LAST HURRAH FOR MERCEDES-BENZ C 63 AMG

Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG ‘Edition 507’ gets hard-edged styling, and 507 horsepower under the bonnet to match its looks

As the introduction of the next generation Mercedes-Benz C-Class gets closer, the guys at AMG, the high-performance division of the iconic German marque, are working on a swan song for the last iteration of their most popular model. Indeed, they must already be hard at work on the all-new C-Class AMG – but are certainly not going to talk about that at this stage.

ENGINE / TRANSMISSION
The ‘507’ indicates the horsepower produced by the Mercedes-AMG 6.2-litre V8 engine. That’s 373 kW in Australian speak, though we don’t know if many Aussie hot-car enthusiasts are interested in talking kilowatts. This Merc is definitely a muscle car, so deserves the horsepower designation. The maximum torque has also been increased, now 610 Nm at 5200 rpm.

The C 63 AMG Edition 507 utilises semi-race technology originally developed for the Mercedes SLS AMG Gullwing and convertible. Peak power at a high 6800 rpm is made possible by using forged pistons, stronger connecting rods and a lightweight crankshaft. Maximum torque is 610 Nm at 5200 rpm. There’s a revised engine control system (ECU), new connecting rods and a lightweight crankshaft. The latter two items not only add strength but also make the engine willing to rev even higher in the band.

The titanium grey-painted intake manifold is a feature of the uprated V8.

AMG Edition 507 accelerates from 0 to100 km/h in just 4.2 seconds in the sedan and coupe models. It’s fractionally slower, at 4.3 seconds in the Estate. There’s something about the incongruity of a high-performance station wagon that appeals to us and we certainly enjoyed our time behind the wheel – and, later a coupe and sedan as well.

The top speed of all variants is electronically limited to 280 km/h.

STYLING
Externally, the Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Edition 507 is certainly not for the shy and retiring owner. Its bonnet comes from the C 63 AMG coupe Black Series and is characterised by bold bonnet louvres. A new design of 19-inch light-alloy cross-spoke wheels add to the strength of the shape, as do the red painted brake callipers.

We’re not sure if we like the ‘racing stripes’ down the doors, they have a somewhat old-fashioned look to it, but beauty is always in the eye of the beholder.

Inside, there are supportive sporty seats with two-tone leather, bright details on the dashboard – and a badge proudly proclaiming ‘AMG Edition 507’.

DRIVING
Immense power from a race-bred V8 engine is a great start, but complementing the excellent forward thrust is a brilliant exhaust note. The sort of purposeful V8 sound that brings prickles to the back of the neck and a smile to the face.

Being naturally aspirated, the throttle response from the 6.2-litre V8 is virtually instantaneous. This makes not only for driving pleasure, but also for extremely safe overtaking. Though the torque peak is at high revs there’s a satisfying surge of grunt from as low as 2000 rpm – and it just keeps coming.

Sadly, this is the final iteration of the long running 6.2-litre Mercedes V8 (which the company persists to the end in calling a 6.3-litre). Many future AMG models will carry smaller capacity 4.0-litre V8s, using turbochargers for added output.

AMG’s high-performance braking system features composite technology on the front discs. Naturally, all discs are ventilated and perforated for improved cooling. They use six-piston aluminium callipers on the front and four-piston units at the rear axle.

The sort of sensational road grip that we experienced during hard driving on interesting twisting roads was complemented by the way the brakes dragged off speed till it felt as though our eyes were bugging out.

SUMMING UP
The sensational Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Edition 507 is a great way to finalise the career of a high-performance model that entranced many for years. It’s aimed at the serious driving purist and they seem sure to queue up to buy it.

The AMG Edition 507 is on sale now, while it’s not a limited edition as such, the factory can only turn out so many and it may be good idea to make your move quickly. Price is $169, 407 plus on-road costs.