WHY I LOVE MY VEHICLE: Mercedes-Benz, AMG C 63 S

Like many people who had to pivot at the beginning of the pandemic, Peter Faist never imagined that his startup, Staffy, would end up playing a significant role in supporting some of Canada’s biggest health-care companies. Originally serving the hospitality industry by digitally connecting skilled labour with last-minute vacancies, the on-demand platform was retooled to quickly fill critical staffing gaps in health care by connecting businesses with nurses, personal support workers and dietary aides.  It's been a hectic year for the Toronto-based founder, so when it came to looking for a new car at Mercedes-Benz Oakville earlier this year, he sought one that would best suit his needs. He tells us why he loves his new Mercedes-Benz AMG C 63 S.



“With a busy lifestyle, reliability and consistency are key,” said Faist. “Before upgrading to the 2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG C 63 S sedan this year, I was driving an older (2011) C 63 that was showing its age. My old car served me well, and I racked up the miles travelling across the province as I worked to build Staffy from the ground up.

“I was looking for something that was fresh and new. Since most meetings now are virtual, there isn’t as much driving from one spot to the next. Instead, I’ve been driving mostly for pleasure with my new puppy, Monaco. My old C 63 gave me everything I needed, so I knew I was getting a car that offered everything from functionality to speed, all wrapped up in a stylish package.”

Those coveted features that captivated Faist can also be found in the 2021 C 63 S model, which only became available at the Oakville dealership in August of this year. According to Zakary Paget, manager of corporate communications at Mercedes-Benz Canada, there are no major changes between the 2020 and 2021 models of the Mercedes-AMG C 63 (sedan, coupe and cabriolet) with regards to its interior and exterior, engine and horsepower. The main difference is the starting price, which has risen from $84,400 to $97,700. There was also a change to the add-on package name: the Premium and the Technology packages offered 2020 have been replaced by the Avantgarde Edition in 2021.



Faist’s advice to any new car buyer is to do your research. “A car is a long-term investment, and it is best to try and maximize this investment by negotiating a cost-saving price. Dealers will compete against one another to score a sale. Using this to your advantage will help you negotiate the best price. Make note of the make and model you are interested in, including all the features you want included, and start shopping around. Note what each dealer is offering and use that information to your advantage.”

This article was edited for space and clarity. Want to be featured in Why I Love My Vehicle? Email us at wheels@thestar.ca.

A CLOSER LOOK: 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG C 63 S Avantgarde Edition Sedan

SOPHISTICATED LOOK

As mentioned, the features that Faist loves in his 2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG C 63 S Sedan are also found in the 2021 edition, which is now available.  “The C 63 S looks good. Really good. The car’s black metallic exterior paired with the panorama roof, 18-inch AMG wheels and quad-exit exhaust give the car a sleek look all around. The customizable cabin, blended technology and sports seats provide a sporty but stylish design, making it the perfect car for driving to any occasion – work or leisure. It’s low with gentle curves in the body lines. It looks fast just sitting still and has an aggressive profile. It is a beautiful vehicle,” said Faist, who chose the AMG Night Package.

POWER AND PERFORMANCE

Faist credits the hand-built, twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine as the big selling point. “The engine of the C 63 S is powerful and responsive yet fuel efficient; it gives the car the force it needs to get around quickly while the sturdy body and steering system provide for great control and a smooth drive. A bonus upgrade from my old car, it can control the performance of the car – from Race mode to Slippery (when raining). It’s a ton of fun to play around with,” he said. “Plus, you can’t beat the performance of this car. It’s fast. It takes 3.8 seconds to get to 100 km/h. It has four-wheel independent suspension hugs for a smooth ride.”

TECHNOLOGY

“Mercedes is embracing the future in this car and has technology that helps the driver stay safe and in the lane. It adjusts cruise control speed in relation to the traffic around you, detects traffic patterns around you to avoid potential collisions, and assists with safe lane changes that include blind spot detection,” said Faist, whose sedan was stocked with the Technology Package and Intelligent Drive Package. “The luxury interior is comfortable and convenient. While the exhaust has a powerful sound to it, it can be driver controlled to be louder or quieter. There’s also a great sound system and all the features that make driving fun.”