up.
BMW M3 Competition review (2021): A softer edge, but still sharp tool
Drivetrain
| Mercedes-AMG C63 S | BMW M3 Competition M xDrive | |
| Engine | 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol with hybrid electric drive | 3.0 6-cylinder turbo petrol |
| Transmission | 9 Speed AMG Speedshift MCT 9G | 8 Speed M Steptronic |
| Power Figures | 500kW (350 engine + 150 electric) / 1 020Nm (545 engine + 320 electric) | 390kW / 650Nm |
| Suspension | Fully adaptive | Fully Adaptive |
On paper, at least, the C63 bludgeons the M3 into submission here. Mercedes's hybrid drive system offers more power than BMW's inline-six. However, in world testing, the added weight of the AMG means that in true performance terms, these two cars are incredibly similar.
Fuel Consumption
| Mercedes-AMG C63 S | BMW M3 Competition M xDrive | |
| Claimed fuel consumption | 2.1 L /100km (fully charged) 10.5 L / 100km | 10.2 L / 100km |
| Actual consumption (combined cycle) | 10.0 L /100km | 16.3 L/ 100km |
| Tank Size (litres) | 60 | 59 |
| Claimed distance on a full tank | 822km | 578km |
| True distance on a full tank | 600km | 428km |
| Top Speed | 280km/h | 290km/h |
The Mercedes hybrid drive system puts the C63 ahead of the M3, offering greater fuel economy and better range.
Safety
| Mercedes-AMG C63 S | BMW M3 Competition M xDrive | |
| ABS | Yes | Yes |
| Traction Control | Yes | Yes |
| Stability Control | Yes | Yes |
| Hill hold assist | Yes | Yes |
| Tyre Pressure Monitoring | Yes | Yes |
| Camera | 360 Degree | Yes (optional 360 Degree) |
| PDC (Park Distance Control) | Front and Rear | Front and Rear |
| Airbags | 6 (opt 8) | 6 |
| Cruise control | Adaptive | Adaptive |
| Lane Keep Assist | Yes | Yes |
| HUD (Heads Up Display) | Yes | Yes |
| Keyless Entry | Yes | Yes |
| LED Lighting | Front and Rear | Front and Rear |
In terms of safety and tech features, the C63 and BMW are on par, and it will come down to each driver's individual tastes.
Practicality
| Mercedes-AMG C63 S | BMW M3 Competition M xDrive | |
| Load space (litres) | 280 | 480 |
| Towing capacity, braked/unbraked | 750kg braked / 1800kg unbraked | Not Rated |
| Seating | 5 Adults (partial leather and suede) | 5 Adults (partial cloth and suede or leather and suede) |
| Sunroof | Yes (Optional sliding panoramic) | Optional |
The BMW has more boot space because it does not have a massive battery to work around. The M3 is a performance vehicle outright and is not rated to tow a trailer.
Pricing
| Mercedes-AMG C43 | R 1 693 723 | BMW M3 Competition M xDrive | R 2 198 002 |
| Mercedes-AMG C63 S | R 2 390 139 | BMW M3 Competition Touring xDrive | R 2 218 506 |
Mercedes offers a 2-year / Unlimited km warranty and a 5-year / 100 000 km maintenance plan, while BMW also offers a 2-year / unlimited km vehicle warranty and a 5-year / 100 000 km maintenance plan.
Verdict
The Mercedes is R200 000 more expensive than the M3, which is difficult to ignore as both vehicles offer similar performance. The BMW's more sonorous drivetrain gives it an advantage despite the power deficit. Those looking for the latest tech, with some bits taken from the world of Formula 1, will find the AMG appealing, while those looking for a more traditional performance saloon will prefer the BMW!
