What is it?

Coupe version of the excellent Mercedes C63 AMG saloon. Runs an identical 451bhp/443lb ft 6.2-litre V8, will cost £56,665 when it goes on sale in the UK this summer.

Technical highlights

The obvious benefit is a stiffer platform and a lower centre of gravity (44mm lower roofline) - although we can’t divine exact figures for both, Merc confirms that they are both better than on the four-door. Given the superior structure, it’s strange to note that all spring, damper and roll-bar specifications remain identical to the saloon.

What’s it like to drive?

To those who have driven a C63 saloon - a teensy bit sharper, but otherwise very similar. To those who haven’t driven a C63 saloon - it’s frankly brilliant. You forget just what a combination this motor and this body-size are. And now you get the AMG Speedshift, 7-speed wet-clutch auto previously only found in the SL and E class versions.

Straight line performance is beyond the grasp of the Audi RS5 and BMW M3, largely because the car has so much torque. But it loves to rev too, and the noise, both inside and outside the car, is addictive. It sounds more Mopar than a ’68 Charger.

This is another Merc with inspired steering and, on the standard 18in rims, a great balance between ride and roll-stiffness. The test car also came with an optional LSD, which every owner should have fitted.

How does it compare?

Very competitively. It’s faster and more thuggish than the rivals. An M3 is a better track car and marginally sharper in its responses, but the C63 is a way more pleasant everyday device. When it meets an RS5, I suspect it will pummel it, on anything less than compacted snow.

Anything else I need to know?

The rear seats are two individual buckets, and there’s decent leg-room back there. The New C-class dash brings much better computer screens in the clock faces, and the coupe’s front seats aren’t quite as good as the saloon’s monster buckets.