Mercedes-Benz C-Class C63 AMG Review: Sledgehammer

Raw power and torque in a compact performance saloon car doesn’t come better than this. Raymond Lai checks out the updated version of his favourite pumped up junior executive saloon.

OneShift Editorial Team

12 Feb 2012

What we like:

Monster of an engine

inspiring performance

lovely steering feel

refined when pottering along

engine sounds like a NASCAR racer

everyday usability

deceptive looks

much improved ride than before

superb gearbox

What we dislike:

Thirsty when pushed hard

high road tax

appetite for rear tyres

The C63’s purposefulness continues in the cabin. The interior is adorned with go faster bits like a flat-bottomed steering wheel with Alcantara inserts, aluminium foot pedals, a bespoke instrument pack with a 320km/h speedo and AMG mode for the LCD screen which includes a useful oil temperature and lap time read-out as well as an up shift reminder function where the screen turns red to remind the driver to select the next higher gear in ‘Manual’ mode.

And then there are the seats – the electrically adjustable sports bucket seats not only look fearsome but also offer terrific lateral support in the bends. The chairs are also comfortable enough not to give you a sore back after a long cruise.

Well, everything else in the cabin is rather like in a top spec C350, which means spacious amounts of space at the rear and top notch build quality among other features. Like all other facelifted C-Class models, the C63 features a new dashboard that is made from even better materials when compared to the older model’s.

The new C63 might not be quicker or offer more power than previously but its new and innovative AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT gearbox has made it even more driver focused and hence even more enjoyable and inspiring to drive.