2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 Reviews

Mercedes-Benz has just launched an all-new C-Class model, so there's a good chance many owners of older models will be trading up. Meaning there could be a glut of used C-Class in Australia, giving you the chance to select between the many on offer, as well as the opportunity to select from the best of them. 

Spin, spin, spin. It feels like I'm in a tumble drier as the scenery swirls past in a wall of whiteness.I'm frantically spinning the wheel and desperately trying to regain control in a losing battle against the elements. The $153,000 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG seems to have a mind of its own, bellowing and belching, skittering and sliding, as I work the throttle on its high-powered V8 engine in a pointless search for grip.Then I remember it's all happening in the controlled safety of a New Zealand ski field and I relax a little. Then I smile and start to laugh out loud. After all, I'm only doing 25km/h. "The whole idea is to lose control. That's what we want," says Peter Hackett, chief instructor at the AMG Snow Challenge."Most people never know they are out of control until it's too late. This program allows us to teach people in a safe environment and let them experience things you would never normally want to encounter on the road." Most driving schools concentrate on the basics. They show you the correct seat position, how to set the mirrors, holding the wheel the right way and coping with panic stops.But this is AMG and that means a minimum of nanny-state lecturing and maximum enjoyment - with $3 million worth of German pocket rockets on specially-groomed surfaces at the Ski Farm in the mountains outside Queenstown in the South Island.It's the latest development that allows AMG owners to sample some of the world's fastest cars on track days at Phillip Island and Albert Park, home of the Australian Grand Prix. It's not cheap - $4500 for the snowfield excoursion - but AMG provides everything from the cars and instructors to lunch and a special beanie. It's a Top Gun course where the jet fighters are swapped for Benz's best belters.The C63s - sedans, coupes and wagons - are showroom stock apart from special Continental 'winter' tyres designed to provide the best possible grip on the snow and ice that's all around. "When it gets as cold as it does here a normal tyre is almost like plastic. Zero grip," says Gordon Jones, technical chief at Mercedes-Benz Australia."We are taking the cars into some extreme conditions. So what we're trying to find with these tyres is grip. They have a special compound for cold weather and a special design to help the snow bind and give grip." With 30 kilometres of snow roads around us, and a very special ice pad where it's almost impossible to stand, any help is going to be welcome. The seat heaters, for a start, are switched for a toasty bottom.The day starts with a bang, as we attempt a full-on, straight-line V8 blast. It should be straight forward and simple, but there is a twist. Hackett and his instructors disable the electronic traction and stability controls which make the C63 so user-friendly on the road, leaving the driver - and their right foot - to handle the balancing act between giant power and tiny grip.Some people spin, most wiggle-waggle, and I reach the finish line on the verge of a spin after discovering ABS brakes are near-best-thing to useless on ice. "You are going to have a truly remarkable experience. You will be completely frustrated. Just be patient," Hackett says.Next up, we hit the 200-metre ice pad and discover that first gear and a tiny tickle on the throttle will leave you almost powerless against spinning. One car has to be pushed out of the snow bank lining the edge of the ice. "We're the only people game to come here without all-wheel drive," laughs Hackett.As the day goes on, and we get more familiar with the cars and the snow, there is more fun and almost-endless V8-powered slides and skids. It's not hooning, but it gets close as the instructors encourage everyone to explore their personal limits. "If you're not here to slide around, then you might as well sit with a coffee and watch," says Hackett.Drift king Ken Block would love this place, and so does everyone in the snow today. But there is a serious side to the course. The instructors are always passing on advice about looking ahead, planning your actions, gentle use of the controls, and driving within your limits. It's impossible to ignore them, as they always seem to have a better solution to any challenge - from starting on the ice to recovering from yet another spin.They're also giving a lesson that will make anyone better in their day-to-driving. The cars, too, make a contribution, since the AMG answer to go-faster motoring also brings a greater margin of built-in feedback, control and safety. There is lots of power in the engine room, but the brakes balance the deal, the steering has great feel and instant response, and the seat heaters are marvellous.To provide some perspective, I try one run through a set of slalom conces with all the electronic safety nets back in place. Now the C63 is brilliantly controlled and, although nowhere near as much fun, it shows how 21st century driver aids make us all better - and help us avoid potential disasters.Compared against some other ice drives - and I've tried Saabs in far northern Sweden and Lamborghinis on a frozen lake in Italy - the AMG experience is intensive and rewarding. It's not as much flat-out fun as a Gallardo supercar on a simulated rally road, but it comes close. And there are a couple of twists in the tale.First, Hackett takes me on a taxi ride over a snow-wrapped road where an all-wheel drive Subaru would skitter and struggle. The C63 is incredibly quick and totally controlled, as Hackett uses his skill and the strengths of the AMG engineering to demonstrate what is really possible at the Snow Farm.Then, while he is still twirling the wheel and his feet are dancing across the pedals, he issues a combined invitation and challenge. "What you've done today is only Level One. Next year, we'll have Level Two, including roads like this one. So, are you up for it?," he asks, already knowing the answer. 

Sometimes things just seem ... odd. Like when Mercedes-Benz trotted out the incredibly exclusive C63 AMG Black Series coupe -- and it was white.VALUEOnly 32 of the C63 Black Series cars are being imported to Australia plus another three for our Kiwi cousins in New Zealand. They're priced at $245,000 apiece but unfortunately they've all been sold, such is the demand for this unique motor car.It's the third in a string of Black series models to be offered by Benz in Australia and follows on the heels of the CLK 63 AMG Black Series in 2008 (40 units for Australia/NZ) and the awesome SL 65 AMG Black Series in 2009 (7 units for Australia/NZ).Each of C63 Black Series comes with a certificate of authenticity, along with a letter of provenance signed by Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific verifying the limited edition status of the vehicle.TECHNOLOGYThe highlight of the car is a killer 6.2-litre V8 that produces 380kW and 620Nm of torque  an increase of 44kW and 20Nm respectively compared with a standard C63.The V8 is hooked up to a 7-speed AMG Speedshift MCT wet clutch transmission, with a rear diff lock and 50 per cent larger oil cooler.DRIVINGThe dash from 0-100km/h takes just 4.2 seconds (or 3.9 secs with special tyres fitted)  just a tenth slower than the incredible SLS. It has a top speed of 300km/h.DESIGNInterestingly the coupe can be ordered as a two or four-seater, depending on your fancy and is equipped with flashy red seat belts. Most customers have ordered the two seat version. The car is visually different too, with a wider track front and rear and a secondary front spoiler with weird looking cooling fins called `flics' attached at either side.It rides on special 19 inch alloys fitted with 255/35 front and 285/30 Dunlop rubber. A large adjustable rear wing takes pride of place on the rear deck and can be manually tilted four degrees to provide greater downforce for track work. Although all the cars have been sold Benz reveals it is hoping to get hold of another dozen.VERDICTAfter driving the amazing Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Gullwing, nothing is ever going to really measure up. But the Black Series comes close. As fantastic as it might be, however, we can't tell you very much about its performance, not after a just one lap of the Albert Park circuit, with James Brock calling the shots.Just as we were getting started it was over (it was one lap more than most people got to complete though).Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG coupePrice: From $169,700 (including Performance Pack) plus on-road costsWarranty: 3 years/100,000kmEngine: 6.2-litre V8 petrolOutputs: 380kW/620NmDimensions: 4707mm (L), 1795mm (w), 1391mm (h)Weight: 1730kgTransmission: Seven-speed manual automatic, rear-wheel driveEconomy: 12.1 litres per 100km

THE race to be Australia's leading luxury brand is going down to the wire again this year after a nail-biter last year.Mercedes came from behind last December to overtake BMW for its first win since 2003. With a month to go, the two are just as close this time, with Mercedes fewer than 150 sales behind.The key battleground is the junior executive range. BMW's 3 Series, the definitive car in the segment, is up against the Mercedes C-Class, with each accounting for a third of brand sales or more.One reason why Mercedes could do the double is because its C-Class is outselling the 3. The Merc starter pack exec benefited from a mid-life refresh this year that focused on upgrading the dash and improving fuel economy. Both had lagged the competition.It has worked. Remarkably, among mid-size cars regardless of price the C-Class is the third most popular, behind only the Ford Mondeo and Toyota Camry - despite costing almost twice as much. Or more.The makeover also brought a two-door to the C-Class for the first time and that changes the dynamics of the segment. It means Mercedes now has a rival for BMW's 3 Coupe and, more significantly, a direct competitor for the halo model among 3s: the M3 Coupe. This casts such a bright light over the 3 Series it can even make the humblest four-cylinder owner glow with pride. It's a potent marketing tool and a superbly polished dynamic performer.The C63 AMG Coupe arrived in October and is already scoring goals, knocking off the M3 for top sportscar in the motoring clubs' Best Car awards last month and boasting a healthy order book. It has a window of opportunity now, because the 3 Series is about to be replaced. That means everyone knows the old M3 is on the way out.Although they compete, these are very different cars. The M3 gives its best when you're going hell for leather. That's when the engine's on song and its precision can be appreciated. It's a scalpel. However, most of us don't need surgical steel every day. By comparison, the Merc is a breadknife even though this version, and the Coupe in particular, is less of a blunt instrument than before. Badge notwithstanding, this is a muscle car with a gold Amex that's all about the engine.That means you don't have to risk a jail term to enjoy. The driver looks out over a ridged bonnet as shapely as Venice Beach biceps and the engine fires up explosively when you press the oversize metal button. That's just the prelude to a soundtrack that never stops entertaining.The C63 retains the 6.2-litre V8, which AMG has been fitting for years but is being replaced by a turbocharged 5.5-litre V8 in next-generation cars. Because the C Coupe arrives halfway through the model cycle, it sticks with the old unit. This is not a bad thing. The 6.2 is more tuneful than the new engine and, despite a torque peak high in the rev range, never feels wanting.This is especially true if you fit the Performance Pack, as here. For another $14,990 it boosts power by 22kW to 358kW, adds better front brakes with look-at-me red calipers and a steering wheel with Alcantara in the grip sections. Six out of 10 buyers reckon bragging rights are worth the extra.Engine mods include forged pistons and a lightweight crankshaft, which dock 3kg off the weight. This unit spins to 7200rpm, which is not bad for a large V8 not made by Ferrari, and every millimetre of throttle application feels like you are unleashing some tempestuous, elemental force. It growls and roars on the way up then coughs and crackles on the way down. It's so entertaining at any speed you'll never forget why you bought it.Of course, most of those kilowatts simply apply a rubber veneer to the road. But that's not the point. You have the power. If you do get some traction, it's quick. The Performance Pack lowers the 0-100km/h sprint time by 0.1 seconds to 4.3 seconds, which only a few years ago was in the supercar class.The C63 Coupe disdains a torque converter automatic transmission in favour of the multi-plate clutch fitted to the SLS Gullwing. It has four levels of shift aggression, brings launch control and revs the engine on downshifts for extra drama. Quick, but not the quickest gearbox around, it can be hesitant and indecisive in slow-speed manoeuvres, a bit like the double-clutch transmissions now used by many brands.The upgrade brings more direct steering to all C63s and it makes the front wheels your friends. It's one of the car's highlights. The AMG suspension is stiffer and sets the wheels further apart than in a standard C. It's a rigid set-up so the body doesn't move around much through corners.That means on suburban roads the ride is joltingly firm. For me, there's just enough sophistication about the compromise to make it liveable. Great seats help and they're also one of the key AMG interior upgrades. Unlike before, this cabin feels the money even though tyre noise intrudes a bit too often and there are vestiges of former technology, such as the foot-operated park brake. The AMG cosmetics are restrained, in typical German fashion.The C63 saves its extrovert traits for the road. That's unlikely to change, but all brands are being forced to succumb to emission regulations that mean large capacity, naturally aspirated V8s will soon be a thing of the past. Both Merc and BMW have taken to turbocharging and the M3 will return to six cylinders for its next generation.

Stop, look and listen, said Elvis - it's a philosophy made for this car. It's the last of the actions that most seem to do when near the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG - although in coupe form there's reason to look as well. If you've never seen a spunky 1730kg powderkeg, stop and look at the images here - it sounds even

Cubic capacity is still the definitive measure of engine performance and luggage space. Package them together and you have the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Estate (Euro-speak for wagon). It's a leather-lined load lugger that will take the family on holidays at hyperdrive speeds.The Merc wagon's $154,800 price may be more than two year's average wages but it's also good value for money. No one else competes in this field - the closest you can get is the BMW 335i M Sport Estate at $112,600. The Beemer is a very, very capable car but it can't touch this.HSV's R8 Tourer isn't in this league either - it can't handle or hustle like the C63 can and the Commodore-based interior doesn't pretend to be this luxurious. Audi doesn't play here either - the wicked RS4 Avant isn't sold in Australia. That leaves the C63 Merc sitting pretty... unless you want to upsize to the biturbo 5.5-litre E63 Estate at $244,500.A seven-speed automated manual transmission endows the Merc with the ability to sip fuel at a modest 12.3 litres/100km. Not that most owners will ever see that - the temptation to drop the boot into the 6.2-litre V8 and provoke an exhaust snarl that humbles local V8s is just too much to resist.This is the best-sounding engine in the Mercedes-Benz garage and with 336kW and 600Nm on tap, it goes as hard as it sounds. The Carsguide test vehicle was fitted with the $14,900 performance package, which adds 22kW thanks to lightweight engine internals and puts composite brakes inside a set of 19-inch rims.Sexy and wagon shouldn't be used in the same sentence, but the Merc has enough panache to satisfy the fussiest fashionista. The tapering roofline removes the traditional slab-sided wagon look without sacrificing load capacity.Front on, it sets the standard in this class, which helps explain why the C-Class is the best-selling prestige range on the market. The red leather interior is as subdued as the exhaust note and reminds passengers and passers-by that this is a performance car.A three-stage stability control program is standard on the AMG and gives owners the option taking to the track and setting the program to their level of competence. The default mode keeps everything reined in; the next stage lets the tail hang out and all bets are off when the system is deactivated.The composite brakes - complete with red calipers - are neck-achingly good and won't fade this side of an assault on the Phillip Island circuit. The taut suspension sacrifices compliance over ruts and bumps for virtually no body roll and optimal tyre positioning when the pressure is on - just what you'd expect from a sports car. Xenon headlights have enough range to match the C63's pace and the safety pack is rounded out with adaptive cruise control, a fatigue detection system and nine airbags.Express delivery has never been so much fun. A dial on the centre console sharpens the transmission response from .2 of a second in the regular mode to .1 of a second in Sport +, and then there's launch control if you want to go from rest to 100km/h in 4.3 seconds. Queue manic laughter and looks from passengers that range from startled to outright scared. Don't put the dog in the back to test it, though, unless you've got Velcro paw mitts - the poor beast won't be able to deal with the G-forces. The steering is light on centre but weights up nicely with pace and cornering angle and if you can afford to fry the 30-profile rear tyres, this is a wagon built for precision drifting.