Mercedes-Benz C-Class C63 2011 Review

With the recent upgrade of the Merc' C-Class range of cars comes a revamped C63AMG performance sedan (also in coupe and wagon) priced from $152,800. All the refinements and changes from the garden variety C-Class flow through to the AMG cars including the new face, bumpers and tail lights and much improved interior.

But the big news is the adoption of a seven-speed MCT multi-plate auto transmission that positively transforms the C63.

DESIGN

Upmarket "Designo" upholstery is standard along with a sports wheel with flat bottom and top. The dash is a complete redesign.

There's a metal look to the dash fascia and new warning lights as well as a large TFT colour display screen incorporating Satnav trip computer and other displays.

A 40 gig hard drive contains a music register and drives the satnav among other things. Bluetooth phone and audio are included as well as an internet browser. 

Fully adjustable front sports seats offer plenty of body hug whole ergonomic package is easy to use and good to look at.

TECHNOLOGY

Retains the 6.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol V8 engine but in this case, with the $14,900 performance pack upgrade moving power up to 352kW from 336kW with the same 600Nm of torque. Pistons, conrods and crankshaft are from the SLS Gullwing.

Drive is to the rear wheels through performance pack 19-inch alloys - and larger brakes - with six piston calipers on the front. Benz has been able to squeeze fuel consumption down to 12.1-litres/100km and with the performance pack, the 0-100kmh sprint is a 4.4 second event.

The engine is hand built in Germany and signed by its builder. The MCT transmission offers quicker changes up and down and a throttle blip on the down change. There are four modes ranging from comfort to manual and race start.

Three mode stability control offers on, sport and off. Steering changes give a more direct feel and more pronounced self centring effect.

SAFETY

And with all the extra go comes boosted safety with Pre-safe collision preparation, adaptive high beam assist, attention assist, lane keeping, blind spot warning and radar cruise control all included.

DRIVING

This is a monumental car, in a number of ways, not the least being the sound emanating from the big-bore quad exhaust. It has brutal performance at will and yet can meander along at car park speed meek as a lamb.

There is an exhaust bang when changing up in full sport mode that is entirely in keeping with the character of the C63.

The new transmission is a revelation - slick, and almost predictive. At no point is it caught napping. But the wheel mounted change paddles can be annoying when you are turning and changing gears.

A tendency to oversteer is controlled neatly by the dial up stability control system. We couldn't get enough of the C63 AMG and it's so practical - a classy four seat four door sedan that looks imposing and ready for action. The performance pack should be standard.

VERDICT

Yes please, might have to change from the Porsche 911 Carrera S dream car.

MERCEDES-BENZ C63 AMG

Price: $154,800 ($14,900 Performance Pack)
Warranty: 3 years/100,000km
Resale: 53 per cent after 3 years
Service interval: 20,000km/12 months
Safety: 5 stars (predicted)
Engine: 6.2-litre V8, 336kW/600Nm
Body: Two-door coupe
Dimensions: 4707mm (L), 1795mm (w), 1391mm (h), weight 1730kg
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive
Thirst: 12.1l/100km, 95RON, CO2 283g/km.