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A Mercedes C-Class... but not as we know it



A new Mercedes-Benz super-saloon will arrive in the UK next year, a road-going model derived from the German Touring Car AMG C-Class. With a 450bhp 6.3-litre V8 engine, developing 600Nm of torque – figures unrivalled in this segment of the market – the new C 63 AMG will accelerate from 0 to 62mph in just 4.5 seconds. It’s not merely the peak torque that’s impressive, however. From 2000 to 6250rpm the driver never has less than 500Nm on tap, the fast-revving naturally-aspirated V8 promising rapid acceleration from almost any engine speed.

The exterior appearance of the C 63 AMG is designed to impress, with a wide, road-hugging stance and a bonnet sporting prominent power domes. It’s fitted with new, 18-inch AMG light-alloy wheels in a five-spoke design. Alternatively, even more dynamic handling (though presumably less comfort) is made possible by the optionally available 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels in a multi-spoke design.



Inside the car, the driver will find gearshift paddles on the steering wheel to control the AMG Speedshift Plus 7G-Tronic transmission. There are three driving modes, the seven-speed automatic transmission varying from sporty to a more comfort-oriented style of driving according to the driver’s preference – ‘S’ for Sport, ‘C’ for Comfort and ‘M’ for Manual.

The new C 63 AMG is also the very first AMG car to feature an automatic throttle-blipping function during downshifts. This not only enhances the fun-to-drive factor, it also allows for an almost completely jolt-free downshift – and has a particularly positive effect when braking before bends on the racetrack. Meanwhile, internally ventilated and perforated disc brakes all round (with six-piston calipers at the front, four-piston calipers at the rear) suggest superb stopping power, along with great sensitivity and high fade-resistance.

A Mercedes C-Class... but not as we know it A Mercedes C-Class... but not as we know it

The new V8 flagship model is now the fifth generation of the AMG C-Class, and is being announced to co-incide with the 40th anniversary of Mercedes-AMG. The C 63 AMG will arrive in the UK in mid-2008.

Text - Charis Whitcombe
Photos - DaimlerChrysler


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