The MERCEDES-BENZ C 63 AMG 'EDITION 507' is the final chapter in what has been the most successful AMG model of all time.
The C63 AMG 507 edition essentially replaces the $14,990 C63 Performance Pack, but comes with more kit for less cash, showcasing the last of the current generation models before the all new C-Class arrives mid next year, with the next C63 AMG to follow one year later.
Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG 507 models are available in coupe, sedan and wagon body styles and command a $14,507 premium - get the cheeky '507' reference? - over the regular C63 AMG models. Prices for the 507 sedan start from $169,407 while the estate and coupe command an additional $2,000 and $3,000 respectively.
Powered by an orchestral-sounding 6.2-litre AMG V8, the 507 pumps out a healthy 373 kW of power (507 horsepower, hence its name) and 610Nm of torque. This makes it 37kW and 10Nm more powerful than the standard C63 AMG and 15kW/10Nm more than the previous Performance Pack.
It will power from zero to 100 km/h in a claimed 4.2 seconds in the sedan and coupe models, while the more practical estate takes an addition 0.1s. Either way, it's now 0.2 of second quicker to 100km/h than the standard car and 0.1 of a second faster than the Performance Pack.
Mercedes-Benz has achieved the additional performance by utlitising the technology found in the significantly more expensive SLS AMG. These include forged pistons plus a lighter crankshaft and connecting rods, all of which reduce engine weight by a healthy three kilograms.
From the outside the C63 AMG 'Edition 507' can be spotted by its new 19-inch AMG light-alloy cross-spoke wheels and the Black Series-inspired bonnet. There's also uprated brakes, which now measure 360 x 36 mm at the front and make use of composite technology to claim lower weight and less brake fade.
Inside, a badge on the passenger's side will be a constant reminder that this is, well and truly, the best road-going C63 AMG to date.
In many ways it's sad to say goodbye to the C63 AMG as we know it. When Mercedes-Benz unveils the next-generation C-Class AMG it will be turbocharged, much the same way as the new E63 and ML63 are making use of a 5.5-litre twin-turbo V8. Is that a bad thing? Not really, but it does take away from the purity that has always been at the centre of the naturally aspirated C63's appeal.
There's never been a dull moment behind the wheel of a C63 AMG and the 507 is no different. With almost instantaneous power delivery through its seven-speed gearbox, the C63 507 is a baby SLS in terms of raw performance. In coupe and sedan form, it's as fast as you'd ever want your daily drive to be. It's the sort of car that should come free with an extremely competent traffic lawyer.
Flatten the accelerator and the surge of power is guaranteed to induce a smile. But this is no brainless muscle car. Though it may not be as composed or precise as the BMW M3, the C63 AMG is nonetheless a hell of a lot fun.
It sits flat through corners and encourages more and more input from the driver, but tinker with the transmission selector knob from Comfort to Sport and Sport+ and it becomes a monster. Even in traffic, Sport+ makes the C63 fun to drive. It will blip down the throttle as you come to a roundabout and, at the slightest touch of the accelerator pedal, the V8 bursts into life with a growl that's unmistakably Mercedes-Benz.
Through Victoria's twisty roads, where we reviewed the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG 507, the sedan, estate or coupe all drive and feel like a road-going race-car but with necessary creature comforts.
You can essentially go full blast into a corner, brake much later than you'd expect, turn in and gently power out. It's ridiculously addictive. Both the steering input and pedal feel are as close to perfection as you're going to find.
The C63 AMG does, however, have a firm ride. It's a characteristic that may get a tad annoying over long periods of time but it's not so much a hard ride in the sense that the suspension crashes, but more so that it's just really jiggly. Unless you intend to put kids in the back or drive through poorly surfaced roads often, it's more than acceptable as a daily driver, though.
What makes the C63 our favourite in its segment is its playful nature. While BMW and Audi both make terrific cars that are arguably faster and more technologically advanced, they lack the X-factor that comes with this AMG. It's a feeling that you must respect the car or it will bite back.
Where the BMW M3 or Audi's RS4/5 make you feel like a supreme driver, the C63 keeps you on your toes. In the age of computer control, this is a Godsend.
Like the exterior, the C63 AMG's interior has aged rather well. Although the seven-inch infotainment screen is starting to date, particularly with Mercedes-Benz's grey and yellow COMAND system, the rest of the cabin remains competitive against the newer BMW 3 Series and Lexus IS (and that's with the gorgeous new C-Class cabin still to come )
There's enough room to easily fit four adults and, if you go for the estate, you can have power and practicality - even if it's almost impossible to go past the coupe's gorgeous looks.
Overall, it's hard to fault what has been one of the most iconic and successful AMG models to date. In the years to come we will look back at the current C 63 AMG 507 as a classic and refer to it as one of those cars that "they just don't make anymore".
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