What is it? The Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG is a specially-tuned sports version of the newly redesigned Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan. AMG is the sport-tuning company Mercedes uses to make more powerful versions of its regular cars. The C65 AMG will compete most naturally against the BMW M3 and Audi RS4. The C-Class grew somewhat larger in its present iteration, gaining a significantly roomier rear seat, and is already an agile, tight-handling car. The C63 version replaces the C350’s 268-hp 3.5-liter V6 with a 457-hp 6.2-liter V8. The transmission is a 7-speed automatic with a manual mode.
What's new or notable? Mercedes-Benz says the C63 AMG’s 0-to-60 mph sprint time will be a blistering 4.5 seconds, which is well within supercar territory.
CR’s take: We weren’t terribly impressed with the 7-speed automatic when we sampled it in the CLS we tested earlier this year. It was a little bumpy and hesitated at downshifts. The C65’s electronics may have addressed those issues.
When will it be available? Spring 2008.
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