Road Test: 2008 Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG

First seen at the Frankfurt auto show in 1983, the inaugural AMG-tuned 'Baby Benz - the 185-hp four-cylinder 190 E 2.3-16 - was a byproduct of the automaker's racing success in the Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft (German touring car racing.) As you can imagine, the idea of a squared off compact sedan that could run with swift Porsches on Germany's unfettered autobahn network guaranteed the limited edition 190 E 2.3-16's initial popularity. Very quickly, though, Mercedes discovered that four cylinders weren't enough.

Like the preceding AMG C-Class - the C55 AMG - the latest AMG-tuned C-Class continues with eight-cylinders crammed under its front hood. But instead of a 5.5-litre unit with 342 hp, the $63,500 C63 AMG shares its 6.2-litre V8 with various other AMG models, including the $151,500 SL63 AMG. In the C-Class version, it's been detuned slightly to deliver 451 hp and 443 lb.-ft. of torque. While Mercedes was the only automaker armed with eight cylinders in this segment, all of a sudden V8s have become de rigueur. Competition now includes the $73,800 BMW M3 Sedan available with a twin-clutch transmission, the $68,500 Cadillac CTS-V and the $64,450 Lexus IS-F.

Transport Canada says the C63 will sip gas at a rate of 18.0 L/100 km in the city and 10.6 L/100 km on the highway. In my care, though, the car guzzled an average of 14.8 L/100 km. But cold, hard numbers only tell half the story when you tromp on the C63's throttle. During my week with the car, I hardly turned on the radio. Jet fighters taking off could only wish to sound as good as a C63 on the boil. Even at parking lot speeds, its exhaust note pops and burbles, threatening unsuspecting shopping cart pushers.

Not so with the new C63. From fifty paces away, its clothes - flared wheel arches, front fender gills, power domed hood, quad exhausts, rear diffuser - let everyone know this is no Stuttgart taxicab. And Mercedes has made the interior nearly as exciting. The new C-Class already comes standard with the most driver-focused cockpit yet in a small Merc. The C-63 ratchets up the sporty look and feel to eleven. A flat-bottom steering wheel (just like those German Touring Championship race cars), aggressively bolstered front seats, rubber-studded aluminum pedals and McLaren SLR-style silver instruments all match the exterior's in-your-face attitude.

Instead, consider that the latest AMG-tweaked baby 'Benz is by far the most sporting all-around hot rod Mercedes to date. In contrast to every one of its predecessors, the C63 delivers the type of handling precision normally associated with its Bavarian rival that starts with the letter M and ends with the number 3. The C63 tracks well in back-to-back corners and always feel planted. Credit goes to a front track that is 35-mm wider than the standard C. And the Mercedes has 150 lb.-ft. torque more than the BMW. So while the M3 needs more revs to reach its limits, the C63 has the grunt and balance to let you be a drift-master all day long.

The new C-Class's adjustable suspension system offers the same level of customization as its tranny with Comfort and Sport modes that control the level of shock absorption. However, it's not perfect. Even in cushiest mode at parking lot speeds, it seems overly harsh compared to an M3. You'll notice every bump and crack in the road. Get up to speed, however, and the C63 feels cool and confident. "Sport" just tightens everything up and should be reserved for Sunday morning back road blasts or the occasional track day.

Overall, there's an added sharpness and a level of communication that no other current Mercedes-Benz model possesses. What's more, it delivers the sort of response you get in other Mercedes' with the same monster hand-built AMG V8, but for a relative bargain price. And in the currently crowded class of V8 sports sedans, the Benz stands out. Let's just say: You've come a long way, baby Benz. 2008 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Price base/price as tested: $63,500/71,500 Type of vehicle: RWD Sedan Engine: 6.2L, 32-valve, DOHC V8 Power/torque: 451 hp/443 lb.-ft. Transmission: 7-speed automatic 0-100 km/h: 4.5 seconds Fuel consumption (city/hwy.): 18.0/10.6 L/100 km Competitors: BMW M3 Sedan, Cadillac CTS-V, Lexus IS-F

PROS - Ground-pounding V8 - Blood curdling exhaust note - Best driving AMG ever CONS - Firm ride - Gas hog - No manual option