2008 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG - Performance Review

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Reviewers from respected automotive Web sites praised the cut-and-thrust ability of the 2008 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG.

European CarWeb reports that the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG's 6.2-liter V-8 engine develops a maximum of 451 horsepower at 6,100 rpm, and peak torque of 443 pound-feet at 5,000 rpm--80 percent of which is available between 2,000 and 6,250 rpm, where the engine redlines. This source assures us that "there's virtually no situation where you'll be at a loss for acceleration."

The theoretical top speed of this AMG Mercedes is well in excess of 160 mph, but the L.A. Times reports an electronic governor that prevents the AMG Mercedes from going over 155 mph. Nonetheless, "it should be one hell of a ride," thanks largely to the fact that "each engine is hand-built by one technician, who then signs it"; from a dead stop, the 2008 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG attains 60 mph in just under 4.5 seconds. And Road & Track points out that if one opts for "the optional driver's package...top speed runs an unfettered 174 mph."

Despite the AMG Mercedes's many available options designed to improve driving enjoyment, Motor Trend notes one glaring omission: "there's (still) no manual transmission." Despite this, the people at Motor Trend had few complaints about the seven-speed automatic--which, to be fair, does offer a manual mode (sans clutch). The L.A. Times describes the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG's seven-speed automatic gearbox as "spectacular."

Aside from the 2008 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG's understandable thirst for gasoline--it "slurps gasoline like a linebacker on Gatorade" at an EPA-estimated 12/18 mpg—the Detroit News acknowledges that "there are precious few places short of a race track where you can drive this car anywhere near its potential."

Consumer Guide reports that the "ride is firm, but not brick-hard in the way of many high-performance cars," largely due to the "AMG-tuned suspension." Brakes are "more than up to the performance...this car just hunkers down and stops...no muss, no fuss." According to Edmunds, the 2008 Mercedes Benz C63 AMG enjoys "responsive steering, stable handling [and] smooth ride quality." Forgoing the calm, mature descriptions, Automobile writes that, with electronic stability control turned off, "the C63 AMG qualifies as a hooligan's delight, but this doesn't mean that it's constantly struggling for traction and composure." This source says that compared to similar vehicles from Audi and BMW, the C63 AMG "further elevates the level of adhesion, and when it senses that the driver wants to play, it plays along."