Come 2008, Mercedes were in a period of transition. They’d just canned their troubled DaimlerChrysler era (1998–2007) and were now focused on rebuilding independence and restoring their reputation for quality. The ‘soft luxury’ vibe of the ’90s and early 2000s was out and replaced by a sharper focus on performance, modern design, and younger buyers.
So, in the shadow of one of the greatest super-wagons, the B7 Audi RS4, came AMG’s S204 C63. By the time it had landed, Mercedes and AMG had been integrated for quite some time. This was the first Mercedes C-Class AMG to be developed with input from Affalterbach from day one.
And what a looker it is. Granted, this is the facelifted version of the S204 (2011 to 2014). A gorgeous, sharply profiled body, diamond-cut multi-spoke alloy wheels, and a Tenorite Grey Metallic paint job. It might look a bit subtle to modern eyes, but there’s no mistaking it’s something far more special than a C180 Elegance.
However, unlike AMGs of old, this simply wasn’t just a straight-line bruiser, it was a car that could handle too. As a result, much of the front suspension was taken from a CLK Black Series. But let’s be honest, if you’re in the market for a Benz AMG, there’s really only one thing you want to focus on: the engine.
Making its C-Class debut, this car packed a version of the fabled M156, and what a powerhouse it was. 6.2 litres, despite what the ‘6.3’ badge might suggest, producing 457 raucous horses. It absolutely outgunned its rivals. The E46 M3 (slightly older, admittedly) made 340 horsepower, while the later E90 M3 had 420. The B7 and B8 Audi RS4s were also just behind, at 420 and 444 respectively.
And all that performance while still being able to help someone move house, or transport multiple IKEA flat packs. It’s a do-it-all car. Kids to school by 8:30? No problem. Track by 9? Sure thing. All whilst being fairly discreet. You can’t really buy a new, fast, discreet estate these days. You certainly cannot buy one this interesting. The black tinted glass, the thumping V8, the quicker shifting MCT automatic gearbox in place of the earlier pre-facelift 7G-Tronic torque converter. Many called that the Achilles heel of this generation of C63, but to me, it sounds more like a crescendo at the end of every downshift. I’ll leave you to draw your own conclusions.